FLUTTER SLEEVE MAXI | MCCALL'S 7925
Do you have patterns that you sew over and over again? You may recall that I started THIS VIEW B VERSION of McCall’s 7925 in 2020 and finished it recently. I couldn’t wait to sew the pattern again. But this time, I made the Flutter Sleeve Maxi Dress, with View C. I’m pretty sure this dress is currently my favorite maxi. Another beautiful addition to my new wardrobe. Let’s get into the details. But first, here are some closeup photos of the dress.
Pattern Information
MCCALL’S 7925 is a button-front woven dress. It is fitted through the bust; has a simple neckband; inset midriff separating bodice from skirt; with sleeve and skirt variations. View B has elasticized sleeves and purchased piping (or you can make your own piping). View D has elasticized sleeves and tie ends encased in the side seams. I sewed View C with the flutter sleeves (flounce).
The pattern is available in PDF only in sizes 6 – 22. It is rated as EASY by the company but I would rate it as MODERATE (Intermediate). There are several sewing techniques that an ADVANCED BEGINNER, with a good amount of experience, should be able to complete. I would not recommend this pattern for a new beginner. The pattern instructions and illustrations are simple enough to follow if you have experience.
Fabric Information
The pattern suggests Cotton Blends, Eyelet, Linen, and Crepe fabrics for the design. I used this VIBRANT FLORAL PRINT VISCOSE from Core Fabrics. When I first saw the print, I knew it had to become a maxi dress. The vibrant colors and amazing drape were screaming for a garment that would highlight these outstanding characteristics. I also think it’s an awesome print to transition into fall. The orange and magenta are so dynamic together.
If you love the fabric, you can get a 15% discount by using my code: ANITA15 at Core Fabrics. The code is applicable on all fabrics in the store (excluding sale items).
I’m a huge fan of Viscose fabric and this is different from any others I’ve used in the past. It’s a higher quality fabric and I can feel the difference. It’s lightweight and soft against the body, but in handling it before and after wash, I could tell it was the good stuff. If you’d like to learn more about Viscose, here’s a GREAT ARTICLE from Core Fabrics that explains it very well.
Inside the Garment
I used my Baby Lock Chorus sewing machine on all the seams and the Vibrant Serger to finish seam allowances. I’ve started a new YOUTUBE SERIES all about the Chorus Sewing Machine. The first 2 videos, where I walk you through the machine parts and accessories, are already available. The third video is coming soon where I will show you how to set up the machine to get started with sewing. Here are some photos of the inside of the maxi dress.
Notions Information
I used this awesome BUTTON MAKING TOOL to make my self covered buttons. I’ll be sharing in my Sewing Behind the Scenes video tomorrow how to use the tool. It’s a game changer. I keep a supply of SELF COVERED BUTTONS on hand in several sizes because I love covering buttons. I’l be sharing about that in the video too.
Alterations Information
I cut a Size 8 bodice and graded out to a Size 10 at the bottom of the bodice. Then I cut a Size 10 skirt. While trying on the bodice for fit, I noticed the white background of the fabric showing on the flutter sleeve. I totally missed that detail when choosing the fabric. But I knew exactly what to do to fix it. I made a sleeve lining using the main fabric.
I cut two extra sleeves, making a total of 4. I extended the hem on the new sleeve pieces by 1/2″ and used them as the main sleeve pieces. I wanted my sleeve a tad bit longer than what the original hem would have been. I sewed the two sleeve pieces together at the hem first, with right sides facing. Next I folded the sleeve pieces over, bringing the wrong sides together and basted at the top edge of the sleeve and along the sides. This created a seam line on the inside of the sleeve 1/2″ from folded edge. It really gave a clean and polished finish on the sleeves.
I had a little mishap with my midriff facing on the inside of the dress. The midriff came up a little short on one side. Instead of taking it apart and cutting a new piece, I did a little bootleg patch job. Hahaha! I cut a strip of fabric, pressed it to the size I needed, and hand sewed it to cover the shortage. Shhhh… Nobody has to know but us.
