SEWING MY STASH | MCCALL’S 8031

MCCALL'S 8301

Chic, classy, comfortable, and so very versatile. I have not made a button front dress in several years. I’m not sure why because I have plenty of patterns for this garment style. Nevertheless, I’m super happy to finally have one in my closet. (This post is sponsored by Baby Lock.)

MCCALL'S 8301

After I finished sewing the dress, I put it on my dress form, tied the sash around the waist, rolled up the sleeves and attached the tabs to the sleeve buttons. Then, I stepped back and hit a few dance moves, because I LOVE IT!!! I don’t know about you but I totally celebrate when my garments turn out well.

And since this is garment #21 in my personal challenge to sew 22 patterns that I already have in 2022, I had something celebrate. One more pattern to go! WooHoo!!! Take a look at Pattern #20 HERE.

PATTERN INFORMATION

McCall’s 8031 is a LEARN TO SEW Level 3 pattern. It’s for the advanced beginner who has a good amount of experience.

The button front dress has three sleeve lengths, back yoke, side seam pockets, patch pockets, shirttail hemline, or side hemline slits.

MCCALL'S 8301

The pattern is currently available on the Something Delightful website.

The pattern instructions are clear enough that you should be able to follow along.

MCCALL'S 8301

Inside the Dress

Now, let’s take a look at the inside of the dress. I used my Baby Lock Soprano to sew all the seams and darts. Then, I used the Vibrant Serger to finish the seam allowances. 

MCCALL'S 8301

I set my machine with a 2.5mm stitch length, 3.5 stitch width and used the all-purpose presser foot to sew all the seams. I wish I had inserted a double fold hem on the bottom because I don’t like the light colored thread showing while wearing the dress. So, I will probably go back and re-do the hem later.

The buttonholes were created with the automatic buttonhole feature on my Baby Lock Soprano along with the automatic buttonhole presser foot. It makes sewing buttonholes effortless. The machine literally does all the work for you.

Keeping the lines straight while topstitching the pockets was simplified by using the edge of the all-purpose presser foot as a guide.

Fabric Options

The fabric suggestions on the back of the envelope call for; crepes, cotton blends, linen, and sateen. I used a raw silk that I’ve had in my fabric collection for about 2 years. It was given to me by a friend from church. She was clearing out her fabric collection in preparation for a move out of state.

I didn’t want to receive a lot of fabric because I had done my own decluttering project in 2020. But she had two pieces that I couldn’t pass up, and this silk was one. The fabric is lightweight and has a nice amount of drape, making it a nice option when the weather warms up.

MCCALL'S 8301

Alterations Information

I didn’t make any major pattern adjustments for the dress. I cut a size Medium on top and merged it to a Large at the hips. I really like the fit. It’s just right in the bust area with the extra ease that I wanted at the hips.

I always love the back pleat detail when sewing a button front shirt or dress. I think it looks so clean and professional.

MCCALL'S 8301

Notions Information

The only notions suggested are buttons for the front opening and sleeves to attach the buttons.

My Plans for the Garment

This dress will definitely get lots of wear. I can wear it to church, out to dinner, for business meetings, and many other occasions.

MCCALL'S 8301

Styling Options

Changing up the shoes and other accessories can give this dress lots of wearable options. Style is with a pair of boots and a scarf around the neck for cooler weather. You can also layer it with a turtleneck top, leggings underneath and a pair of boots for extra warmth.

Styling Option #1

I styled it with a pair of basic pumps, stud earrings, a simple necklace and red/blue handbag for a pop of color. This look is classic and appropriate for work, business conferences, or anywhere you want to look professional. Release the sleeve tab for a long sleeve button front dress.

How would you wear the garment?

Would you sew this dress? Do you have the pattern? Talk to me in the comments. I would love to hear from you.

MCCALL'S 8301

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! 


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(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.).)

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This Post Has 23 Comments

  1. Sally gibb

    I bought this pattern and have it set aside with a few fabrics . I love this dress on you with that amazing silk, beautiful colour too . I’m think I’m going to make it in an ochre tencel fabric first then give it a try in a cotton lawn if it works for summer .

  2. Patricia Reid - Williams

    I can see myself making this dress in one day and wearing it the next day if I didn’t work. I love the dress and you wear it well. I said I wasn’t going to buy another pattern as I have a drawer full of “new” patterns that have not been opened but I’ll purchase this one and probably make it in yellow or red. You’re very inspiring with your sewing tututorial. Iv’e been sewing for years and it’s good to get fresh ideas.

  3. Carmen

    Miss Anita! Yes, I would definitely sew this dress. I do not have the pattern & I don’t think I would have bought it by just looking at the envelope. However, you just make everything look fabulous. This is totally my style. I’m so excited that you are almost there with your 2022 makes. I have set the same goal for myself for 2023. Again I say, thsnk you for inspiring me.

    1. Anita Morris

      Carmen, this dress is such a great sew. I love that you’re setting the goal for yourself in 2023. Have a blast sewing your pattern stash.

  4. Robin

    Your dress is stunning, and I love the color! Have a glorious day!

  5. Sharon

    Honey!!! Sukee Sukee now!!! When I say you know your stuff when you just start sewing on costly fabric!!! Mrs Anita, you need to pose on that pattern cover because now….. I will get that pattern. Now I see what this dress “really” looks like. OhhhGod is so wonderful I wish you much success over this new venture.

    1. Anita Morris

      Sharon!!!!! 😂 You just made me laugh out loud for real with the “Sukke Sukee now!” 😂 Yeees, honey! You KNOW you’re doing something when you pull out that expensive fabric. Have fun sewing your dress. It’s really a great pattern.

  6. Yolanda

    Oh Anita! The fabric just transcends this dress into a class of of its own! The dress is awesome and you look fabulous in it!

    1. Anita Morris

      Yolanda, I agree with you wholeheartedly! The fabric elevated the dress to another level. I love it so much. Thank you.

  7. Agatha

    love it. Love it. Love it.

  8. Ramona

    It’s the fabric for me! It’s lovely.

  9. Lisa St

    The style, the color. the drape, the pockets…..🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

    That’s all I can say!!!!!

    1. Anita Morris

      Yeeesss, Lisa! It’s the entire dress for me too. I’m in love!!! 💕

  10. Leana Vansel

    OMG! This dress looks gorgeous and it fits you PERFECTLY
    You outdid yourself… as always.
    Merry Christmas to you and your family🎄

    1. Anita Morris

      Thank you so much, Leana! This pattern is a winner. I love my dress.

  11. Anita Morris

    Yaaayyy! Have fun making your shirt dress, Ginger!

  12. Dara

    Anita, You and the dress are Beautiful! Thanks So Much for sharing! Merry Christmas to You and Your family!!

    1. Anita Morris

      Thank you so much, Dara! Merry Christmas to you and your family too.

      1. Debra

        Wow! That fabric did it for me. You and it are gorgeous. Merry Christmas to you and family🙏🏽

        1. Anita Morris

          Thank you so much, Debra! Yep, the fabric made the dress fabulous! 💕