Heather Gray Sweatshirt Dress – McCalls 7061

McCalls 7061 is actually a pajama pattern, but it can be used a loungewear or athleisure wear. I originally purchased this pattern for the pants, view F, to make joggers last year, here. (The pattern is perfect for joggers BTW). This winter I wanted to make some hoodies and sweatshirts so I pulled this pattern out for views A & C. I was sidetracked however when this heather gray knit fabric from my Black Friday Girl Charlee order arrived. I just felt the fabric was perfect for the collared sweater dress, View D.

 

The construction was easy, I only glanced at the instructions. I did not make any modifications, except to omit the collar pull tie. I would however make several mods if I were to make it again.

1. For me it is a tad too long, in McCalls defense this isn’t the patterns fault as it is intended to be a sleep dress. After sewing it up I decided I would have rather had a tunic length to wear of jeggings/leggings. I’m debating whether I want to omit the hem band and finish with a narrow hem or remove and shorten the hem band.
2. I would lengthen the collar so that I could pull it up all the way like a hood. It is fine as is, but just isn’t “practical”.
3. I would add 1/2-3/4″ to the upper side seam of the front and back starting a few inches below the bust. This sounds weird but…I have a large rib cage, that’s the only way I can describe it (lol), so the dress is tight in the underarm and bust area. NOTE: Adding width here also requires widening the sleeve curve. I did this when I sewed up View A and though still a tad tight it was better. This possibly wouldn’t have been as big of an issue if I had used a “stretchier” knit, but you can see this area pulling in the photos.

All in all I like this pattern I just think the shape requires some modification for my body. Perhaps I’ll buy the larger size pattern to address the under arm/upper bust tightness but I believe the rest of the dress will be too baggy if I went with a large. Again, I oddly have this problem often of things fitting everywhere except the bust, even though I’m only a B cup so it might work just fine for you!

I plan to work with this dress by shortening it and hopefully after I lose a few pounds the fit will work.

Pattern: McCalls 7061

Pattern Description: Close-fitting tops and dresses have sleeve bands. A and B: stitched hem on hood, wrong side shows. B and C: shaped hemline. A and D: collar and hem band. D: purchased drawstring. B, C and D: pocket.

Sizing: XS-S-M, L-XL-XXL I sewed a Medium

Difficulty: 1/easy

Fabric Used: Stretch Denim Heather Gray Cotton Spandex Blend Knit from Girl Charlee (links in body)

Does it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope? Yes, minus the collar pull.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Very

Likes:  The athleisure vibe

Dislikes: It’s a tad tight in the bust area.

Pattern alterations or any design changes made: none, but next time I will cut a half size larger (or lose 5 lbs)

Would I sew it again? Yes I want to make a striped one with the hood

Would I recommend it to others? Definitely

Conclusion: Great pattern for a cute lounge around or lazy Saturday running errands dress.

Total Cost: $6.25

Heather Gray Knit    2.5 yds @ $2.50/yd*  = $6.25
*Black friday sales price