Since we have already discussed a pattern that I loath, can we talk some pattern love? I love this little dress pattern, McCall’s 5416. The day they pull it from print will be a sad day indeed.
I bought this pattern when Gianna was a little munchkin. The little tops I made for her have recently resurfaced for her little sister to wear. Hand-me-downs are so much more fun when they are hand-made-me-downs.
It is an easy-going pattern that plays nicely with a wide variety of fabrics, quilting cottons, corduroys for a fall jumper, shirt-weights… pretty much any woven fabric will do.
It doesn’t even have to be new material. This was one of Andy’s old work shirts.
(That shirt has gotten a lot of love.)
Just four pieces, 4 seams plus a hem, makes for super breezy sew, and no tiny little sleeves to curse at. This blue seersucker version only took me an afternoon to sew. The “trickiest” part for a beginner may be sewing the curved upper edge. Marking the seam line before sewing makes it more manageable.
The pattern comes in two lengths, a dress and a tunic. My favorite is the tunic, just the right length for my little girl just learning to walk.
The tunic length is my favorite, with some little bloomers peeking out underneath. May a suggest the crazy easy “t-shirt bloomers“? Or maybe MADE’s Perfect Diaper Cover?
McCalls 5416 -Yup. It’s that good.
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My girls are now 28 &24 and I used that same pattern! I can’t believe it’s still around! I’m not sure if the number is the same, however, it IS exactly the same one;) I learned to sew with that pattern too. I remember I used watermelon shaped buttons on a poka dot cotton print! So fun to see it again;) great job on the recycled “daddy” shirt .
so fun that it is such an oldie! 🙂 It really is the perfect learn-to-sew pattern so I have it sticks around for another 30 years!
I’ve made this pattern before for my little niece. It’s quick, easy, and cute. I’ve definitely tucked it away as a must-make for later. Great idea to use old shirts of ours for it.
Dress are so cut. I can make some to donate to a shelter for young mothers, fun fun fun. NOW : Adorable little princess you have, please give a hug from Susan M J, Just precious. That face should be on a baby magazine. xxxooo Hugs/kisses to family
Im jealous too,. hope to see her modeling soon??
She is ADORABLE!! I love that last picture 🙂 That was a great use of an old shirt and adding the ruffle at the bottom was perfect.
I made a tunic and a pair of shorts last summer for my daughter using that pattern and she loved it, sadly she has outgrown the pattern 🙁
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