Two Easter Dresses--New Look 6184 and 6204

First of all Happy Easter/Resurrection Day!!!!! I always enjoy celebrating this holiday which is the pinnacle of my faith. Those of you who know me well know that I always love to commemorate a special occasion with a special dress. And in this case---two of them, one for me and the other for my daughter. I've made Easter dresses for the last 2 years---HERE and HERE. I've been sewing non stop this week and I'm delighted that all of my diligence paid off. I'm really pleased with how these dresses turned out. I've wanted a floral dress since last year and I'm happy that this jacquard I had in my stash fit the bill. I also wanted to put my daughter in a dress color she's never really worn and yellow was perfect.  The Hubby coordinated with a gold tie, white shirt, and khakis. Below you'll find reviews for both dresses:) Btw, thanks to Jamber Photography for all of the wonderful pics below. If you're in the Savannah area look them up--they do great work!!!

NewLook 6184

Time to Sew:

About 10 hours. It took me a little longer than expected since I ended up interfacing all of the pieces and making a full lining for it. Otherwise it would've taken alot less.

Sewing Ease (scale 1 easy to 10 difficult):

Not hard at all. I'd give it a 3. It only has 4 main pattern pieces.

Pattern Description:

Fitted dress with pleated neckline.

Pattern Sizing:

I did my usual size 12 bodice and graded up to 14 for the skirt.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

YES!!!!!

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Couldn't have been any easier!!!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I LOVED the pleated neckline. I also loved the obi belt although I ended up not using it. I love simple sheath dress styles that showcase pretty fabrics.

Fabric Used:

A lovely floral jacquard I've had in my stash for a while. It has multiple colors---white, various shades of pink, brgundy, chartreuse, yellow, etc. Yup, lots of colors. I had to interface the jacquard since it was a looser weave and I didn't want it to stretch out.

(fabric upclose)

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

1. I shortened the center back bodice by removing 1 1/4".

2. I added 2" to the length.

3. I made my own lining using the 4 main pattern pieces (2 bodice, 2 skirt). 

4. I ended up not using the white obi belt I made. My fabric was too busy for it and I opted for a dark pink belt.

What would you do differently next time?:

Nothing. I think it sewed up just fine.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Probably so! I really like this pattern and would love to make it in a solid color so the pleated neckline is more obvious.

Wardrobe Versatility:

This dress is great on it's own---dressed up or down. I think it would be great with a cardigan or with a cute tailored jacket.

Conclusion:

 Gorgeous dress! I'm really happy with the results.

NewLook 6204

Time to Sew:

This was a quickie! Around 3 hours.

Sewing Ease (scale 1 easy to 10 difficult):

This is a 2.

Pattern Description:

Little girl's halter dress with full skirt.

(not camera shy in the least)

Pattern Sizing:

I cut the size 5 for my daughter. I like for her dresses to fit so there isn't alot of ease in this one.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Not exactly. The bodice on the envelope pic looked alot longer then it really was. And I made a change to the back of her dress which I'll detail below.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

YES!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I love the style of this dress. 

Fabric Used:

Cotton with white, yellow, gold design. I added a lining since the fabric was a bit sheer. I basted the 2 fabrics together treating them as one when sewing up the dress.

(fabric upclose)

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I didn't make a muslin (which I usually do) so I discovered the bodice was a little shorter than I wanted a little too late. But I made it work by doing the following:

1. reduce neck tie fold to add a bit of length.

2. The bodice wasn't wide enough and risked exposing my daughter's chest so I didn't gather it in that much. 

3. Omitted the pockets.

4. Added additional elastic to the base of the bodice back piece. Since I lined that piece I sewed 3/8" away from the seamline and created a channel for another piece of elastic. It definitely made the back fit much better!!!

5. Added 1" to the length. My lil' girl is a bit tall.

6. I sewed the neck tie my way and used the spaghetti tubing technique.

7. I had my daughter wear one of her "play" tutu's to help add fullness to the skirt.

(twirling)

What would you do differently next time?:

1. Add length to the bodice front. I think an inch would work.

2. Re-draft the front bodice piece to make it a bit wider in the upper chest to ensure full chest coverage and better gathering.

3. Add netting to the skirt to get it to stick out more.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Yes!!!! This dress is too cute to only sew once.

Wardrobe Versatility:

This dress is so cute and I hope she gets a few more chances to wear it before she grows out of it:)

Conclusion:

Cute dress!!! This pattern doesn't disappoint!

(Back views of both dresses)

(Can't you tell we love our dresses)

Whew.....it's been a long week. Glad these 2 dresses are done! Now I can spend the rest of the week finishing up a mound of UFO's---a jacket is on that list---and some client work, clean my house and catch up on my blog reading (I miss "seeing" all you guys). Have a great week!!!