Each year I try to get an outfit for Christmas. Until last year, I’ve used Christmas-themed fabric which was quite fun. However, this limits the period I can wear whatever I make do this year I’ve gone for non-themed material for my Christmas outfit.

The outfit started with the fabric, which I got from the knits remnants bucket from an Abakhan near me. I think it is a see-through jersey. It has a bit of a sparkle, so I think this makes it perfect for Christmas. I picked a pattern for a garment that would allow eating loads and not feel too tight at the end of the day.

I had about 3.5 m of fabric. I had to be a little creative when placing the pattern on the fabric to be able to cut it all. In the end, I had to shorten the hem by about 5 cm to make sure the dress skirt fitted on the fabric and allowed for the sleeves to be cut as well. This also meant that I had to cut the pieces on a single layer, which I am not a fan of.

Sewing Summary:

Pattern: McCall’s 7407 by Melissa Watson for Palmer/Pletsch. Flared pullover top and dress are close-fitting through the bust, with a round neckline with a band, back neck slit, narrow hem, and sleeve variations. A: Three-quarter sleeves. B: Sleeveless. This is a pattern that also has a digital version.

Sizing: 6 – 8 -10-12-14 and 16-18-20-22

Fabric: 3.5 m of jersey fabric

Notions: instructions call for one hook and eye, which I skipped as I feel that you don’t need it to put the garment on or take it off.

Modifications: I cut a straight size 14 and shortened the dress by 5 cm to get the pattern pieces to fit on the fabric. I made a combination of views A and B.

Instructions: Not used them. They are quite detailed and have tips on how to use the tissue pattern to check for fit before cutting the fabric

Fit: Good. The sleeves are quite fitted. The dress is fitted at the top through the bust and then flares towards the hem.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?:

Watch out for: the dress pattern pieces are quite big. Make sure your fabric is at least 150 cm wide. The sleeves are quite fitted, so make sure that your fabric has enough stretch if you make the sleeved version.

Make Again?: Yes. I’m thinking of making another dress and I want to make the top as well. when I make the dress I will add pockets.

The fabric is a little too see-through for my liking, so I’ll wear it with leggings and a black camisole or even skinny jeans.