I’m starting to think that the number of my sewing obsessions is increasing the more I sew. The High-Low skirt style might no longer ‘the It’ fashion trend, but I don’t care. I love it. It suits my petite frame and I feel pretty and taller wearing this style of skirt. At some point, it gets a little boring to stick to skirts with the hem hitting about knee level or higher to keep the impression that I am taller and slimmer.

When I selected the fabric, Minerva Exclusive Mariana Secrets Viscose Challis Fabric*, there was only one option, to make a dress. The print on the fabric is quite big and I wanted to be shown off in my dress. That led me to choose McCall’s 7801* to pair it with my fabric.

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For details about my thoughts about the fabric please check out my post on the Minerva website here*.

Sewing Summary:

Pattern: McCall’s 7801* – Fitted partially (bodice) lined dresses have length and sleeve variations, snap closure and tie belt. Includes separate pattern pieces for A/B, C, and D cup sizes. A, B: Neckline flounces. D: Collar and lapel. A, C, D: Shaped hemline, wrong side of fabric will show.

Sizing: US A5 ( 6-8-10-12-14) and E5 (14-16-18-20-22)

Fabric: 3.5 m Minerva Exclusive Mariana Secrets Viscose Challis Fabric*, the pattern calls for 1 m of lining fabric.

Notions: 1m 1cm wide ribbon, 1 sew-in press stud

Modifications: I cut a straight size 14 cup size D. I used a 1 cm wide cotton twill for the ties instead of ribbon. Also, I did not use lining fabric for the bodice, but the same fabric as the outside, the fabric is light enough to line itself.

Instructions: Quite easy to follow and there are plenty of diagrams to help if the written instructions aren’t making sense. I tend to only look at the diagrams and check for the seam allowance. Because I wanted the lining to cover the seam allowance on the armscye I veered off instructions at this point and after basting the seam allowance on the lining I used a catch stitch all around so that the is no exposed seam allowance. The same technique is used for the bottom of the lining once the skirt is attached to the bodice.

Fit: It is ok. I find that the front bodice is a little too long on me. On the next version of this dress, I’ll need to shorten the front bodice by about 2 cm on the wrap. The side seam was OK.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?: Yes and No! due to my fabric choice, some of the design elements got lost in the finished dress.

Make Again?: Yes. I’m thinking of making the same view but in a solid or even using contrasting fabric for the tie belt, collar and sleeve cuffs just to showcase the pattern design elements that drew me to it in the first place.

The dress feels so luxurious to me. It feels great to wear and I love the flow of the fabric. It is flattering on my petite frame and makes me look so elegant.