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MCCALL'S 7743 | KNIT MAXI DRESS
It’s another birthday outfit. I love a good maxi dress, and I’ve been waiting to sew this one. I recently made the shorter version of this pattern, but when I wear a maxi dress, I feel glamorous. Maybe it’s the length of the garment. Long dresses just make me feel classy. This time I made a knit maxi dress.
This is pattern #14 of my personal challenge to sew 22 patterns that I already have in the year 2022. That means I have 8 more to go. You can see Pattern #13 HERE.
PATTERN INFORMATION
McCall’s 7743 is a fitted wrap dress with three design options.
- View A: Above knee-length, raglan sleeves,hook & bar and ties closure, front neckband closure w/hook & eye
- View B: maxi-length, raglan sleeves, double hook & bar closure, front neckband closure w/hook & eye
- View C: Maxi-length, kimono, double hook & bar closure
The pattern is currently available on the Something Delightful website in printed copy only. The company rates the pattern as Easy, and I agree. If you have basic sewing knowledge, you should be able to complete the dress.
The pattern instructions are fairly straightforward and simple enough for a beginner with basic skills. As always, take care to transfer your markings from the pattern to the fabric.
Inside the Garment
Of course, the inside is just as beautiful as the outside of the dress. You can sew this dress with a serger. I used my Baby Lock Vibrant Serger to sew all the main seams. However, I used the Baby Lock Soprano to attach the facing and clipped around the curve to keep it from bunching up. As usual, I hemmed the garment with Baby Lock Euphoria.
Alterations Information
I cut a size 14 on this dress, like I did with the last one. What was I thinking? This is knit fabric so I really needed to cut a size 10 because it’s a bit loose in the waist area. I actually felt it sagging a bit in the front.
I also didn’t mention the first time I sewed this dress that I should have cut a size 12 in the woven fabric because it wasn’t designed to be wrapped all the way to the side seam. I did that because it was too big. (Sigh)
Fabric Options
The fabric suggestions on the back of the pattern envelope are: Crepe, Challis, Georgette, and Crepe de Chine. These are all lightweight, flowy fabrics.
I used a lightweight rib knit from JoAnn Fabrics and it looks amazing. But I don’t really like this fabric type for the dress. I would prefer a medium weight knit.
Notions Information
The pattern calls for hook and eye, hook and bar, and ribbon for closures.
My Plans for the Garment
Maxi dresses are good for any occasion. I wear them around the house, to run errands, lunch and dinner dates, special events, and anywhere I want to be comfortable and cute.
I wore the dress last weekend during my solo birthday celebration. That’s right, I set a date with myself to celebrate during my birthday month — alone. As I continue to work on rebuilding my life, I will treat myself the way I want others to treat me. I want to celebrate MYSELF the same way others have celebrated me. I love the way my friends have treated me this month, but if I can’t do it for myself, something is wrong.
I spent the weekend at a lovely Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, called Terranea. When I tell you it was a dream, I’m not exaggerating. I had the absolute best ME TIME. My ocean view room with patio was the perfect setting for this solo weekend.
On Friday evening, I went to a Seafood Buffet at Catalina Kitchen and wore the top from my glamorous Birthday Outfit #1 with a pair of jeans and flat sandals.
I was seated near the front where I listened to live music while enjoying my meal. It was a great start to the weekend.
Day 2 of my Solo Birthday Weekend was even more amazing. I’ve always wanted to attend an Indian wedding, and I finally got my wish (from a distance) while having breakfast on my patio Saturday morning. It was so much fun watching the guests dance their way to the wedding spot, proceeded by a live band and disc jockey. The groom followed the procession on his beautiful white horse. I danced with them from my balcony – so did the guests to my left and right from their balconies. We all partied with them. It was so much FUN! The wedding attire was beyond words–STUNNING!
On Saturday evening, I had dinner at Mar’Sel, recognized as one of the premier dinning experiences in Southern California. Mar’Sel overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is an excellent choice for dinning elegance. I wore an outfit that I purchased many years ago. I’ve worn this skirt set to many special occasions and it will remain one of the few “ready-to-wear” favorites in my wardrobe for years to come.
My ocean view table just took my breath away. I smiled and thanked God again. The atmosphere was simply divine.
For starters I had the Risotto and Seared Scallops. Oh My Word! The scallops were cooked to absolute perfection and the entire dish was full of flavor. I chose the Lobster Paccheri and Brussels sprouts (not pictured) for main course.
For dessert, I had the Vegan Lemon Cheesecake and it was FABULOUS!!! I just had to meet Chef Fabio to let him know how pleasant my experience was with his dishes. He was very kind. I will definitely be returning to this location.
After dinner on Saturday, I enjoyed live music from a local artist named WAIS. Oh my goodness, did I have a good time. It wasn’t my style of music and the place was packed. But, honey, I made my way up to the front of the crowd and partied like I was a true fan. Hahahaha!!!
I wore my Lola Tank Dress again with a pair of flat sandals. But this time I turned the dress around and wore the back as the front. I LOVED it! I’m making this dress again without the front alteration. I met another birthday girl and we danced and laughed like we knew each other. After 1 1/2 hour of non-stop dancing, I returned to my room for a good night of sleep.
I wore the maxi dress to Sunday Bruch at Mar’Sel’s. Oh gosh, it was another exquisite experience. The same hostess greeted me when I arrived and she sat me in the section where my server from Saturday night was working.
I enjoyed another ocean view table, with a fire pit this time. I just smiled and thanked God again.
For Course #1, I ordered Shrimp Cocktail.
