Twist Front Gingham Dress: M7922
Overview:
Finally I finished this dress! I cut it out last year right before the temps started to drop. Since I don't like sewing projects that I can't wear right away I shelved it til this year. I had just pulled it back out last month in the midst of all the COVID mess and totally lost my sewjo while trying to cope and stay up to date with the protest against police brutality and the Black Lives Matter movement.Racism is something I deal with daily on varying levels, but recent events (too many to name) have kept them in the forefront for an extended period of time. While this is definitely necessary and essential to fight for equality for black people and people of color, it can be tiresome to see daily how many people hate you for no other reason than the color of your skin and are committed to the idea of white supremacy.Still life must go on and nothing that has happened in the last month is new. Thankfully it seems that people have the time to pay attention now since they can't go to work, change the news to a game or go out with friends. So I'm trying to return to my happy place, my sewing room and create things that bring me joy.On to the dress...
- Skill Level*: 3/Intermediate
- Sewing Time: a weekend project (this is a guess because it was so broken up)
- Pattern Rating*: 4
Pattern:
I bought this pattern for the twist front detail. Several patterns have this feature but this one caught my eye which is odd because I usually prefer knit dresses. Woven dresses are growing on me and I'm really pleased with this one.
Many other sewists had mentioned that the construction of the twist was confusing so I took that part slow and it came together! Brittany JJ's Sew With Me video was my back up plan if I got stuck, but thankfully I didn't need it. Other than the twist detail everything else is simple. Thanks to the dolman sleeves. I do wish I has added some in seam pockets, because well....POCKETS! I'm debating opening the side seam to add some, but for right now I'm really happy this dress is finally done.
One thing I don't quite get it the little placket in the front skirt seam. Can someone explain it's purpose?
Fabric:
This navy gingham linen is left over from my Navy Summer Collection from last year. It's from Fabric Mart and while they don't have this fabric anymore they always have a great selection of linens.This linen is a mid weight with a little stiffness and worked great for the structure of this dress, a lighter weight or drapier linen would give a different look.
Modifications:
If I made any mods while cutting pattern, like blending sizes, I have no idea what they were. Though I stored all the cut pieces and the pattern using my baggie method, I didn't mark what size I cut. I've never been one to have a stable weight so I was a little worried. So I just sewed it up and hoped for the best. Thankfully it fit!*This served as a reminder that I need to update and reprint my sewing journal.
Summary:
Pattern: McCalls 7922Pattern Description: Fitted twist-front dresses have facings, invisible back zipper, back darts, applied front band detail and bodice and length variations. B, D: Shaped hem. No provision provided for above waist or hip adjustments.Sizing: 6-14, 14-22Difficulty: 3/IntermediateFabric Used: Navy gingham linenDoes it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope? Yes!Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, even the twist was explained wellDid I make in alterations? I may have blended sizes, but that's it.Would I sew it again? Maybe, I have a ton of dress pattern I want to get toWould I recommend it to others? Yes and use Brittany's video if you get stumped by the twist.