Blue Off-the-Shoulder Swing Dress - McCalls 6462

I grabbed this pattern because I love dresses with pockets and it was 99 cents during a big sale at Hancock fabrics! I wasn't sure about the off the shoulder (I'm still not), but it's out of print so it was a preventive buy.

1. The dress was an easy sew but I did have a couple of issues. I don't think I ever go the sleeves quite right. I wanted them snug enough to be taut but not so tight it feels restrictive. I definitely made it taut enough to stay up, but it still drapes at little when my shoulders are at rest. It doesn't bother me that much, but I did notice it.
2. My pockets would lie flat. I'm not sure if I lined the skirt up wrong or if I skipped pressing my seams (which is likely) but they were gaping open. This was also only my second try at pockets.

I did make a few of modifications. I omitted the zipper, only lined the bodice and didn't hem the skirt. My ponte was pretty stretchy and because I was in a rush while sewing this I didn't want to bother with the zipper. Next time I will definitely add the zipper for a better fit. I only lined the bodice because ponte is super comfy and thick so I didn't feel I needed to. I also didn't have enough lining fabric! My not hemming the skirt was due to my rush and sheer laziness and the fact I hate circular hems. I'm sure I will go back one day and try an blind hem on it.McCalls 6462 Pattern ReviewPattern Description: Lined dress has close-fitting bodice extending into straps, side pockets and back zipper. Narrow hem.Pattern Sizing: 4-12, 12-20Difficulty: 1/NoviceFabric Used: Electric Blue ponte from Fabric Mart (sold out) and thin knit turquise lining from local store remnant saleDid it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes.Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes. They were fairly straightforward. I’m not sure I did the best job attaching the sleeve to the back, I was rushing.What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like swing skirts and off the shoulder.Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I omitted the zipper because my ponte was pretty stretchy and I was in a hurry. If I remake this I would add the zipper. I also didn't hem it because I hate hemming, especially curved hems, however I’m sure I will one day. I also omitted the skirt lining.Would you sew it again? Probably not. I do like it, I just don’t need multiple.Would you recommend it to others? Yes.Conclusion: I think it turned out good except my pockets don’t lay flat but that was sewer error I’m sure.Total cost*: $11.89Pattern                                    $0.99Blue Ponte   1 yd @ $5.20 = $10.40Lining                                 = $   0.50*Ponte was on sale for 35% off $7.99/yd at fabricmartfabrics.com. The lining was a thin knit I got a remnant sale for $0.50 at a local store.