Blue Floral Flounce Dress: McCalls 7046

I know we all have projects that have been our “To-Sew” list for months or even years. Well this project has been on the books for years. I’m almost certain that I purchased this fabric in 2014, right after I started sewing. I’ve had McCalls 7046 even longer because I purchased the fabric for this dress (back when I was good and only bought fabric for specific projects, instead of because it’s pretty).

This colorful floral cotton jersey knit was a flat fold piece at Hancock (I miss Hancock) and it was similar to the fabric in the view A sketch on the pattern envelope so I was confident it would work. After getting it home though I was unsure that such a busy print would work for the dress view. Additionally, I was still pretty new to sewing and didn’t want to “waste” this pretty fabric. So on my shelf it sat.

Now that my fabric stash has gotten completely out of hand and I have decided to sew only from my stash (unless I don’t have the fabric for a certain fabric or I need a special occasion outfit), I’m revisiting these pieces I’ve had for forever. When I looked at this jersey it still screamed M7046 to me, so I whipped it up.

The dress was a quick and easy sew with just 4 pieces (front, back and 2 flounces). The “hardest” part was narrow hemming the circular flounce. I did consider drafting neck and arm bands instead of the narrow hems as instructed, but when it came down to it I stuck with the narrow hem. A zig-zag stitch works best for me for these narrow double folded hems as the straight stitches will pop and I’m not patient enough to sew a stretch stitch.

I would prefer it if the middle ruching was more gathered. I’ve found the gathers created by stretching elastic along the seam allowance,as instructed for this pattern, are never tight enough to me. After some adjusting it looks fine. I’m already thinking about making a fall/winter long sleeved version out of a double knit like scuba, ponte or liverpool.

Pattern:  McCalls 7046

Pattern Description: Close-fitting, pullover tops and dresses have elasticized, ruched side seams and narrow hem. A: Flutter sleeves (wrong side shows). B: Elasticized short sleeves. C: Sleeveless. D: Long sleeves. C: Tiered flounces. D: Single-layer flounces.

Sizing: 6-14,14-22 I sewed a 14.

Difficulty: 2/easy

Fabric Used: Blue floral cotton jersey from Hancock flat fold table (old)

Does it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope? Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Very.

Likes:  Ruched waist, double flounce.

Dislikes: The ruching could be a tad more gathered

Pattern alterations or any design changes made: None.

Would I sew it again? Yes, I’m thinking the long sleeve version in a double knit for fall.

Would I recommend it to others? Definitely!

Conclusion:  Cute flirty dress that works great for loud prints or solids.