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SLEEVELESS RED DRESS | MCCALL'S 7997
It’s all about red today! I love wearing red because I think it looks good against my skin. But I also like it because it’s a power color. When I saw View A of McCall’s 7997, I knew I wanted to make a sleeveless red dress. And I found the perfect fabric for the occasion. This post will be short since I’ve already shared details about the pattern in a previous post, so enjoy the photos.
PATTERN INFORMATION
I used McCall’s 7997. The fully lined coat dress pattern offers both a sleeveless and long sleeve options. View A is a sleeveless version.
Inside the Garment
I used a red lining in keeping with the monochromatic look. Since the dress is sleeveless, I used red bias tape to finish the armhole opening.
Fabric Options
The pattern suggests the following fabrics: Wool Blends, Gabardine, Crepes, and Suiting Fabric. I used this beautiful, red knit fabric because it has a beautiful medium weight that’s perfect for the dress. It’s a great option for suits, skirts, pants, and jumpsuits.
The lining fabric is a 100% Polyester from JoAnn Fabrics. It’s lightweight and a good fit for the fabric.
Notions Information
The pattern calls for seven 1″ buttons. I covered six 3/4″ metal buttons with the outer fabric. I didn’t use the seventh button. I absolutely love fabric covered buttons because they produce such a classy, tailored finish. View A needs 1 1/2 yard of half-inch Single Fold Bias Tape for the armhole. Of course, you will need your matching thread. I used a size 12 Universal Needle to sew the main fabric, and size 10 Universal Needle for the lining.
Styling Options
I styled the dress with a pair of red high heel sandals; red straw hat; red/white/blue fabric choker with rhinestone charm; red/white/blue handbag; simple rhinestone stud earrings.
Wearing the Dress in Public
How would you wear the garment?
Would you sew this dress? Would you sew it with or without sleeves? How would you style it? Leave a comment below and tell me what you think about this pattern.
Thanks for stopping by,
Remember: When you live in your DESIGN, it is from there that God SHINES!
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.
Links to Products, Posts & Tutorials
Here are links to products, blog posts, and tutorials mentioned in this post.
- Pattern
- Fabric Option
- Sewing Project Checklist
- Learn to SEW Course
- 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 37 Comments
Oh Janice, thank you so much, SEW Sister! This is an excellent dress for church. Yes, I would wear the pink one to church too. Have fun making your dress.
Yay, Delores! Have fun making your dress. The darts really help to create nice shaping for the dress.
Hi Alice! Thank you so much. I love how the hats elevate the entire looks.
Always love your work. What a beautiful dress and you look great in it!
Thank you, Lynn!💕
Anita, I Love this dress and the color choice. Do you think I can make this with denim?
Hi Trish! Oh, yes, absolutely! I think it would look nice in denim. Have fun making your dress.💕
Just so classy and lovely. Great work!!!
Hi Leticia!!! Thank you so much, SEW Sister! 💕 I absolutely love this dress.
I would use my red peep toe court shoes, a red bead necklace with a heart shaped fob and my red glittery/dangly red earrings which I wear every Christmas. I would feel really smart. It is a lovely dress.
So classy!
That dress is beautiful period
I don’t know where to start. Talk about a powerful look – this is it! Red is one of my favorite colors. I like the shoes and other accessories but I looovvveee that hat. This is another classy look. Without a doubt, you look great; and as always, your sewing is impeccable! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much, De! Red is one of my favorite colors too.
Your talents abound, Anita! Beautiful finished garment and beautiful you in it!
Love that you photographed the fabric bolt description and give all the help you can to ladies who will create the dress. Not me because of 80 years of reasons, but I can still dream!
Thank you!
Thank you Nikki! I love sharing the details because when I want to learn something I want ALL the details. I’m really glad to hear that you appreciate that too.
The dress is lovely, but those SHOES take it to the next level!!! They are AMMMMMMMMMAAAAZING!!! <3
Thank you, Pat! Yeeesss! I LOVE the shoes too!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Another beautiful outfit!!! I love your fabric choses and how you add accessories to each outfit.
Thank you Monica!
BOTH the Outfits and the Model are Beautiful! Thank you for sharing Anita!
Thank you Dara!
YOU GO MS ANITA! Just always doing a fabulous job!
Thank you Gwen! ❤️
Oh, thank you. Yes, I really enjoy sewing my own clothes too. The control we have to tailor the garments to our own bodies is priceless.
This is the prettiest dress, and the color is beautiful!
Thank you Devoria!
So pretty! You did that, as always.
Thank you Diva!
You look great in this red dress. I definitely like the fabric you used. Did you get both fabrics from Joann’s?
Thank you, Legertha. Yes, both fabrics are from Joann’s.
Absolutely Fabulous! The fit is perfect and your styling is spot on. Yes, how do you get such a perfect fit!! How long did it take you to complete this project?
Thank you, Sandra. It takes a lot of work to get the fit on this garment. I perfected the fit with the first version that I made, so sewing this dress was faster. I think I spent about 3 days, including cutting. Fitting is a skill that I continue to learn and practice along the way. I have sewing books that teach different techniques and I try different methods and use what works for me.
Love your dress! You look fantastic in red.
I have this pattern but have been afraid to make it because I do not have the best luck with woven patterns. Did you choose a different size from your measurements given that you used a knit?
Hi Nikki! I used the same pattern for this dress that I used for the first dress that was sewn with woven fabric. But I used a stable knit and treated it like a woven. I didn’t need the stretch, I just loved the color and weight of the knit fabric. If I were using it for a tighter fit, then I would adjust the cutting line to a smaller size based on the fit I desire.
Anita, your garments always fit so well. Do you fit as you go?
Thank you, Rochelle! I do a combination of bother altering the pattern and fitting as I go. I try to get as much of my desired fit with the pattern adjustments before I start sewing. Then, if I need to tweak the fit, I do that at the sewing machine.