So far I've made this dress a couple times. It was a great challenge that really upped my sewing game. It was the first time I successfully sewed a collar, first button placket, first time shirring. The instructions were spot on!
I made the first in a chambray and found the seam where the shirred bodice attaches to the skirt a bit scratchy. I find the dress difficult to fit over my shoulders when taking it on and off. Also, the armscye is too small for my arms and the 3/4 length sleeves are too tight to do up the button placket. I don't think I have unusually large arms.
In the second version I fixed the armscye by making it a bit bigger, and shortened the sleeves to be T-shirt length instead. I also decided to cut the bodice and skirt in one piece, and do the shirring in the regular spot. This allows for more stretch at the waist, though I had to change the pockets to be inseam ones instead of the ones in the pattern. Because there is no seam at the waist it is less bulky and more comfortable. I also did this second dress in a rayon and really love how it feels. I also lined it.
In spite of the issues I had with the first one, I still wear it and love it a lot.
Especially if you want to learn a few skills, or practice them some more, I would highly recommend this pattern. It's very cute :D
