McCall’s 7969

I have a strange relationship with polka dot fabrics. I adore them but don’t have that many garments made from them. Something odd happens where I put a polka dot fabric high up on a pedastal like it’s too nice to sew, or perhaps it’s that I’m too likely to ruin it. So they sit in my stash without being made, and then every time I see a garment made in polka dots I get jealous.

So when one makes it into my wardrobe it get into good rotation. This McCall’s 7969 was guaranteed to be a winner after sewing a few versions already. I wanted long sleeves for a bright happy winter dress. It’s not quite the View A dramatic sleeves. So this is View B with no frills and a gathered elastic hem that I left ever so slightly loose to be similar to view A with it’s narrow hem band.

The result is an easy-to-wear dress that can be layered with tights and cardigans. It’s wonderfully loose but still works for lots of occasions. I wore it with ballet flats for dance class and brogues on a wet evening out in Leeds. I sewed the front neckline shut as on previous dresses because it prevents it from flapping open and still fits over my head closed.

This poly crepe has less give than the viscose I’ve used in the past, so sizing up a little helped. This is the size M with half a cm more at the bodice side seams. It’s ever so slightly tight across the centre back but I think it’s fine.

No idea where this fabric is from I’m afraid… deep in my stash is all I can confirm. But this pattern stays right at the front of the top drawer of my pattern cabinet, in regular rotation. It comes in paper and pdf. And this fourth version (FIFTH version not yet blogged either) is a great addition to the wardrobe.