Ruffle Wrap Dress: McCall's 6024

My cousin got married last weekend in Texas and I needed a new dress to wear.  At Easter I had trouble finding a dress that was both flattering and not terribly expensive, so I didn't even try shopping for one.  I think the problem with knowing how to sew is that you tend to expect more for your money. I was inspired by several dresses I came across on Pinterest, including these:

Source: coquette.blogs.com via Rachel on Pinterest

Source: jpeterman.com via Rachel on Pinterest

When I saw McCall's pattern 6024, I knew I could make my own version.

Source: mccallpattern.mccall.com via Rachel on Pinterest

It turned out really cute! I didn't think about getting actual pictures of me wearing the dress, so excuse the cropped photos, it's the best I can do until I get the dress ironed again.

I made it out of a cotton and linen blend I found at JoAnn's, I lined it with a white muslin.  It is lightweight and perfect for the 100 degree weather we had down there.

Many of the reviews on Sewing Pattern Reviews noted that the dress was both low cut and it was difficult to keep it closed while walking.  That concerned me because I was attending the wedding with my 3 and 1 year old in tow, but no husband to help.  I couldn't have a dress flashing people!

First I made a white half slip to wear under the dress, that way if it did come open I wouldn't be showing off too much leg.  My next solution was that even though I made version A, I used the version C width for cutting the part of the skirt that wrapped underneath.  I had no problems at all showing too much leg while walking.  Lastly I safety pinned the top part of the dress so I wouldn't flash anyone while wrangling my kids at the wedding.  I thought about sewing in snaps, but I was concerned that they would show, so I used the safety pins instead.  The last change was that instead of sewing facings, I lined the bodice.  I think it makes for a cleaner look, plus I didn't have to mess with wearing a full slip.  The dress has different cup size options for the bodice which makes it easier to get a good fit.  This dress was fairly easy, the most difficult part was hemming all the flounces.  I will definitely make this dress again, it was so cute and flattering!