Hello,

Hope you are all well.

Before starting to share my 2022 makes I would like to share my Christmas Dress.

The initial plan was to make a dress that I would wear for the Office Christmas Lunch and later for Christmas day however, as it happened to many of us, the plans were changed and the work Christmas lunch had to be cancelled. Although plans were changed, I decided to make the dress anyway and wear it for Christmas Day even if it was only the four of us. It was not how we would prefer to spend the day nonetheless, I wanted to make it special. Pretty clothes, a nice table with special details and yummy food, quality time, cuddles and fairy lights did make it special indeed.

Now, back to the dress. The pattern I used was the McCall’s 8032, View C with the View A skirt length to add a bit of length to the dress. As I wanted a long-sleeved dress, I mixed the original sleeve with the sleeve from M7973. I don’t usually change patterns or mix them as I am always afraid to mess it up however, lately I am feeling more adventurous in my sewing project. This was really a simple alteration as I did use the M8032 sleeve cap for two reasons. First being, I really like it and second, I did not want to mess it to the point of not fitting well with the bodice. Next, I used the M7973 length and shape as it was already adjusted to me size and I like the shape.

As usual, I made a size 8 at the bust with size 10 at the waist and hips. I think a straight size 8 would have word well.

It was not the first time I used this pattern and it is one that I really like. It did turn out just how I expected it would. I wanted something that I could dress up with the right accessories and shoes but I still can wear it with boots for example for everyday wear.

Regarding the fabric, I must say that it did took me a bit of time to decide. I first thought about making it in velvet but then I wouldn’t be able to wear it every day. For that reason, I decided to go with Needlecord. Next was the colour… I thought about a dark red or dark green as I like both colours but then again it would be too much Christmas. Finally, I decided to go with the colour petrol. Still lovely and will look good for Christmas as well as for the rest of the year.

I got the 100% cotton, 21 Wale Babycord in colour Rich Petrol from Higgs & Higgs and it worked very well for this project. It is soft, light enough for the gathering and very comfortable. As for the lining, I used a Liberty Tana Lawn leftover from a previous project.

I did wear my new dress all day and it is very comfortable. I am quite happy with it. 😊

Have a Happy New Year and thank you for following my sewing journey!

Maria x