After seeing post after post of this swoon-worthy dress on Instagram, I decided to finally hop on the McCall’s M7969 train. I’m so glad I did because this easygoing piece with a breezy feel could not be more perfect for spring! In this McCall’s 7969 sewing pattern review, I’m talking all about which size range I chose to fit my pregnant belly, adding pockets to a dress pattern, and giving my final thoughts on the pattern instructions. Read the full post to find out more!
**Watch the entire sewing process of this McCall’s 7969 dress on my YouTube channel here!**
As my preggo belly continues to expand, it’s important to me to sew clothing that looks incredible while still being easy to move in. I found that with my first maternity-friendly make, this Billie Sweatshirt Dress from Tilly and the Buttons, and was ready for more. The ethereal and yet understated silhouette of the M7969 dress completely caught my eye. What I loved most though was the oversized fit. I love that this piece is swishy and light without being too baggy. It’s the perfect airy piece for the warmer months, and I couldn’t wait to add one to my wardrobe!
Sizing:
Although my body measurements put me at the size Large, I chose to size down to the Medium after reading several suggestions to do so. I’m happy I did because, even at 6 months pregnant, I still have plenty of room to grow into this relaxed-fit dress. Had I gone with the L, I think I would’ve ended up swimming in this dress. Since the pattern is sold in 2 separate packages (one for sizes XS, S, M and one for L, XL, 2X), I suggest purchasing the package with the smaller size range if you’re in between the M + L like I was. Due to the oversized silhouette of the dress, I had no issues with the fit.
Yes To Adding Pockets!
I opted to make version A of this dress with no alterations made to the pattern aside from the addition of pockets. Let’s be real, can you even call yourself a sewist if you don’t add pockets to every single one of your dresses?!? (I mean, yes, but you get me, right?) I used the pocket pattern piece from my Indigo pattern (view my version here) and measured out on my body where I wanted the pockets to sit. Then, I used those measurements to place the pocket pieces accordingly onto the front and back skirt panel pieces. The result was flawless!
Fabric:
How dreamy is this floral printed viscose challis fabric? It’s buttery soft, lightweight, and was surprisingly easy to handle. It pressed like a dream and was thin enough to use French seams to finish my garment without adding any additional bulk. The only area I didn’t use the French seam was at the gathered waist, using a zig-zag stitch on my sewing machine to polish it off instead. Although it’s actually navy, the dark coloring presents as black which I love! It’s airy and breathable without being see-through. It is, however, a little tough on the pockets as I don’t really trust it enough to hold more than my chapstick without getting too heavy. BUT, I’m not mad at it!
**Full disclosure: I was given this fabric for free from Minerva.com as one of their brand ambassadors in exchange for a blog post, but all thoughts expressed are entirely my own.**
What I love most about this piece is that it’s both maternity and nursing-friendly, yet wearable for years to come. I think this dress would be fun to style with slip-on sneakers and a denim jacket for a casual day, or dressed up with heels and delicate jewelry. You can never go wrong with a versatile piece!
Have you tried your hand at this pattern yet? I’ve already got a few more planned for the summer, including a version where I finally get to play with the lovely tiered skirt option.
Thank you so much for reading this McCall’s 7969 Sewing Pattern Review! Want to see more pattern reviews? Check out my beloved Kwik Sew Overalls here, or my maternity-friendly Billie sweatshirt dress review here.
You can also watch the entire sewing process of this McCall’s 7969 dress on my YouTube channel here.
Happy Making!
-XO-
C
Quick + Dirty Details:
PATTERN: McCall’s 7969 from Minerva
FABRIC: Lady McElroy Floral Viscose Challis in Navy from Minerva
SIZE: I made a M, which is a size down from what my pre-pregnancy measurements placed me at. Those measurements are:
Bust: 38″
Waist: 31″
Hips: 40″
Height: 5′ 4″
ADJUSTMENTS MADE: Added inseam pockets (using pocket pattern piece from my TATB Indigo dress.)
*Fabric was gifted to me free of charge from Minerva in exchange for a blog post on their site. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed by me are entirely my own.
**This post contains affiliate links. Learn more here.
