Pattern Review: McCall's 5804 Dress

This is my attempt at making a dress for the few wedding parties that I will be attending this summer. Well, I can't say that I'm over the moon about this one, but it's not bad. I think it'll look alright with a nice shawl.

I have another dress lined up. It's a wrap dress, so maybe it will be more forgiving.



Pattern Description:
Lined dresses A, B, C have bodice with front gathers, midriff, flared skirt and back zipper; dresses A, B have bodice with front pleats; dress B has lined sleeves; dress C has wrapped bodice and lined sleeves; dresses A, B, C lengths are 4" above midknee.
I made dress A - front pleats, sleeveless

Pattern Sizing:
AX5(4-6-8-10-12)
I cut size 4 for the top, and size 12 for the waist and 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?
Yes, although I did have problems following the waist. I found the method a bit "fiddly" - it called for ironing and turning under the waist and it's lining, and slipping the skirt and it's lining in between. And then sewing them together. Very fiddly for a pattern that's supposed to be easy.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like the pleats in the front. It's very feminine. I found that the waist was sitting a little higher that I anticipated. I was quite surprised by this. The waist band pretty much sat just under my bra. Definitely not my natural waist.

Fabric Used:
Rayon-poly woven. Cotton for the lining.
I did not want to use expensive fabric on this since it's my first time making this.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
I cut different sizes for the top and bottom. This was not a problem when sewing as the top is slightly gathered at the attachment points to the waist band.
The pattern recommended folding and hemming the fabric and it's lining together. I did this and it did not turn out well. I found hemming the skirt and it's lining separately worked a lot better. The fabric fell much more nicely.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I don't think I'll be sewing this again. I think it's OK, and it's quite cute. Maybe too cute for me? I'm 5' 1" and this dress certainly makes me look child-like. Until you notice my crows feet, of course!

I nearly forgot to mention that I found the armholes it be quite snug. Not uncomfortably so, but there's not much room there.

Oh yeah, this dress is short! I'm petite and made no petite alterations. It fell about 2" above my knees. It's suppose to be 4" above the knees.

Conclusion:
This is a nice stylish dress, it just doesn't work for me. However, if this style suits you, go for it!