Coming into summer I wanted to make a beach dress that I could just throw over my swimmers. I chose McCalls M8104 pattern and made it from a lightweight denim. There is a lot to love about this pattern, including the slim-fitting shape, detailed sleeves and front and slim-fitting skirt with variations.

Description: Empire seam button front dresses with length, dolman sleeve variations & flounce details.
Pattern: McCalls M8104
Fabric: Lightweight Denim

The one thing I didn’t love about this pattern was how low cut the front was. As you can see from the photos I’ve actually put an extra button above the skirt line, which is not indicated on the pattern. Even still, it’s very low cut and if you were so sit down and the dress bunched up you would be able to see your bra and what’s underneath. I guess it’s not so bad when you’re already at the beach wearing swimmers but I would highly recommend testing this pattern out and making changes to it. Epecially if you intend to wear to lunch or day event. The alternative is wearing a singlet underneath.

Admittedly, I probably could have cut one size smaller but I still think I would have had to make a few alterations if I was wanting to turn this into a day dress. It might not be an issue for everyone, especially those with larger busts but certainly one thing to test out.

I also wanted to give the dress a bit of detail, so I’ve stitched a double orange line along most of the edges and added some wooden buttons. I think the detail really makes the dress.

I am really looking forward to summer this year, taking three weeks off over Christmas. I will also only just come out of an 8 week fitness challenge (still 3 weeks to go!). I’ve already dropped one dress size and fitting into a clothes that I haven’t worn since pre-covid days, which makes me even more excited to start sewing again!

A lot of really amazing things have happened to me this year, despite some challenges and setbacks. I got another promotion at work and completed a UX design course. I bought a new car, joined a fitness challenge, where I’ve made a bunch of new friends and still continue to renovate and improve my house and backyard.

Here is just one before and after that has been keeping me occupied! While doing this I’ve also found I really LOVE gardening. I’ve got so many pot plants now and even starting to pick my own home grown veggies!

One really big change working from home was joining a fitness challenge and gym, because it’s such an amazing way I can break up the day between work and home life. It’s made the biggest difference in my mental and physical well-being, finding myself happier than I have been in a long time.

I’m actually really excited to see the end of this year and really looking forward to what’s coming!

Hopefully its’ the change we all need to put Covid behind us!

Happy Sewing xx

Erin

Description: Fitted and flared, lined dresses have neckline variations, princess seams, side-front pockets and back zipper.
Material: Cotton Sateen and a light cotton lining
Pattern: McCalls 6741

In a previous post I said that I don’t often buy designers clothing. However, come to think of it that’s probably not 100% accurate and that’s because I LOVE Cue. So the inspiration for my McCalls 6741 dress was basically from the latest trend featuring a number of these dresses with a fitted bodice and flare skirt, as shown below.

Image source: Cue Soft Pink Pique Dress

So when I found the McCalls 6741 pattern I knew I had to recreate it to start making my own little Cue dresses based on this trend. As you can see below there are a number of different options, all as awesome as each other. The only difference with my dress is that I put the jacket zipper on the front, rather than the back.

This dress is fully lined to give it a more store bought feel and because it’s white. I didn’t want to have to be worried about any undie lines.

Plus, the fact that this dress features a full skirt, makes it pretty cool do to twirls! So if you’re a dancer and want something a bit twirly, then this is your pattern!

See, I took some photos to prove it!

Overall, this pattern is gorgeous and I highly recommend. I love the option to add a different colour band to the bottom, which may be added to my to-do-list for sewing.

I hope you enjoyed! Happy Sewing!

Erin xx