New Look: 6974 (Toddlers' Dresses)  - Type:Toddlers
Review submitted in One Pattern, Many Looks Contest  |
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Review rated Very Helpful by 4 people |
| Reviewed by: | SheBear0320 | 
 | About SheBear0320 | | MB CANADA | | Member since: 4/8/08 | | Reviews written: 54 | | Sewing skills:Advanced | | Favored by: 9 people | | patterns reviewed: 53 | | Bio: more... |
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| Posted on: | 1/31/13 5:41 PM |
| Last Updated: | 2/5/13 6:39 PM |
| Project Photo: |  |
| Pattern Photo: | 
New Look Pattern Info |
| Pattern Rating: | Recommend, with Modifications |
| See other patterns in this category: Toddlers |
Available for sale on PR: $4.49 (See envelope)  |
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| Fabric: | Cotton [See other projects in this fabric] |
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Pattern Description: Toddler dresses with yoke, godets, back ties and lining. Views A & B have gathered straps while Views C & D have narrow straps, and a contrast band attached to the hem of the lining. I used View B for the 2013 One Pattern/Many Looks contest.
Pattern Sizing: Toddler Size 1/2 to 4 - I used size 3
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, except for my embellishment and fabric selections. These dresses are for my grand-daughter who is a true girly-girl.
Were the instructions easy to follow? I haven't used a lot of New Look patterns but I found these instructions to be easier to follow than some of the others I have used. The first time I use a pattern, I try to follow the instructions in the pattern in order to provide an accurate review of the instructions. While the instructions were easy to follow, there were definitely things I did differently on Version #2 (see below)
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Likes: I particularly liked the overall assembly of the dress where you assemble the front with lining and the back with lining and then do the side seams in one continuous seam from the bottom of the dress through the armhole to the bottom of the lining.
Dislikes:
#1 The zipper installation method -- lapped zipper. Followed the instructions for Version #1 but not satisfied with the finished zipper -- when you have a lined dress, I feel the zipper should be in between the dress and the lining. This method has you install the zipper after you have basted the edges of the dress and lining together (unless I totally missed the boat on some part of the instructions which is possible). I used an invisible zipper in Version #2 and installed it in the back of the dress before I joined the dress and lining and then handstitched the lining to the zipper tape -- much happier with this finished zipper. I will go back and apply bias tape over the zipper edges on Version #1 to give it a more finished look on the inside.
Version #1 Lapped Zip
Version #2 Invisible Zip
#2 The notches on the godets do not match up with the openings on the dress fronts and backs. The lower edges and the dots at the upper end of the godets line up but the notches are out on all sides by about .5". Double and triple checked to make sure I hadn't traced the pattern wrong or flipped the pieces around -- I had done it right.
#3 Not crazy about the idea of a hook and eye at the top of the zipper on a toddler dress. I used a button and elastic loop on Version #1 and didn't need any additional closure on Version #2 when I used an invisible zipper.
Fabric Used:
Version #1 -- 100% cotton chambray print and co-ordinating chambray solid + pre-gathered lace trim
Version #2 -- 100% cotton print, 100% cotton broadcloth and nylon tulle
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Version #1 -- Added pre-gathered lace trim to the lower edge of yoke and the lower edge of the lining. Used an elastic loop and button above the zipper rather than the hook and eye recommended in the pattern instructions.
Version #2 -- Used nylon tulle for the skirt lining and shortened the skirt by 1.5" so more of the tulle would show. Also topstitched around upper edge and armholes to hold the tulle in place and allow it to hang better.
Tulle Skirt Close-up
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Can recommend the pattern but would suggest you dig out your sewing books (or use the internet) and find a better method for putting in a lapped zipper in a lined garment or use an invisible zipper like I did in Version #2. I sewed the pattern 2 times for the 2013 OPML Contest.
Conclusion: Cute summer dress pattern for grand-daughter that allowed me to use up some of my cotton stash (some of these fabrics were originally bought to sew for my daughter (who is now 34 years old).
Will try to get photos of the dresses on a live model this weekend providing the "model" is co-operative.
Edited to add "Model" photos: DGD was somewhat co-operative for picture taking (please ignore the tongue on Version #1). As soon as I gave them to her she had to try them on but once they were on standing still was not really an option. The next day, when I got to the house she had decided to wear both dresses at once (unfortunately I forgot to bring my camera) -- I guess that means she liked them.
Version #1
Version #2
The dresses are a little big but given they are for the spring and summer they will probably fit her perfectly by then.
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How wonderful that you were able to use your fabric for your granddaughter. The dresses turned out beautiful and I'm sure the model will look just as beautiful in them.
1/31/13 8:31 PM
Shiela, these are both so cute! How great to use up that fabricas well. :-)
2/1/13 1:40 AM
So cute, so sweet.....
2/1/13 1:47 AM
Super cute dresses! I'll have to bookmark this review for when make it for my toddler. Thanks for taking the time to write this review. The elastic loop and button is a great idea!!!
2/1/13 8:20 AM
Such pretty dresses for a lucky young lady!
2/2/13 11:59 AM
Cute as can be! Great entry. Good luck in the contest
2/4/13 4:55 PM
They are so cute!
2/5/13 11:36 PM