1980s Belted Muumuu Dress: Complete!

I know, that title doesn't sound promising at all! I made this dress from McCall's 3511 (view D) from 1981. Normally, I would not consider a pattern like this (especially as it's actually a maternity pattern!), but I was feeling inspired by Mena of The Sew Weekly. She took a 1990s muumuu pattern and made a cute floral dress from it, which when belted, doesn't look like a muumuu at all!

Since I'm still very much a beginner, I thought the McCall's pattern would be worth a try. After all, there's few patterns more forgiving of fit mistakes than a muumuu. It did take some considerable adjustments; I had to take about four inches off each side to de-maternity it. I also shortened it considerably and left off the shoulder buttons and pockets, although I think they might be cute with a different fabric. 

I'm not crazy at all about the fabric I used, which is some kind of polyester blend and is a little too girlish for my taste. I got about 3 yards for $1 at St. Vincent de Paul, though, so it was worth a practice go-round, especially because that was the total cost of the dress.

The pattern came to me courtesy of my friend Emily,who gave me a bag of patterns that used to belong to her great-grandma. I think I might try it again someday, but with a different pattern that's less shiny and probably not baby blue with flowers and butterflies. Still, for an 80s maternity dress in a mystery fabric, I'm pretty satisfied with how it turned out.