My first self made project for my handmade wardrobe this year is complete!
A fitted raglan sleeve winter weight dress. I’ve been needing a dress with long sleeves made of knit fabric for awhile. Most of my dresses are sleeveless or cap sleeved. I sewed McCall’s 7501, a fitted stretch dress with raglan sleeves. It was easy to sew and fit OK straight out of the envelope. It’s comfortable and feels almost like wearing a long fitted sweatshirt.
McCall’s 7501 view A
I cut my usual size 12 but did have to sew the dress with 3/8 inch seams instead of 5/8 inch ones. I used my sewing machine’s stretch stitch and my cover-stitch machine to make the dress. The fabric was a thick stretch ponte knit from Joann’s athletic section. It feels quite high end, like something I bought once at the Fabric Store in Los Angeles. Not your typical Oxnard Joann stuff. I ‘m so happy they are getting some better fabrics in there lately!
If you find this fabric at your local Joann’s you won’t regret buying it. But since it wasn’t as stretchy as some stretch fabrics I had to cut it a little bigger. It’s more like a ponte or scuba knit. That and the fact that I have been over indulging since Thanksgiving gave me a pretty tight fit.
Now that I see the back view in this photo, I realize I may need to make a sway back adjustment. Or it may just be a little too tight. After a month of overindulging, I may have gone up a size. Funny how I miss things in the mirror but then see them in a photo. Like the bags under my eyes, hence the cropped off head, lol!
The only issue I had with this pattern was the neckline. I should have stay stitched it right away and the band should be smaller. It’s only about an inch smaller than the neckline so it doesn’t tighten it up. I do have some gaping at the neckline and I just left it as is since I had already sewn it down with a stretch stitch. If you’ve ever picked out a stretch stitch on knits you will know it’s a real bummer.
At any rate, I’m very happy with the design and fit of this pattern and I would definitely recommend putting it any ‘must make’ bodycon dress list !
I know I haven’t sewn for myself much lately, but this year I plan on making most everything I wear and am taking a ready to wear fast. I’ve been meaning to do something like this for ages and it’s about time! Let’s just hope I can keep my resolution for a self made wardrobe this year.
Happy sewing!
The dress looks good on you and on the dress form. I like the fabric and that pattern. I use to live in Oxnard long years ago.
Really Faye? My mom lives there now. We moved uo from LA
Justine, I think that fabric is wonderful! The dress looks great, and whatever issues you have about the neck don’t look obvious. The dress looks very good on you and is well worth repeating in a different fabric. I hope you and your family had a wonderful holiday season. Best wishes for the new year!
Thanks Karen! Happy new year to you, too!
I think this dress is knock-out! It looks super comfy and it’s very flattering.
Ooh I love it! Is it breathable? I think that’s the same fabric I made some pants out of and it has held up well. And funny about pictures- the same thing happens to me….
It is very comfy fabric. It must have some cotton in it. I’d say it is a cotton poly lycra ponte knit. i forgot to check at the store.
I will second seeing things in photos haha The dress is beautiful and looks oh so comfy. Good luck with keeping the resolution 🙂
Thanks you Jenya!
Dress is lovely. It looks great on you! Can’t wait to see more of your makes. I have also noticed some better fabric lines at my nearest Joann’s in Santa Maria (which is surprising )
You made a great fabric and pattern choice. Nice job. It’s good to know Joann’s still can come through for us. I often find some gems there.
yes I’ve been having great luck there lately!