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Tuesday 25 April 2017

McCall's 7534 Mock Wrap Dress

The last month has been very busy with lots of house guests which means my sewing room has been out of action for most of that time.  Fun as it has been, I'm so happy to be able to get back in there and I have been working on a few dresses.

First up is McCall's 7534.

I do love the look of a wrap dress, but I dislike the potential wardrobe malfunctions that can occur with them so this surplice bodice dress with lots of variations caught my eye.  It's quite a basic design, but I like all the views which make it pretty versatile, the fact it has no fastenings and that it can be made in wovens, sheers and knits.

McCall's 7534



I made View A, minus the belt in this navy and gold bird print crepe.   I'm going through a bit of a nature print phase at the moment, my stash is sprinkled with birds and butterflies!



I eliminated the neck facings and just replaced with bias strips of fabric and made extensive changes to the fit of the bodice by draping on my dressform.  I really wish I had thought to make a pattern piece at this point mostly so I can easily recreate this dress, but also to see how it compares to the original.  I think I will go back and redo it in muslin fabric and create new front bodice pieces.

You can get an idea of what I did from the photos below.  The neckline length needed to be significantly shorter and I wanted it to hug more closely to the body as it was gaping a lot.  I pinned in some pleats at the waistline,  changed the angle of the wrap so that the front pieces no longer extend to the side seams and then I cut off the excess below the waist.  I did make sure I could still get it on over my head first!



Once that was done it was very simple to attach the skirt and insert elastic at the waist seam.  I took a bit of fullness out of the skirt at the side seams just because I preferred the look of it that way.

I only have dress form photos to show you at the moment, but when I make this again (and I will!) I will take some then.  I am currently sporting an attractive black eye caused by my skittish cat jumping off my lap and catching me in the face with his back legs.  I'm really embarrassed that I look like I have been in a fight, but I feel quite lucky that it's only superficial damage.  So for now.....










15 comments:

  1. Gosh. I really love that print. Sorry about your eye. And, glad you have your sewing room back!

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  2. I wouldn't have looked twice at that pattern before I saw your version. I love your alterations - yours is stunning!! Thanks for posting this as I may buy it and do the same.

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  3. What gorgeous fabric! And I agree, your version is better than the envelope. Hope the eye heals quickly.

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  4. Interesting design! Looking forward to future versions.

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  5. Oh, those crazy cats! Hopefully it heals up soon.

    It's a beautiful dress!

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  6. very nice modifications and an interesting print. I have noticed several nice wrap and faux wrap dress patterns in McCalls lately. Also their knit tops and tees have been fitting me really well. I think they have reduced the style ease in their patterns that a lot of new sewers previously lamented.

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  7. Pretty dress! I love the print too. Heal soon!

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  8. Very nice! The neck pleat/collar is a nice detail on the pattern and your changes makes it more elegant.

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  9. I just made this pattern as well and had to make some minor changes to the bodice crossover as well. I love your beautiful bird print; mine was made in mouse print ;) I agree that wrap bodice can malfunction...but I've enjoyed wearing this one and find it sits very nicely.

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  10. Love it! I'm totally inspired to do some sort of nature print in this style now. I'm sorry to hear about the eye though. Luckily, superficial damage should heal pretty quick. Feel better soon!

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  11. That fabric is amazing and paired with the perfect pattern. The last wrap dress I made ended up with similar alterations too, mostly tugging the points down at an angle for better coverage! I hope you bruise goes away soon xx

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  12. Your clothes are beautiful! I want to make them for myself.

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  13. Interesting faux wrap dress pattern. Love the unique and colorful print.

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  14. I love all things birds or butterflies. Maybe I'm a bit of a nature lover too. The dress is quite cute. This pattern is on my short list so I'm happy to see how you modified it. Sorry about your eye, but as I'm commenting really late, I'm sure it has healed up by now.

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  15. Interesting how you solved the neckline issues but now you have a gorgeous dress to wear in that amazing print.

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