McCall's 5137 - the "Duro" dress

[silverstah]

I know, I know - everyone and their brother has made this.  But it's just so darned CUTE!

The pattern pieces went together *beautifully* - there was no fiddling necessary at all. I ended up just using the regular machine instead of serging it together, since I wanted to be able to seam-rip if necessary. The natural/brown one will be more professionally finished on the inside.

Pattern Description: Kimono-style "Duro" dress - A-line skirt, self-faced banded neckline, contrasting band at hem and waist.

Pattern Sizing:AA (6-8-10-12) and EE (14-16-18-20). I typically wear a dress size 6 or 8 (depending on the style - I'm a bit hippy, so fitted skirts necessitate the 8, A-lines and fuller skirts I usually wear a 6), and cut this out in a 6.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yep! I made version A, the short-sleeved one.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Very easy. The pattern illustrations were clear, and the sequence overall made perfect sense.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?The pattern pieces all went together perfectly - there was no weird fiddling with ease that you get with other patterns. Others have stated that it's too low-cut - and it IS a bit low-cut, but I like a little cleavage.

Fabric Used:Linen/cotton blend. It has a great drape to it, without being too floofy. I made this as a dress to wear to work, but it could easily be made as a more formal/evening dress by doing it in silks - or those pretty "chinese" brocades that Joann's often has on sale.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:For my first one, I followed the pattern to a T. My only complaint is that the armholes are a bit wide/gaping, which makes it necessary to wear a camisole/tank top underneath it if you don't want your bra to show. For my next one, I'm going to simply sew a little further up on the side seams, hopefully alleviating this issue.

The only other alteration that I made was that I slip-stitched the back facing down. I just think it lies a little better with it permanently attached.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I will definitely sew this again - probably a few more times. I have another set of linen/cotton fabrics already washed and ready to go, and plan on going through my stash of leftover quilting fabrics to see if I have any pieces large enough to make into a more casual/fun one for weekend wear. I'm also picturing one done in wool flannel, lined in linen for the winter. Because I'm just that kooky.

Conclusion super-fun pattern that can be dressed up or down very easily, depending on the fabrics you choose. Great for beginners, since it doesn't have any fiddly zippers or buttons to mess around with. The neckline can be a bit fiddly, but as long as you take your time and have a little patience, you'll get great results. This dress is a *great* confidence booster for the new sewer!

I've already received compliments from two random strangers, though, so I'm counting this one as a "success".

[Babyangel]

I love your fabric combination! I have this pattern sitting at home and I think you just gave me the boost I needed to get it done!

[silverstah]

Thank you!  The color combo was pretty serendipitous - the chocolate cotton/linen was on the clearance rack at JoAnn's, and I just happened to find just enough of the teal in the remnant bin.   I LOVE it when stuff like that happens!

[Scatter Kincaid]

Honestly, the dress is gorgeous!  I've never followed a pattern before; would this be a difficult first try?  This could be a fantastic holiday dress!

Forget the question!  I missed the answer in the first read through. 

I may just have to pick this one up!

[CaroDIYnamite]

i love the color combo.

[Babyangel]

silverstah ,
how long did it take you to complete this pattern? Ive got ants in my pants and wanna try to make it tonight!

[CrochetAdikt]

the colors look great together!

[silverstah]

silverstah ,
how long did it take you to complete this pattern? Ive got ants in my pants and wanna try to make it tonight!

I did it in an evening - from start to finish I think it took me, maybe, 2-3 hours?  Probably closer to 3.

[silverstah]

Honestly, the dress is gorgeous! I've never followed a pattern before; would this be a difficult first try?  This could be a fantastic holiday dress!

Forget the question!  I missed the answer in the first read through. 

I may just have to pick this one up!

It's definitely an easy pattern - I highly recommend giving it a shot.

[silverstah]

i love the color combo.

Thank you!