I finally understand why so many sewists have made this pattern. I also understand why they've made it multiple times. I'm not sure I understood in the middle of construction but once finished...I got it.
This is my version of McCalls 7969...
Supplies ~
4 yards polyester crepe purchased from Fabric Mart in 2021
Interfacing from Steinlauf & Stoeller
Construction ~
I chose View D the maxidress version with the flutter sleeves. Almost all the other sewists used the fantastic sleeves in View A which makes a stunning dress. View D was more me.
I made no pattern alterations. I cut this out and sewed it up. My only challenge was wondering how the crossover bodice worked. Once I got into making it all things worked out. A warning that crossover is low. I saw it but didn't notice it until it was on MY body! However, a tank top works and I rather like it like this.
A Few Photos ~
This will definitely be made again. It's an easy to construct and easy to wear dress. It dresses up nicely but I can also dress it down...and of course, I have plenty of fabric options to choose from to make it again!
If you own this pattern, I highly recommend you making a version of your own. I know the trendy sleeves drew most sewists to the pattern but there are other views that can also be used. If you're looking for an easy breezy summer dress - this one is it!
...as always more later!
I've looked and looked at this pattern and wondered what the fuss was all about. And now I get it. Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThe blue and white print is so pretty especially made up into this dress.
ReplyDeleteSo wait… did you fuse the bias binding like it called for??? I thought that was so weird and skipped it.
ReplyDeleteGrace - yes I did! I thought about skipping it but my fabric was flimsy so I did do it. However, if I had firmer fabric I would have skipped it like you did.
DeleteI love this on you. You look beautiful and happy.
ReplyDeleteThis turned out amazing. I find myself looking the photos over again and again trying to figure out if some of the backgrounds are sheer. This is a beautiful dress and now that you've sewn it up - I guess I should get to the one I cut out in November - with the fancy sleeves ;) g
ReplyDeleteYes, this dress really seems like you, and you look so happy in it!
ReplyDeleteWonderful! Your great colors and so very you! I can tell you are enjoying wearing it. Nothing like a great loose and flow-y dress to beat that heat!
ReplyDeleteIs it still available as a free download (by signing up for the newsletter) over at Minerva Fabrics?
ReplyDeleteI have no idea since I purchased the paper pattern. I guess you should check with Minerva Fabrics.
DeleteYes it is available. I downloaded it last week despite having bought the paper pattern via Etsy. Why did I download it? The paper pattern was for the smaller to medium sizes and I am right in between the medium and a large which isn't included... isn't that so often the way? I thought the download would help me redraft to the correct sizing. It's really only the bodice that needs to be exact. However, I've since learned that the bodice runs loose, so maybe I'll cut a bodice toile and test. I'm going to hack the overlap a bit to bring it up an inch higher.
DeleteLove it! It looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteYes, it is still available as a download
ReplyDeleteVery nice dress Carolyn, I too couldn't see what the big deal was. I finally decided to try it but I missed out on the free download and it led me down a self drafting rabbit hole!
ReplyDelete