Several weeks ago I decided to participate in the McCall Patterns Shirtdress Sew-Along using McCall’s Pattern # 7387. Here’s my finished dress!! I’m very happy with how it turned out. I will be using this pattern again, however with a few of my own changes. YES! Thinking about making another soon in the shorter version with sleeves!!
I made some changes to the pattern for a more simplified construction to the front placket. It was unclear to me why the front hidden placket and front facing were drafted as a separate pieces, so I decided to add a joined facing to both front dress pieces.
I also decided to change the right front placket into a single piece cut on the fold instead of 2 separate pieces.
Added stitching lines between the button holes and at the top and bottom of the hidden placket just catching the facing made the center front opening smooth and flat.
These 2 alterations were very simple and made so much more sense to me. As a production pattern maker, we’re always looking to streamline sewing operations in the production process. I had read comments in the McCall’s Sew-Along FaceBook group from others making this pattern, that the front placket was very confusing to them and that they gave up on it. I completely understood their frustration because I too thought the front directions were confusing. This is why I made my simplified changes. That’s really the beauty of sewing for ourselves. We can make changes to suit us perfectly!!Although my fabric has a very defined vertical pattern, there was also subtle horizontal pattern in the print repeat. I kept this in mind with my cutting layout so that they would be matched properly.
I did make one other deviation from the instructions where the center back attaches to the yoke. Instead of the large pleats in the center back, I did a soft shirring across the back width. This allowed the back to fall nicely into the skirt portion without overlapping in an asymmetrical way. I may do the pleats on the next one, but I like the way this turned out.
So I give this pattern a definite thumbs up with my pattern changes.
I just bought this pattern, thanks for the review! I can’t wait!
Hi Una! I’d love to see your dress when you complete it. The front placket was a little tricky, so I made some drafting changes to make it more simple. Good luck!!