Being still relatively new to this blogging/ sewing thing, I am discovering new sewing blogs every day that the rest of you have probably been aware of forever! A few weeks back, I came across Scruffy Badger Time’s brilliant blog, and she had just announced her February Challenge – Polka Dot Frock Fest. The challenge was simple enough: make a polka dot version of the much loved New Look 6000 (currently 23 reviews on PR.com – I am sure this number looks set to rise following this challenge!)
I had New Look 6000 in my stash, so it was an excuse to try it out. I confess, I probably wouldn’t have selected polka dots as my first choice for this sewing project, and did go through a bit of a “why did I say I would do this challenge?” moment, but then came across this navy stretch cotton sateen at my local market, and the decision was made. Lately, I have been making muslins for most things I sew, but this time, I decided to use my TNT sheath New Look 6123 pattern as a “sloper” of sorts.
New Look 6000 runs to a size 16, but I knew this would not be enough for my hips. The alteration was simple enough: I simply laid my TNT New Look 6123 pattern over the New Look 6000 pattern (matching waistline markings), and traced around the extra inches I needed onto extra paper I had taped onto New Look 6000. A picture can tell a thousand words…have a look:
Here is the front of the envelope picture:
I chose to make view C, without the collar. Enlarging the front piece pattern with the pleats was a little tricky: I measured the difference between the size 14 and the size 16 and just enlarged the waist a size, but then used my TNT measurements to enlarge the hips etc. I didn’t move the position of the darts/ pleats. When I made New Look 6123 I felt the darts were ok. Hey, all in good time!
The dress came together very quickly. I didn’t line it, and that may prove to be a mistake as it does cling to my tights, but I can’t get hold of stretch lining locally, and (if we ever get a summer) I think the lining would have made the thick cotton a tad uncomfortable in the tropical weather we are definitely going to get in the UK this summer (haha).
I didn’t bother using a facing at the neckline: I used bias facing. I decided to add contrasting mustard buttons at the cuffs, and a mustard coloured exposed zip at the back (used Gertie’s tutorial for a clean, easy finish).
Overall, I am fairly pleased with this dress. I thought it was a bit to baggy in the front, and sewed some of the pleats so they extended further to try and improve the fit. Also, I think I would prefer to have more shaping on the bust.
Anyway, thanks to Winnie for coming up with this challenge….it made me:
- Try New Look 6000
- Try using my TNT pattern as a sloper – it worked ok I think – see my pattern review below for full details
- Try Polka Dots – don’t have any in my wardrobe!
I can’t wait to see every one else’s versions!
Pattern Review
Pattern Description:
Misses’ retro style dress with front, sleeve and neck variations.
Pattern Sizing:
4 – 16. I enlarged one size at the waist and maybe a couple of sizes more at the hips.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes. Note, I sewed my pleats on the wrong side. Doesn’t bother me, but easily done.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like the sleeves and the cuffs. Apparently sleeve length that ends at the elbow draws the eye to your waist, which is a good thing IMO. I don’t like the fact there is no shaping around the bust, but I think if you select the right fabric this is not such a huge issue. I also think the front is a little baggy…this is due to my alterations possibly, and I would alter if making again.
Fabric Used:
Stretch cotton sateen.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
This pattern runs to a size 16, but I knew this would not be enough for my hips. The alteration was simple enough: I simply laid my TNT New Look 6123 pattern over the New Look 6000 pattern (matching waistline markings), and traced around the extra inches I needed onto extra paper I had taped onto New Look 6000.
I omitted the facing at the neckline and used bias facing. I added 2 inches to the length. I used an exposed zip in a contrasting colour for a bit of fun.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Hmmmm…not sure I would sew it again myself….or maybe I would try another view. Yes, I would recommend to others.
Conclusion:
A great, fun, easy to wear dress that came together very quickly.
sewmanju 
I love this, you look fantastic. Super cute dress and what a great fit. I think you should consider this pattern again for a spring/summer dress.
Thanks Beth. Actually have just taken the dress off. Wore it today to go for a walk in the woods and for a pub lunch and playing with my little girl and it was very comfy and kept its shape. So you maybe right…the right fabric in the summer it might be a keeper!
Manuu, I love this dress so much, I think it might be my next sewing project!
xx
Thanks janezan! Hope yours is a success.
It will probably take me about 6 months to make – that’s how long it took my current project!
OMG – Your work is simply beautiful. I love the kick of color with your zipper. I went out tonight and got that pattern 🙂
Thanks Renata and happy sewing.
Thank you for posting. I’ve been struggling trying to fit this dress because I had to add so much to the hips, while keeping a narrow upper chest. I think I’m to the point of making it with fabric and I believe the cotton sateen might just be what I will use. Very cute dress and a beautiful woman modeling it.
Thanks so much Marlene. Yes I think a good thick sateen will give you the structure and stretch you need. Hope it comes out great!
Wow, it’s a stunner!! It looks amazing on you, I think you’re right, i can imagine how a sateen weight is perfect for this dress, and a bit of stretch makes a sheath dress so much more comfortable and practical to wear. But, lets get back to the styling….the polka dots are sooooo cute, but your mustard buttons and exposed zipper work as a perfect contrast, and the exposed zip gives it an edge. It’s also great to see the pleated waist…I’ve finally cut mine out and am wondering how easy it will be to fit if I’m in between sizes – it’s a much easier option to take darts in a bit more, but those waist pleats…..we shall see!! Well done for being the first to finish and tell me! I will include your beauty in my next update post 🙂
Thanks so much Winnie and thanks for coming up with the challenge. Look forward to seeing yours and everyone else’s!
I have been slightly daunted by my cut out ready to try version- yours is so lovely, it makes me want to get right in there and start sewing this morning!
Thanks so much. Can’t wait to see yours!
What a great dress on you. Having the alterations in the picture is really useful. Thanks!
Thanks caje. Glad you found it useful.
Love this dress! The exposed zipper is such a nice, unexpected surprise. Makes it very modern, you look fabs!
Thank you cj or is it christy? Great to “meet” you!
Its Christy, but my good friends and husband call me CJ. Nice to meet you too! 🙂
Hi there, just found your blog from Scruffy Badger’s latest post on hers. Your dress is lovely. I really like the contrast exposed zip, and it looks fab with those gorgeous red shoes!
Hi Sam thanks so much.
Just linked here from Scruffy Badger and wow what a fabulous frock! thanks for the help with sizing up too, may have to sort myself out and take part too now :o) Jenni
Thanks jenni. Give it a go!
This dress is SOOOOO cute! I love the mustard yellow buttons and zipper! So cute and classy 🙂 I may have to get in on this frock fest!
Thanks Sally.
Wow! I love it! I was considering doing this challenge as I adore polka dots and this pattern is so cute– but I am quite a newbie to sewing so I don’t know if I can pull it off. Yours is so pretty you’ve inspired me to try- thank you!
Thanks Francesca. You should definitely try it out because it is a pretty simple pattern (I think!)
Beautiful dress! Thanks for sharing your grading tips.
Thanks Shannon.
So pretty.. Great job x
Thank you so much! X
Could you be any more adorable?? The dress is lovely! well done. 🙂
Thank you so much adrienne. Look forward to seeing your version!
Just found your blog via Scruffy Badger, your dress is gorgeous! I am just pre washing my cotton sateen, so good to see yours worked out well, I have to get cracking but you’ve inspired me! That exposed zip is great too x
Thank you so much Amy! Hope yours comes out well.
This turned out SO cute! I love the zipper and buttons, especially. 🙂
Thanks so much sewinsteady. Just been looking at your blog…you’ve made some lovely stuff. Will have to have a proper look later!