Styling Options
Because I plan to wear this dress both with heels and flats, I hemmed it to a length to accommodate both. I’ve styled it here with a pair of flat, silver sandals. I plan to wear the dress with flats most of the time. I’m wearing silver hoop earrings, beaded bracelets, rhinestone ring, and a matching clutch purse.
Next, I’ve styled the dress with my orange high heel pumps. Now these are one pair of shoes that I really love because of the style, but baby they are HIGH heels. I’m coming down on the heel height of my shoes as I purchase new pairs. So, these orange cuties are only worn when there won’t be much walking involved. 
But I think they’re really cute.
Don’t forget to join me tomorrow on my YouTube channel with a “BEHIND THE SCENES” look into the making of this Flutter Sleeve Maxi Dress. Here’s the PLAYLIST, just in case you’ve missed the past episodes.
What do you think?
Would you wear this dress? I’d love to hear your feedback. Scroll to the very bottom of this page to leave a comment.
Thank you for stopping by today! 💕
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This Post Has 38 Comments
Beautiful dress Anita
Thank you Lynne! 💕
Beautiful Anita
Hello there. I would definitely wear this dress. It is totally my style.
I am so glad you mentioned Viscose, because I have been wondering about that particular fabric. I look forward to reading the article thoroughly about this beautiful fabric.
Thank you once again for sharing your beautiful outfits with us.
Thank you so much, Lynette! I think you would look so beautiful in this dress. Enjoy the article. 🤗
Anita, thank you for always giving me inspiration. After watching your video I’m so excited to get back in my sewing room and my comfort zone. Lovely as usual….may God continue to bless you and us with your talent. You are such a sweet example of a great friend in this sewing community and life. Beautiful addition to your collection. Very nice job! 🤗
Oh my goodness, Canita! Thank you so much for blessing my heart with your words. I’m really happy to hear that you are inspired here. May God continue to bless you too, my sister. I’m grateful to have you here. 💕
lovely dress
Thank you Delores!
Anita…Such a beautiful dress for a gorgeous lady! I love the fabric colors AND those orange high heels! Great job! I really enjoy the professional finishings on the inside!
Thank you so much, Ronda! The clean finishing really makes me smile.
Anita…Such a beautiful dress for a gorgeous lady! I love the fabric colors AND those orange high heels! Great job!
Anita,
If sewing a gorgeous dress is a crime, the police will arrest you TODAY. This is so beautiful! As I’ve stated before, you have such a great eye for fashion in that you select patterns a lot of people pass over and sew them into such fantastic pieces. I love the colors and fabrics you choose plus the tips you provide in your blog. The way you constructed the flutter sleeve on this dress takes it up notches. I am so ready to watch the behind-the-scenes video for this dress. Thanks for taking us along on the journey as you revamp your wardrobe. Sometimes I scroll back through your gallery of pictures and enjoy the projects that are posted. You did it again!!
De, you make me smile every time. I cracked up at your first sentence. I’m so glad you love reading the blog. I agree with you, sister. The flutter sleeve is the highlight of this dress. I hope you will enjoy the Behind the Scenes video. Thank you for being here and supporting me. I really appreciate you.
Dear Anita, I love your dress, it’s beautiful as always🥰. I like 50’s style dresses with petticoats too. Have a nice day🙂
Thank you so much, Dagmar! 🤗
Hi Anita,
I absolutely love your flutter sleeve dress, such a beautiful flattering shape and the elegant flowing drape of the sleeves – just perfection! The fabric is beautiful, too. I really appreciate all the hard work you put into these blogs, especially when you describe any pitfalls and what steps you took to overcome them. I’m a beginner and find this so very helpful. I was really interested in the way you constructed the sleeves so as to avoid having the wrong side of the sleeve showing. I am really looking forward to watching the behind the scenes videos. Thank you also for your discount code with Core Fabrics.
Kindest regards and greetings from Scotland, UK.
