I tell ya, after having two boys, I am having so much fun sewing for a little girl! My granddaughter’s third birthday is this week and I made her this dress.
Is it not the cutest thing?
Since this pattern goes up to size six, you will surely be seeing some of the other variations. 😉
I can’t wait to see pics of her in it!
And here’s my review of the pattern:
Pattern Description: Children’s and girls’ dresses with self-lined bodice variations, self lined midriff, gathered skirt and back zipper.
Pattern Sizing: Child’s 3,4,5,6
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? Yes, very easy.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the self-lined bodice and midriff. This saves on fiddly finishing of tiny pattern pieces.
Fabric Used: I used a very lightweight quilting cotton. (It was on the clearance rack and think it was there because it was really too light to use in a quilt, but perfect for a summer sundress.) I just managed to squeeze the contrast midriff and straps out of a fat quarter. (For size three.)
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Several other reviewers mentioned that they eliminated the back zipper. Since this is obviously a pull-over dress, and a zipper would only serve to frustrate an independent three-year-old who wants to dress herself, I decided to do the same.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I plan to sew many of the other variations over the next few years, as long as I know the dress fits her.
In order to preserve all the sizes in children’s patterns, it’s a good idea to trace the smaller sizes onto tracing or tissue paper. Make sure to label each piece well.
Conclusion: A sweet and adorable dress for a little girl!
Hi Where can i get the pattern to make a dress like this for my daughter please?
Many Thanks
Hi Vikki, thanks for stopping by.
The pattern is McCalls 5838. You can pick it up at a fabric store that sells patterns (such as Joann’s) or you can buy it online from the McCalls company. Try a google search, you’ll probably find other places you can get it online as well.
Happy Sewing!
On the layout of patternM5838 It shows piece number 2 not laying in the right direction and it’s supposed to be on the fold. Should i wait and do it laston on leftover material on the fold. Am I reading the pattern wrong.
Hi Arlene,
It’s been quite a while since I made this dress, so I don’t remember specifics, but I rarely use the recommended layouts, except to see which pattern pieces go on which fabrics. If they’re confusing or incorrect I would suggest you lay it all out without reference to the pattern instructions. Just keep straight which fabrics are cut from which pattern pieces. It should all work out just fine.
Happy sewing!