Pattern Review: McCall's 5752 Knit Dress

Hi! I made a dress that I'm really excited about. I don't know if it's formal enough for wedding parties, but I think I'll actually be able to wear it for nice dinners and events like that. What do you think? Too casual for weddings?




Pattern Description:
Dresses A, B, C, D have gathered, wrapped bodice, gathered self-lined midriff, A-line skirt and sleeve variations in two lengths;
dresses A, B have gathered shawl collar and extended overarms;
dresses C, D have gathered shoulders;

I made pattern B - gathered, wrapped bodice, gathered self-lined midriff, gathered shawl collar and extended overarms

Pattern Sizing:
8-10-12-14

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, for the most part. No, because I made a mistake - did you spot it?

Were the instructions easy to follow?
I got intimidated by the huge (HUGE!) amount of information about fitting the dress. In fact, I just glossed over it in the end and used reviews from others who have made this dress to help me with the fitting.
The instructions for the dress construction itself was clear enough... I think! I thought I was reading correctly, but I made a mistake with the top front. I forgot to gather the ruffles. I may have gotten a little crossed-eyed reading the instructions for the waist-band, so I didn't read it. I just looked at the graphics for that one.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
It is a very flattering dress, despite the gathers in the midrift. You would think that this would actually accentuate unwelcome bumps and lumps, but this dress actually hides them.
If I am going to complain, it would be about the many gathers I had to make.... but that's not fair, because I knew what I was getting into, right? Right! So, I sucked it up.

Fabric Used:
Polyester Knit - bold black and white design. "No one can stare at you too long; you are a walking optical illusion with this dress"

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
I made a small bust adjustment, and reduced the length of the dress by 2 inches.
I also followed the suggestions from previous reviews, by sewing all of the front pieces, all of the back pieces, and then joining the front and back. It's very easy that way

Well, and quite by mistake, I forgot to gather the front pieces. Instead, I overlapped the front bodice quite a bit more than the pattern instructions suggested.
Oh well! I'm not going to go back and change it. Perhaps because of the mistake, the front doesn't gape at all.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I would sew it again.
I would recommend this pattern for someone who has some sewing experience.

Conclusion:
Lovely, comfortable dress. I really like it.