No, not a dress for a chicken, unless you want to count me ;)
When I saw the “Make the Look” feature on the Sew Weekly for the Bosc in the Glory Dress, I knew I needed to make some sort of version of it using McCall 6024. I’m a sucker for vintage style novelty cotton prints. I’ve made a few dresses with them and I’ve never been entirely thrilled with them, but when I saw this pattern I knew that that would be a dress I could make in silly fabric and wear!
When I found the Farmdale Crossing fabric by Alexander Henry I knew I found my perfect fabric! I waited for the pattern sale at Joann’s when I could pick up McCall 6024 for 99 cents, and it took a while of searching to find a matching fabric for the ruffles but I finally found it at the shop where I just had my machines tuned up. A match made in fabric heaven!
This was actually a super fun dress to sew, perhaps because the fabric makes me so happy!
As far as the pattern goes, it has been probably at least five years since I have sewn with a modern pattern from one of the big companies, so I had to remind myself of how much ease they have. I did the measurements flat on the pattern pieces themselves and ended up cutting two sizes smaller than the size that was indicated on the size chart. Also, I don’t know if it’s just me or what, but I had a bit of a pain in the butt with the back bodice piece. I had to shorten the back shoulders 1/2″ and also add two little darts at the back of the neck because it stuck out very far. I also narrowed the shoulders of the dress 1/2″ at the armhole edges just because I thought it looked better on my frame. There’s still a little gape at the back armhole which was there before the shoulder adjustment, but, on the whole, after those adjustments I was good to go! I did really like this pattern and I love that it has different bodice and facing pieces for different bust sizes. The pieces matched up really well and it was quite fun! The dress went together quite quickly aside from the circular ruffles- hemming them took a while but I’m so pleased that they came out the way they did! I’m such a sucker for circular ruffles. Also, I don’t quite remember how much fabric I bought of each, but the pattern was meant to be cut for a single fabric, not two contrasting ones so if you’re interested in making a similar dress you’ll have to do some guesswork for yardage. I have a bit left over from each print that I’ll be sure to put to use sometime or another.
So there we have it! A fun little modern dress, the first one I’ve sewn in many years. :) I am excited to wear it! I just need to find a suitably obnoxious-colored little cardi to go with.
Tasha
November 11, 2011 at 2:55 pm (12 years ago)Gah! Chickens! Ruffles! Novelty prints! My head may have just exploded at all the awesomeness. What a terrifically fun dress. The two prints look just great together, I love the contrasting ruffle with all the little chickens running along the dress. And think how fun that ruffled collar will be poking out of a cardigan! You’ll have to show us this in action. :)
Bijoux
November 11, 2011 at 3:28 pm (12 years ago)Wow! What a petite little chick you are! Funnily enough I was looking at vintage pattern for a wrap around pinny that’s a bit like that the other day. But I’d look like a big old nesting rooster if I wore ruffles like that on my XL frame, so good for you. But most of all I LOVE your dress form. It’s beautiful. I have to get/make one. Not having one is really holding me back. You’re an inspiration. Go girlfriend!
PepperReed
November 11, 2011 at 3:56 pm (12 years ago)That is just fantastic!! I made a vintage chicken full apron a few years back that I just love.
Green Martha&
November 11, 2011 at 4:26 pm (12 years ago)This dress is just gorgeous, I adore the prints and the colors and *everything* !
Libby Gohn
November 11, 2011 at 4:57 pm (12 years ago)This is so cute! I’m super impressed, the hardest part of sewing for me is picking the fabrics, but this looks like it went together seemlessly.
Stephanie
November 11, 2011 at 5:40 pm (12 years ago)I never would have thought chickens could be so cute! I love the fabric combo you picked! Yay for successful fabric hunting!
StephC
November 12, 2011 at 12:50 am (12 years ago)That’s really distinctive! Wow! The ruffles fall beautifully.
So interesting to read your alteration notes…. I wonder if you have one of those 1930’s frames… The thought occurred to me before when we talked about ease on the Smooth Sailing patterns, and again I find myself wondering. :)
So. Let’s see it on you!
mala_14
November 12, 2011 at 10:14 am (12 years ago)That’s so adorable! I love the prints you chose. The circular ruffles give it a neat vintage vibe. It’s a lovely addition to your modern wardrobe!
LandGirl1980
November 12, 2011 at 3:07 pm (12 years ago)I ADORE this!
Lizzie
November 13, 2011 at 9:56 am (12 years ago)Very cute! I’m amazed at how right the maker of the chicken print “got” the 1950s colors.
wundermary
November 15, 2011 at 11:23 pm (12 years ago)This dress is hysterical! And, beautifully put together. Love it!