That McCalls dress (M7969)

This pattern is so popular, one does not need to refer to it by its pattern number, ‘that McCall’s dress’ will do. The M7969 it is! The pattern comes in 4 sleeves and 2 length options and of course, I made view A, with the statement puff sleeve and short skirt. Anyway, I’m probably the second last person on earth to make this dress, so I don’t think I have any more to add to the existing reviews out there apart from a few photos 🙂

The comfort level of this dress is 12/10! It’s very loose-fitting but it doesn’t look baggy at all. The empire line, gathered shoulders and huge puff sleeves are just so stylish. I absolutely adore this dress and fully appreciate why this pattern is so popular.

I made mine in a cheerful tropical print cotton-linen from Spotlight. The base colour of this fabric doesn’t really suit me but the bold print in darker hues made up for it. The print really pops I love it! The fabric has slightly more structure than the recommended fabrics: lawn, crepe, challis, and georgette, but the added puffiness is kind of cute.

I made a size XS, sized down as suggested by all the sewists who made this before, and it’s perfect. Apart from adding a snap to the front wrap and 2 big pockets, I didn’t make any adjustments.

In terms of construction, it’s not a complicated make, but the bias bound sleeve can be a bit tricky if your fabric is thicker because of the amount of gathering you need to accommodate in the narrow channel. But nothing a good hot steam iron can’t fix! So just be patient and take your time. I opted for stitching in the ditch instead of hand sewing the bias binding closed. I think it’s more secure if I machine stitched them due to the bulkiness of the raw edges.

This dress is your thing if you’re into statement sleeves, but of course, it’ll be a bit challenging to wear anything over it! I’ll happily live in this delightful, breezy little dress this summer.