Bodice Fit Question????

[rmassella]

Okay, so I have a few questions. 

I am in the process of making my daughter (age 6) a new dress using Elizabeth's dress pattern.  The dress is made from tropical weight wool, with a smooth bodice, jewel neckline, and bishop sleeves. 

I made a mock-up out of muslin and it fit her fine.  Now that I have the bodice complete, the back seems a bit big/baggy from below the shoulder blades through the small of the back, to the bottom of the back of the bodice. 

The bodice lays nicely/flat at the neckline, across the back of the shoulders through the shoulder blades, at the arms-eyes, and at the front of the bodice. 

So what should I do? 

1.) Gather the bodice into the skirt? (I didn't plan to use a waistband)
2.) Can I dart the bodice?
3.) Should I leave it alone?

Any and all help is greatly appreciated.

Bob

[Maggie Koenig]

 I'm guessing that extra can be smoothed out and worked toward the side seams.  How much extra are we talking about??

[Elizabeth]

My first thought is with Maggie... can you grab a picture and email it to me? elizabeth@thesewingacademy.org

[rmassella]

I'll send you a picture later today, after Maggie gets home from school.  Thanks for the help!

Bob

[Mother Dean]

I am sure that Elizabeth has already taken care of this question.....

but, when I make dresses for my girls I keep the fabric intact, as given in the pattern, and just sew the side seams to fit (on my older daughter who is thin) and tuck the extra length into the waitband (on my younger daughter with a high waist). I would rather take off a waistband and let out some tucked fabric than have to re-cut and sew an entire dress. My girls get more wear out of them that way.

Elizabeth's pattern is great. I have made several dresses for both of my girls using it and every dress is a different style. I can't recommend the pattern enough.

[rmassella]

I agree, Elizabeth's patterns are great.  I have both her dress and undergarment(s) patterns and the book that come with each of the patterns is very nice.  I can't thank Elizabeth enough for pointing me in the right direction on what I should do to fix the fitting difficulties.  Also, thank you to all those who have helped me in the past with my various other projects. 

Outfitting my family's clothing needs has definitely been an interesting journey! 

Bob