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McCalls 7249- a Rectangle's Best Friend

Meet my new best friend- McCall's 7249.  How is it that putting extra fabric around your midsection can actually help you to look like you've got a smaller waist?  I can't explain it, but this pattern does exactly that!  Here is my first version with what I call my EKG print.  I wasn't really sold on the print, but it was cheap, and now that I see it in a dress, I really love it!

Here is my second version with a fun chevron knit print:


I was feeling in the mood for some new dresses, and even went to JCPenney to try some on, but ended up  at Hancock fabrics instead, and picked up this pattern.  Here are all of the views included.  The dress takes about 2-1/2 yds.  


My fabrics are both ITY knits that I also picked up at Hancock's on a different visit.  I had said that I was going to stay away from polyester, but these both feel so nice!  Of course it is the perfect weather for them also-not too hot, not too cold. 


The pattern is just 4 pieces- 3 if you want to make the sleeveless version. For the dress with sleeves, it's just sleeves, front, back, and then the overlay, which also functions as the neckline finish.  Here's a close-up for you to see.  It's a little difficult to see where the overlay is with all of the zigzagging going on.


 It is one of those patterns that goes together like a puzzle, and I recommend that you read the instructions first.  Unlike me, who immediately sewed the overlay to the front with the right sides together, when it should have been right side to wrong side!  It's only one page of instructions, so it really would have taken less time to read them, than to rip out that section.


But, once I got that right, the rest of it went together like a dream. The length of the dress was 38" which is usually a really good length for me, so I didn't lengthen it.  However, I think that perhaps the ruching takes up some of that length, as it feels a little short.  I would like it a tad longer.

So, if you have a rectangularish shape like I do, I highly recommend giving this pattern a try!  It's a winner in my book.  Do you have any patterns that can perform optical illusions like this one?  If so, please share!

And thanks to all who have taken some of my fabrics with my Super Stash Reduction Sunday last week!  I've sold about half, and have condensed the remainder into a new photo album, that you can see here.  Best offers will be considered, so please don't hesitate to ask me at sewbaby at sewbaby dot com if you see anything that you'd like.

Happy Sewing!

Ann

Comments

  1. As a fellow rectangle, I thank you for this review! I need to track down this pattern stat. It looks great on you, and sounds quick to sew too.

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  2. I am a fellow rectangle too and am always on the look out for flattering patterns. This dress looks lovely on you and is very flattering. Thanks for sharing.

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  3. I too am a rectange and bought this thinking that the crossover would provide some waist shaping. I am glad to see your review of this as I am now more motivated to try it.

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  4. Well, all I see are curves :) You look fabulous and I love your fabric choices.

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  5. This looks really great on you--so flattering! I love the prints you have chosen. I can see a whole wardrobe of these dresses in fantastic prints.

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  6. Really love your choice fabrics for both of these, very pretty and work perfectly with the design.

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  7. I may be a rectangle too but not sure. You look great in these dresses Ann and I certainly understand your enthusiasm for this pattern .

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  8. I love this pattern and you in them! It is silly to say, but I JUST discovered I am a rectangle! I have been saying i am a this and a that, I really looked a few weeks ago and what do you know, I am a rectangle and now that I see this dress on a rectangle, I am going to make it. I may make it into a blouse since I don't wear dresses often, but who knows i may start Lol😉thank you for this a d thank you for listening .

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  9. I love this pattern and you in them! It is silly to say, but I JUST discovered I am a rectangle! I have been saying i am a this and a that, I really looked a few weeks ago and what do you know, I am a rectangle and now that I see this dress on a rectangle, I am going to make it. I may make it into a blouse since I don't wear dresses often, but who knows i may start Lol😉thank you for this a d thank you for listening .

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  10. How pretty, the prints are so fun. I don't have a favorite, both are so nice. And they really do flatter and look great on you. Nice!

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  11. The prints you have chosen are great. I'm not a rectangle shape, but I am a big fan of knits.

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  12. The prints you have chosen are great. I'm not a rectangle shape, but I am a big fan of knits.

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  13. Can't wait to pick this up as a rectangle too

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  14. Thanks so much for your very helpful review and photos. I am just about to pin and cut this pattern. Your dresses are both adorable. I hope mine turn out so well and so flattering.

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