Good afternoon, friends!
I’m excited to share this dress with you! I’ve already written a review of this pattern on the CSC, but finally had time to share it with you on my blog. This is a special dress that I made to wear to my niece’s First Holy Communion and one that’s been lingering in my sewing queue for quite a while.
Source: McCall’s Patterns
This is McCall’s 7086, a retro re-issue from 1963 and part of the McCall’s Archive Collection. I was elated when I found that McCall’s had started this collection of retro patterns and I have all of them in my pattern stash and I’ve been waiting to see more…
I used this beautiful watercolor rose print cotton sateen that I bought a year or more ago from Fabric.com. I have a bit of an obsession with searching for border prints, and was happy to luck out on finding this one. It was originally meant for a different pattern, but as time went on, I decided to use it for this one.
This fabric is a double border print with a directional design. It was easy to figure out the skirt placement, but a little more when it came to the bodice. I laid my fabric out on my cutting table to figure out how I wanted to use it as well as draping it over my dressform. In the end, I decided to use the border on the top of the bodice pieces as well, making it appear as if the roses are falling down the dress. I cut the sash to blend in with that fabric and cut one of the roses for the bow. I am very happy with the result.
The bodice front is two pieces with a center seam and as I didn’t want to interrupt the print, I eliminated the center seam. I cut the skirt differently as well, making a rectangular gathered skirt which worked well with the border print. I graded this pattern up a couple of sizes, did a swayback adjustment to the bodice and widened the dolman sleeves. If I made this again, I’d add more room to them as this isn’t the most comfortable of dresses with those sleeves.
This dress is unlined (not sure why I didn’t take shots of the inside) and had a neckline facing. I installed an invisible zip to the center back and sewed a narrow hem. The cummerbund/sash is sewn into the side seams. It hangs down when the dress is on the hanger and I considered tacking it to the center of the bodice, but decided it needed to move around a bit when you’re wearing it. The knot/bow is tacked to the center of the sash and I did more hand sewing on the inside to make sure it didn’t show on the outside.
This dress is one of my favorites. I’m definitely in love with the colors and the print and it makes me feel very feminine and ladylike. My only issue would be the sleeves, so I will probably take them apart and add gussets for mobility. Who knows when I’ll do this as I’m verrrry slow to do alterations to garments that I’ve already made….
Happy Sewing!
Dress: McCall’s 7086 in rose border print cotton sateen, made by me- Shoes: Aerosoles
- Earrings: Modcloth (affiliate link)
Beautiful fabric and you look beautiful! I bought the pattern as soon as it was released but still haven’t made it up. Your version inspires me, though! 😀
I love it and your sewing. Thank you for taking the time to share all these wonderful creations with us and give me inspiration and confidence to do it for myself. I have generally kept to trousers and big tops to hide in but made my first frock this summer and discovered just how much I loved wearing it. Thank you.
Sorry haven’t been commenting much recently on all your recent sewing. There has honestly not been one thing that I wouldn’t steal from your wardrobe given half a chance (and a plane ticket). Your sewing is on fire! This dress is lovely and you really look ace in it. Gorgeous print and colours. Xx
great use of that border print, it is such pretty fabric and perfect for the vintage pattern. You are a walking springtime!
Thank you, Beth! It definitely screams spring!
So pretty!!!! I used this pattern for my sewing class that I taught through the school board. No one ended up finishing their dresses but I really wish they had now! Stunning 🙂
Thanks, Carlee! It is a good dress for a beginner. Did you finish one?
UGH I wish. I always make these grand plans and then hum and haw about said plans and become so indecisive that I stagnate completely. I finished the bodice in a lovely gray plaid and lined it in a red bemberg, and I bought the most luscious ivory faux fur for the skirt portion (it was to be a Christmas/winter dress), but got really indecisive about the skirt. Circle skirt or fitted or tulip? Lined or not? If I made a circle, how would the faux fur be to hem? Would the whole outfit be too over the top? Would the fur create too much bulk at the waist? Ugh, see I am still doing it! Frick!
I love border print and that fabric is truly beautiful. I like your version of the dress – looks nicer than the pictures on the pattern envelope!
I hope your niece had a lovely first communion. 🙂
Thanks, Kate! Border prints are so fun to use. It’s crazy that I used to be afraid of them.
She did have a nice communion and it was wonderful getting together with family afterward.
Beautiful work, Tanya! TY for sharing. Love love the fabric.
Thank you, Caroline! I really do hope to see more border print fabrics. As everyone loves them, it seems like fabric companies should produce more.
Hello again Tanya: I guess I’m a lurker on your blog for a long time. Wanted to take this opportunity to say how much I enjoy the b, as well as that I admire your work! All the best.
PS W/you on border prints. I’ve been reading a book about Horrockses (sp?). They made lovely bp dresses in the 40s and 50s. Just lovely.