Butterick 5717

At last, I have managed to sew something. Admittedly only a very small something, but its a start and I feel so much better for having uncovered the sewing machine and created something. This is Butterick 5717, a very plain little pinafore/jumper dress which is destined for my best friend's little grandaughter for her fourth birthday in two weeks time. I made the largest size, age five years, as she is a very well built child, very sturdy and active. The fabric is pure cotton needlecord and the trim has a sparkle to it. The pocket is actually the same one I put on my own tunic last year, but I think it will be big enough for little hands and just the right size to carry a small teddy or dolly. I read part of the construction instructions, decided I didn't like them, and did my own thing. It is supposed to have a little tie belt at the back that you sew into the seam but I thought that was just asking to be pulled off by her little brother who is just over a year old, or trail in the mud/get caught up in something etc. Instead of a front and back centre seam, I cut the dress on the fold. Its such a plain little dress I can't see why they suggest front and back seams, especially since the recommended fabric is fleece which would make a very thick seam. I then sewed one shoulder closed, sewed the binding around the neckline on the outside, then sewed the other shoulder up, sewing onto the binding which I had unfolded, so that the binding was formed into a circle. I then applied the binding flat to each armhole before sewing up the side seams, and again sewing onto the binding. This bound all the edges very neatly. I then turned the binding in to the inside, pinned it, then sewed it down, stitching in the ditch, from the front. For once, I caught every scrap of the binding on the back and it looks quite neat. Then I bound the top of the pocket, turned in the remaining edges, stuck them down with Steam A Seam, stuck the pocket into place with Steam A Seam, then stitched the pocket in place. A half inch machine sewn hem, and the dress was done. Two hours from laying the fabric onto the floor to pinning it to the ironing board for the photos. And here it is.