Friday's Frock: McCall's 5971, A Ladylike Day Dress

McCall's 5971

Fabric: 1 yard 60 inch wide striped stretch cotton bought at the FIDM Scholarship Store in L.A. $2

Pattern: McCall's 5971, bought at Joanne's pattern sale $2

Notions: White bias tape bought at a thrift shop $.25

Total Cost: $ 4. 25

This is a basic pleated straight dress with cute pleated cap sleeves and a set in waistband.

I sewed the cheat version of this dress. No facings, linings, or zipper.

I had a stretch woven blue and white striped cotton and didn't bother to add any linings because the fabric was a decent weight on its own and lining stretchy fabrics is a pain. I don't like cutting out facings very much either so I faced the neckline and armholes with white bias trim instead. I also didn't bother with the back zipper! The stretch woven fabric was stretchy enough that the dress just slips right over my head.

Don't get me wrong, I don't always take shortcuts. I know how to innerline and organza face necklines and hand pick zippers too, but I don't think it's necessary for most everyday garments. When you have little kids, a house to take care of, teens to drive around, exercise to try do, and side sewing  and painting jobs, you need all the help you can get just to finish a project sometimes.

Notice the lack of a zipper? Stretch wovens often can be sewn without one.

 This dress needs a belt and next time I use it, I'll wear one. I recommend this pattern because it has different cup sizes on the bodice and I didn't have to adjust the fit at all. The skirt pleats also hide a little tummy.

A detail of the pleated sleeve .

Can you see how you can omit facings and use bias tape instead? 

Have a nice weekend !