Hi everyone! I bought this fabric over the summer and I had toyed with different patterns to use with it. I knew that I wanted a look that would work well with boots or flat shoes and could easily be worn solo or with a jacket. On my 6 month sewing journey, I’ve started to venture out and sew things that are challenging, but ultra rewarding. I knew that McCall 7974 would be challenging no matter the view that I picked. I chose to make view B.
Like most patterns, cutting out the pattern is super time consuming. It took me 2 episodes of Top Chef to cut the pattern out and then the fabric. I like to watch Top Chef as I sew because I’m creating and they’re creating. Shockingly, the creativity of the chefs helps me with ideas. Ok – back to McCall 7974.
The first sewing piece of the pattern was to put the bodice together. The bodice came together quite easily. I say easily, but not quickly. I had some difficulty with the interfacing of the lower bodice and turning it out. After the bodice, I worked on the sleeves. I believe this is the first long sleeve item that I’ve sewn and it’ll never cease to amaze me how much fabric sleeves require. After working on the sleeves, I worked on the cuffs. The cuffs are super cute and my only issue with them is that they aren’t fitted. My only recommendation would a cuff adjustment to allow for buttons. Even so, it turned out super cute.
So far so good on the dress. However, once I got to the skirt, things started to go sideways. I ended up watching a Youtube tutorial to get me through the rest of the dress. Being my first time working with so many buttons, I struggled a bit with the button placket. I made the mistake of gathering the button placket, but fixed it quickly. In spite of the button placket issue, once that was fixed, the dress came together within 20 minutes. I ended up using buttons bought at Joann and they really add a certain edge to the details of the dress.
Nevertheless, with all the minor issues that came up during the sew, I would make this dress again. I’d probably give the instructions an 8/10. I think the explanations on how to finish seams and edges are top notch in this pattern. Thank you for reading and visiting my blog.
Happy Sewing!
Shop the Sew
It looks absolutely lovely on you! I am a beginner sewist myself and plan to make this dress soon. Thank you for giving me a nice fabric idea
Author
Thank you so much for reading, Ashley. I’m sure it’ll turn out wonderfully.
I love this one and it looks very nice on you! I have this pattern myself and if I’m not mistaken, for about a year now. So scared to actually start with it. But it’s definitely on my make9-list for 2022.
Author
Hi Nicky – Thank you so much! Hopefully, you love yours as much as I love mine.