I just had to try the Seared Halibut for Course #2, and it did not disappoint. It was cooked to perfection with a nice crunch on the outside and tender fluffiness on the inside.
Course #3 was recommended by my server. I had the Sea Salt Pot de Créme, Valrhona Ganache, and salted cookie. Oh my WORD!!! Once again, every single bite was delectable. I told Christopher, my server, that I would come back for the dessert alone. Hahaha!!!
Styling Options
Maxi dresses can be dressed up or down depending on your accessories.
Styling Option #1
Here I styled the dress with a pair of blue, chunky heels that blended well with the blue and gray tones of the fabric. The blue floppy hat looks great and adds a chic vibe. Then, I finished the look with a pair of big hoop earrings, silver chain with a cross, and bangle bracelets.
How would you wear the dress?
Would you sew this dress? Do you have the pattern? How would you style it? Talk to me in the comments. I would love to hear from you. The comments section is at the end of the page.
Don't Forget your Sewing Project Checklist
Did you know that I created a Sewing Project Checklist to help you stay organized while sewing your garments? If you missed the video where I shared 3 Steps to Time Saving Sewing for Beginners, check it out to learn how you can streamline your sewing process. Tap the link below to get a Free PDF copy of the Checklist.
Thanks for stopping by,
Remember: When you live in your DESIGN, it is from there that God SHINES!
Links to Products, Posts & Tutorials
Here are links to products, blog posts, and tutorials mentioned in this post.
- Pattern
- Sewing Project Checklist
- Fabric Option 1
- Fabric Option 2
- Learn to SEW
- Baby Lock Soprano
- Baby Lock Vibrant
- Baby Lock Euphoria
(DISCLAIMER: This blog post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission on qualifying purchases. All opinions in this post are my own.).)
This Post Has 24 Comments
What a beautiful dress, actually all of your projects are lovely! I attempted to make this dress two years ago. I’m not sure what I did wrong, but it ended up being way too long (and I’m fairly tall!) The dress is still in my UFO bin but you’ve inspired me to pull it out and try to salvage/finish it. Thank you!
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Love it Anita! Enjoy yourself!
Love your outfits!!
Well, you just always deliver in style and inspiration! Thank you!
I am SO GLAD you Celebrated YOU! KEEP it up! May GOD continue to Bless YOU! You are a Great Inspiration to ALL of us!
Thank you, Dara! God bless you too.
Oh!, I love the maxi dress, I am going to try and find the pattern in my local fabric shop but since Covid they have not had any pattern that I requested but I will try.
Thank you
Wonderful weekend, wonderful dress! Looks comfortable, too. Fantastic views of the ocean, the clothes and you!
Thank you so much, Mary Jean!
My birthday is Friday. I will be 77. I love your blogs. I’m so happy you were able to enjoy your birthday in such a fabulous place. I will be going to a seafood restaurant in Charlotte for my birthday with my husband and son.
Oh, Happy Birthday, Lynn! What a joy to be able to spend your special day with the ones you love. Have a wonderful time on your special day.
Anita, you certainly know how to celebrate solo! God has blessed you bountifully and it’s refreshing to see you acknowledge Him for his goodness. Sadly, so many people do not. Looking at the pictures you made at the resort caused me to thank Him for His creation – the ocean, foliage, beautiful sky, etc. You made such beautiful outfits for your trip and I also like the RTW outfit you wore for dinner. You look super and you are enjoying life the way you should. What a grand idea to celebrate yourself, make new acquaintances, bask in God’s goodness, and flash that megawatt smile. Thank you for the inspiration and for sharing your weekend. I’m ready to start on my anorak now. Bless you, Anita!!
Thank you so much, De! Yes, God is blessing my heart and I’m learing so much along this journey. Have fun sewing your anorak.
Anita, I Love the various options you can do with this dress. Thank you for sharing. God Bless!
You’re very welcome, Trish.
Yes, I will sew this pattern….I ran to my stash thinking I had M7743, but no, I have M5233. Store here I come. Love the dress it looks so comfortable but elegant. Anita you continue to inspire me. I hate to say this now, I do not celebrate my birthday. I need to change this, I need to celebrate the life God has given to me. Thank you again for an awesome anitabydesign.
Monica!!! You know, I didn’t make a big deal about my birthday much in the past, except for the decade milestones. Like you, I want to celebrate life period. Have fun sewing your maxi dress.
Hello Anita, just love ,love that dress.Yes I have the pattern and will be making it real soon. Plus girl friend you are sporting my favorite color Blue. I’m happy that you really enjoyed yourself.tThis goes to show you don’t always need a crowd to enjoy yourself. Anita you look very happy and contented. My God continue to shine in your life.Going to look in my stash and make that maxi real soon.Be Blessed. Dottie
Yaaay Dottie! Have fun sewing your maxi dress. Yes, we really can enjoy ME time and be content with ourselves. I’m so grateful for the journey because I’m exploring new things in life.
It looks as though you had the time of your life on this excursion Anita. And the outfits are absolutely gorgeous, and beautiful on you too!
Since I am now officially retired, I think I’ll plan something like this because it looks so refreshing. JUST ME! (●’◡’●)
Ooohhh, CONGRATULATIONS, Devoria!!! Yes, you MUST plan aa solo celebration excursion. Devoria, it was literally the most refreshing thing I’ve done for myself this year. You are going to LOVE it.
What a lovely weekend!! Yes, it’s imperative to take time and treat yourself the way you should be treated, good for you Anita! As always the dress and styling are beautiful!
Thank you so much, Charisse!