Jill
Hi Jill! Oh, you don’t know how much your comment blesses my heart. I am here for beginners first. And to hear that you are enjoying and learning from what I share is truly encouraging to me. When I hear things like this, it makes me want to keep going. It does take a lot oof work and time to create the content, but I enjoy it so much. When someone is actually learning as a result, it makes ALL the hours worth the time investment. Thank you for sharing your takeaway with me. I really appreciate you. 🤗💐
Hi Anita
Once again you have inspired me to select fabrics out of my comfort zone. You nailed it once again. Great garment but you look great in it.
Awesome, Barb! Yes, let’s step out of our comfort zones. That’s where the growth happens. Thank you for sharing this because I needed to hear it too, as I’m sure others reading do as well.
Anita, Hats Off !!! I adore this Flutter Dress !!!! The pattern, the fabric, the color, even the thread 🩷🧡🩷🧡🩷 That button cover tool is waay cool. Love, lov, love !!!! 😁😁😁
Jan
Jan!!! Thank you so much! I’m with you on this one. I love EVERYTHING about the dress. Yes, even the thread!!! I hope you will catch the video tomorrow to see how the button cover tool works. I love how quick and simple it is to make my covered buttons now.🤗
As always you look beautiful in it! For me it would be view D, love it. But then if it’s a maxi length I’m going to love it anyway 😊
I love View D too. So, don’t be surprised when you see it on the blog. It’s a beauty! 🤗
You look so pretty.
I love the self covered buttons.
Great job!
Lorraine
Thank you so much, Lorraine! I absolutely love the buttons too.
Anita,
This is a beautiful dress. It is more elegant than the shirt dresses available in the Summer.
Are you wearing heels? Does this pattern come in a size 18?
I would love this dress in a pattern and fabric that I can wear I the winter and early Spring in Virginia.
Hi Velma! The pattern goes up to Size 22. I’m wearing both flats and heels, described near end of blog post in the Styling section.
The pattern companies need to hire you to make and model their styles. Once again I would not have chosen to make this dress based on the pattern envelope images. It’s a gorgeous style and you look great wearing it! Excellent fabric choice!
Thank you Sue! The fabric really did elevate the dress.
Anita, thank you for sharing another gorgeous dress. I love the fabric too. I am really enjoying your behind the scenes series! Stay blessed!
Thank you, Trish! I’m SO GLAD you’re enjoying the series! 🤗
Oh my! This dress is just fabulous and I want to make it ! But I see all your garments and want to make them! I like your sleeve detail and think it’s so flattering especially as it’s a teensy bit longer this is a great idea. I’m going to order this pattern it is great.
I have some linen print I think may look good in this what do you think?
Your posts inspire me so thank you .
Oh my goodness, Sally! Linen would look AMAZING with this dress. YES! Do it! Have fun making your dress. 🤗
Anita, this dress is stunning on you! I really like the fabric too. I saw it on the Core fabric site and it took my eye too. But I didn’t purchase any. I’m really trying to do some better at buying online!but so far, I’ve strayed a few times lately! lol. Our Joann fabrics carries decent fabrics too, here in northern IN, Fort Wayne actually. It’s a nice store, even ETC so lots of everything else. lol. I know you find some really nice fabrics too at your stores. You are just such a gorgeous woman. Inside and out. And your sewing is wonderful too. There is another you tube gal, Karon E and she really makes gorgeous garments too. You might want to check her out if you don’t know about her. Her garments are stunning as yours! I’m currently sewing little girls dresses for a charity. Then I hope to sew up a few warm tops, etc for our upcoming winter and Boy!!! It can be cold, and icy and even snowy. The winters here are something else but do seem milder at times than years ago. That’s why seeing is sooo great! Take care and happy sewing too, Nancy
Hi Nancy! Thank you so much for sharing with me today. Yes, I know Karon! She is AMAZING! Her sewing skills are top notch and I love her garments. I love that you are sewing for charity. Have fun sewing for the winter.🤗
Anita your craftsmanship and choice of fabric is exquisite as always. This dress and the way you styled it is absolutely gorgeous.
Thank you Yolanda.