Every few years I make matching Easter garments for my kids. I love to see them in matching or coordinating outfits for Easter and Christmas. A few months ago I found a floral knit at Hobby Lobby for $2 a yard so I bought the rest of the bolt and made each of the girls a piece out of it. My oldest chose McCall's M7709 in a tunic-length pleated tank. My middlest chose McCall's M6918 so I made the skirt out of the floral and she picked a wild striped knit for the attached leggings. My youngest chose McCall's M7344 in a high/low tank dress.
All were quick to make which left me a little time for some selfish sewing. I am actively (albiet recently) trying to lose some of my, ahem, COVID weight so while I wanted to make something to wear for Easter, I didn't want to invest a lot of time or money into it in the hopes that I shrink out of it quickly. My husband encouraged me to just pick a fabric that has been sitting in the stash and make something quick and easy. I found this lovely lavender plaid seersucker that has been in my stash for years. I honestly can't remember if it was a JoAnn clearance, a thrift store find or a gifted fabric it's been so long.
I knew I wanted a dress but I only had 2 1/2 yds so it needed to be sleeveless, short, and fitted. I found the Colette Hazel on Seamwork and, though I don't usually care for a square neckline, decided to give it a try. I love the piecing on the front bodice because it makes the plaid really pop out. Also, it's only lightly gathered so it should stay put in our crazy winds.
I made it in a size 12 then adjusted the front side bodice and front skirt pieces for a protruding belly. I had to swallow my pride on this particular adjustment but the fit is perfect and I was comfortable all day. We love ourselves wherever we are, even while we strive to be better, right? The adjustment was fairly simple: I added an inch to the width on the very bottom of the front bodice side seam, making sure to add back in the length so the side seams would match up. Then I redrew the angles to meet the top and front of the side seam and the front of the bottom. I also added an inch to the front skirt pattern piece (resulting in 2" additional width) so that I would have the same amount of gathering.
Fit is my thing this year so I was particularly proud of how this dress turned out. I gave myself extra fabric points for making a muslin and then added it as a permanent points category since it makes such a huge difference in fit and is a step I tend to skip.
