Review | McCall's 5752 Dress

When I saw Mimi's version of this dress, I just had to make my own!

Pattern Description: McCall’s 5752 Dress B has a gathered, wrapped bodice, gathered self-lined midriff, A-line skirt, gathered shawl collar and extended overarms; dress B is mid-knee length.

Pattern Sizing: I made a 10, but sized down the top to probably a 6 in the end.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you completed your project? Yes, but I was surprised at how "boyish" this dress made me look before I took in the side seams. Also, my back gathers droop/flop.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Well, I didn't pay to much attention to the directions other than sewing the back and front shoulder and neck seams. Based on the suggestions of some PR reviewers, I sewed the front pieces, then the back pieces, and then straight up the sides seams (to avoid having to sew tubes together).

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked the look of capped sleeves, and I love surplice necklines. In the end, I guess I wasn't that crazy about the ruching in the front, or in the back since it drooped a little bit. Maybe just a simple flat midriff would look nicer on me. Also, I don't know if this was my fabric or from picking the wrong size, but my bodice also droops and gapes a bit. The jersey I used is on the thin side with lots of stretch, so maybe this is the reason. But the facing keeps wanting to flop out, and it could produce a few self-conscious moments. Also that pattern has alteration lines on the actual pieces. They were not very helpful to me, but to those who understand them, I sure they could be very helpful.

Fabric Used: Printed jersey from Fabric.com.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: Also like other reviewers, I left off the midriff facings. But I did use the stays to maintain the gathers inthe front and the back. I originally cut a 10, but I had the take the top way in, beyond the 1" seam allowance. I think I ended up taking in another whole inch.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I might sew this again in an 8 and in a solid color. If you sew this, you may want to go down a couple of sizes.

Conclusion It's not bad. It's pretty cute.