Firstly, apologies for the radio silence, I’ve had computer issues! I bought a new phone so I decided to back up my photos off my old phone, just in case by deleting them off my old phone, they were also deleted off the cloud. Well my computer didn’t like having 6000+ photos added to it’s already nearly full storage and went into major sulk mode. I’ve started deleting unnecessary ones and it’s a bit happier…there are times I hate computers!

Anyway, last week I decided to make another summer dress for our big holiday. I bought this gorgeous cotton lawn a couple of years ago at the Harrogate Show, there’s a regular stall there that has quite a few of these digitally printed watercolour prints, they feel gorgeous, like silk, so I’ve fallen for several over the years. I had 3.5m in my stash and it’s 54″ wide so I had a reasonable choice of patterns.

I decided to make McCall’s 7974 which is a V neck, button through dress, sleeveless option and a high waistline with one of those midriff sections which rise to a point under the bust, not sure what you call them! And of course it has pockets 🙂

I usually decide on which size to cut depending on the actual garment measurements given, bust was a size 12, hips were irrelevant as the skirt is full. Unfortunately it didn’t give waist measurements, probably because the true waist was part of the skirt. A straight size 12 has been OK recently so I didn’t hesitate cutting it out.

It all went together nicely but when I came to try the bodice on it was very snug round the midriff, I also wasn’t keen on the fact that as both sides came up to a point under the bust, if it overlapped for buttons then the edges didn’t meet.

I decided the answer to both problems was to add a placket. I simply cut a strip, made a band and stitched it behind. I could then stitch the buttons on the edge, giving me the extra size I needed whilst ensuring the two sides met nicely at the top. The pretty pink shell buttons were in my stash, I had just enough! I’m doing quite well at using buttons from my stash at the moment.

With the bodice sorted I just had to hem the skirt with a neat narrow hem. The main seams are all French seamed so it looks nice inside as well as out. I’m pleased with it, though I’m not too sure about this style of bodice on me, I’ll wear it on holiday and see how I feel before I decide whether or not to make another one.