McCalls 7969, the question is which version should I make? Where have I been, not to have made this incredibly popular dress by McCalls before? I’m one of the rare sewers who hasn’t made this pattern yet. Living in a warm climate, this dress is just perfect for living or traveling around Morocco. It is loose and modest.
The Pattern
A loose-fitting pull-on dress, with four sleeve options and multiple possibilities for finishing. It’s perfect for beginners to sewing because there are no zips, darts, or button holes needed. This is certainly a versatile pattern that has inspired so many hacks already!
The Fabric
At my local market, a fabric on sale caught my eye and I fell instantly in love with it. View A was ideal for the piece that was just over 2.5 meters. The fabric is made of heavyweight chiffon and features an African print design that is inspired by local tie-dye fabrics. I used cream satin fabric to line the dress because it was translucent.
The Make
I wanted to make a maxi dress and so to make the most of the fabric quantity that I had purchased. I railroaded the fabric (turning it on its side). I was fortunate in that the fabric design was not affected by this.
The benefit of this, is that I was also able to cut the skirt out of one continuous piece, rather than two.
I chose to line the dress and so began with the bodice. To avoid gaping, I overlapped the bodice more than the recommended amount.
Once the arms were constructed, I joined them to the bodied and overlocked all the raw edges to give a neat finish. I omitted the interfacing to the binding as the lining gave the edge substance.
I then proceeded to add the binding and finish by hand.
I reduced the width of the skirt lining to prevent any further bulking when joining it to the bodice. However, the quantity of the fabric and lining once it had been gathered was substantial. After joining, I overlocked the seam to further reduce the bulk. In the end, I bound the seam because the finish wasn’t as good as I had hoped.
Had my fabric been opaque, I would certainly have cut the skirt in two pieces and added pockets at this stage. Lastly, I machine stitched the hems of the lining on this occasion. I hand-rolled the hem of the dress.
Tips & Alterations
- I railroaded the fabric and cut the skirt as one piece rather than join it.
- I would have added pockets, but the fabric was translucent
- I chose to line the dress, which apart from sparing my modesty gave the dress a wonderful drape as well as substance.
- I did not interface the binding to the neckline, as the bodice lining had the same effect.
Cost
Fabric: 80 DH
Lining: 60 DH
TOTAL: 140 DH ( £11.40 / $14)
Conclusion
It may have taken me a while to catch up with everyone, but I have finally joined the fan club of the M7969 dress! I have another project in mind for this dress, that has already inspired countless hacks.
It was a relatively quick make, which is always satisfying. Who does not love instant gratification when it comes to making a new item of clothing! This dress is easily made in a day or even afternoon depending on the version you choose.
The dress feels fabulous to wear! I had originally intended to make it as a casual summer dress. However, after lining it, it seems more appropriate to wear for slightly more formal occasions in the evening.
I now intend to make a linen version that can be worn during the day for this coming summer. I can however, easily see this dress being made in a wool crepe, needle cord or something similar for the cooler months. It could work well also as a sleeveless version layered over t-shirts and sweaters. This pattern is still a summer staple and has justifiably become a classic.
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