McCall’s 7969 Sewing Pattern Review

Although my body measurements put me at an exact match for the size Large, I chose to size down to the Medium after reading several suggestions to do so. I’m happy I did because, even at 6 months pregnant at the time of writing this post, I still have plenty of room to grow into this relaxed fit dress. Had I gone with the size suggested to me on the pattern packet based on my measurements, I think I would’ve ended up swimming in this dress.

I also opted to make version A of this dress with no alterations made to the pattern aside from the addition of pockets. Because let’s be real, can you even call yourself a sewist if you don’t add pockets to every single one of your dresses?!? (I mean, yes, but you get me, right?) I used the pocket pattern piece from my Tilly and the Buttons Indigo smock and simply measured out on my body where I wanted them to sit, then used those measurements to place the pocket pieces accordingly onto the front and back skirt panel pieces. The end result was flawless!

How dreamy is this floral printed viscose challis fabric? It’s buttery soft, lightweight, and was surprisingly easy to handle. It pressed like a dream and was thin enough to use French seams to finish my garment without adding any additional bulk. The only area I didn’t use the French seam was at the gathered waist, using a zig-zag stitch on my sewing machine to polish it off instead.

What I love most about this piece is that it’s both maternity and nursing-friendly, while still being a wearable dress I’ll get loads of use out of for years to come. I think this dress would be fun to style with slip-on sneakers and a denim jacket for a casual day, or pair with heels and delicate jewelry for an outdoor wedding in the future. You can never go wrong with a versatile piece, in my opinion!

Have you tried your hand at this pattern yet? I’ve already got a few more planned for the summer, including a version where I finally get to play with the lovely tiered skirt option.

If you’re as obsessed with this pattern as I am, make sure you share you give me a follow and say “hey” over on Instagram so I can take a peek at yours as well!

Happy Making!

-XO-

C

DETAILS:

PATTERN: McCall’s 7969 from Minerva

FABRIC: Lady McElroy Floral Viscose Challis in Navy from Minerva

SIZE: I made a M, which is a size down from what my pre-pregnancy measurements placed me at. Those measurements are:

Bust: 38″

Waist: 31″

Hips: 40″

Height: 5′ 4″

ADJUSTMENTS MADE: Added inseam pockets (using the pocket pattern piece from my TATB Indigo dress.)