Nautical Wrap Dress: McCalls 7504

This is the second of four wrap reviews that makes up my "Wrap Battle" comparison. See the first here.

If you look back at my Summer To-Sew List list you'll notice that I had this blue nautical flag print paired with Kwik Sew 4061. After taking a closer look closer at the pattern I decided that it would work better with an double knit, because I don't like ITY facings, so I switched to McCalls 7504. Although I do quite a bit of planning, I always reserve the right to make last minute changes and substitutions as well as scrap some projects all together.I've sewn...or rather...attempted to sew McCalls 7504 before. Two years ago I had the great idea to make a holiday dress out of a black velvet and a metallic knit (same fabrics I used for this dress for Miss Socialite) but things went awry and it is currently a UFO. I truly hate reworking items, which is why I despise alterations and also why I've never attempted up-cycling, but I hope to pull out my seam ripper and fix that UFO this coming winter.Thankfully this time it was a success! The pattern calls for a skirt lining which I omitted based on my previous attempt. I think the lining is there to eliminate the need to sew a curved hem, but it then creates 6 layers of fabric to be sewn at the waist, which would be too much bulk even in a light weight ITY like this one (and definitely the issue with my first attempt using stretch velvet). My Janome 900cpx coverstitch worked wonderfully on the curved hem as well as on the neckline.I actually ignored the pattern directions completely for this one. If you've sewn enough dresses there's nothing tricky here and since I wasn't including the lining most of them wouldn't apply anyway. Due to the busy print you can't see my favorite detail, which are the side pleats, but there are two pleats on the bodice and three pleats on the skirt.Now that I have finally tackled this pattern I like it! In addition to finishing the holiday dress UFO I might I need another one in a solid color. The only thing that could make this better is if it eliminated the waist seam. I'd prefer a front left, front right and a back piece, the waist seam unnecessary.Pattern Description: Close-fitting dress has back zipper, waist seam and side pleats. B: Contrast left front.Sizing: 6-14,14-22  I sewed a 18Difficulty: 1/beginnerFabric Used: Blue and white white nautical flag print ITY from Fabric MartDoes it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope? YesWere the instructions easy to follow? I didn't follow them.Likes: side pleats, tulip skirtDislikes: waist seam, skirt liningPattern alterations or any design changes made: eliminated the liningWould I sew it again? Probably in a solidWould I recommend it to others? YesConclusion: Nice faux wrap dress, but not my favorite stay tuned.