I've finally made one of the dresses that originally inspired the Sew Twists and Ties challenge!
This is McCall's 7429, an elegant knit twist dress with lots of options: two lengths, long sleeves or sleeveless, a mock turtleneck or crewneck. I've been admiring versions of this dress for years now (see some of my favorites here!), and I'm delighted to have finally made one of my own.
The fabric I chose is not exactly what McCall's 7429 calls for... I wanted to use a thicker, more stable knit than the pattern requires for so I had to make a few minor adjustments. The fabric is a rayon ponte from my stash and doesn't have the requisite two-way stretch (it has enough stretch across the grain, but falls short in vertical stretch).
Because of my fabric, I decided to size up (well I guess I was sizing up; I always struggle a bit to choose a size in Big 4 patterns!). This is a size 22. It worked pretty well, although I think if I made it again in the proper fabric, I might opt for a size 20 bodice and 22 hip since the shoulders are ever-so-slightly wide...
For my McCall's 7429, I went for the shorter view, with long sleeves and the crew neck - View B.
Other fit changes I ended up making as I went along: shortened the sleeves by 1.25", narrowed the hem to 0.5" to give myself a little more length in the skirt (in retrospect I should have opted for the longer view!), and did a facing on the neckline instead of a band, as I was finding it choked me a bit.
Also, I think the lack of horizontal stretch is causing some weird extra fabric at the center chest and drag lines at my left hip. If I make the dress again I will endeavor to use the correct fabric!
I have plans to make a longer, sleeveless version for warmer months... I'm liking the concept of this pattern, but my execution and choices could use improvement!
What do you think? Have you ever made a fabric choice error that affected fit in a noticeable way? How it is that I've been sewing for years and I still make these mistakes?!
