McCalls Dresses M8030

I spotted this pattern a while ago and really loved the way the direction of the stripes changed across the yokes. As soon as I saw this textured cotton from Guthrie Ghani I knew it would be perfect! The fabric was such a pleasure to sew with and it's lovely to wear - very soft and comfortable. I read a few reviews that mentioned there is not much ease around the hips in the pattern, so I graded from a small bust to a medium hip and the fit is great. I made view A, but extended it by 4" to match the length of view B while keeping the lovely curved hem detail. I really love how my dress turned out and can confirm it is perfect for a day out at the seaside!

This is the McCalls M8030 Josie dress which my mum and I both fancied last year. My mum recently made hers up a few weeks ago using a fine viscose, which I really loved and gave me the impetus to make up my own.

It’s a great dress, I’ve never worn this length before, but I think it works.

It looks lovely from the back too.

I made up a size M for bust 34 – 36. I’m 35.5”.

I was concerned about width on the hip as I’d read that many sewers found it less than generous around the bum, but when checking the finished garment measurements, I thought I’d be fine but grade up if you’re a little more hippy.

I used the long length of view A but with a straight hem like view B and long side slits.

I cut out 2 back yoke and used the burrito method, the pattern used only one yoke.

Now for the niggles.

The collar it quite oversized, I would reduce the height of the collar stand if I was to make it again.

I also find the dress has a tendency to fall to the back, off the shoulders. I think a forward shoulder adjustment would solve this but I’m not sure exactly of how I would do this where the seam descends down the grown on sleeve.

I’m going to add some belt loops on the sides at the waist as I think that would stop me adjusting it so much when I’m wearing it.

There's more detail and images on my blog post. https://lovelucie.org/2021/05/30/first-of-the-summer-dresses-mccalls-m8030-josie/