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Sewing My Stash | McCall's 8035
This is pattern #6 of my personal challenge to sew 22 patterns that I already have in the year 2022. As I continue to work through my collection of patterns, I’m discovering just how similar many of them are in style. That’s a good thing because it demonstrates just how sure I am about what I like to wear. I’m also discovering that I have several patterns that I probably won’t sew. Although I did a pattern declutter several years ago, I held onto some that I liked. But now I have zero interest in some of those same patterns. Perhaps I’ll do another decluttering soon. But McCall’s 8035 is a keeper. And I need to get to sewing because I have 16 more patterns to sew in six months.
PATTERN INFORMATION
McCall’s 8035 is a beginner friendly pattern and is available in both print and digital options. If you have basic sewing skills, you should be able to sew this dress with success. I chose it for two reasons. First, I knew that it would be great for a beginner’s sew-along. Second, I love the puff sleeves on Views B and C.
I’m a maxi girl fan, so View C is my jam. The pattern instructions are straight forward and should be easy to follow. The illustrations are clear and helpful too. I cut a size medium and didn’t make any alterations to the pattern. I’d say sizing is good but when I sew it with a knit fabric, I will probably cut a small to get a closer fit in the bodice.
The required notions to sew the dress are minimal. You only need thread and elastic. They suggest 3/4″ elastic for the waist, and 3/8″ elastic for the sleeves. I used the 3/8″ for the waist because my casing wasn’t large enough to accommodate the 3/4″ width.
Inside the Garment
Fabric Options
The fabric recommendations on the pattern are: Interlock, Crepes, Challis and Georgette. I used a Bubble Gauze that I picked up from Joann Fabrics. It’s lightweight and I always love the texture on this fabric. When pressing the seams, I was careful to use the tip of my iron only to prevent flattening out the raised texture. For the rest of the garment I used only the steam from my iron to remove any wrinkles.
Styling Options
View C of this pattern is a very simple dress. When I’m wearing it around the house to lounge, I’ll just wear it as is with a pair of flip flops. But it can also be styled for different occasions. I’ll share my three styling options.
Styling Option #1
The first styling option is how I would wear the dress out to dinner, or any girl’s outing. I’ve added a wide belt because that’s my favorite thing to do with elastic waist garments. I paired it with my mustard strappy high heels that I’ve had for many years. I’m wearing drop earrings, a pendant necklace and bling bracelet.
Styling Option #2
The second styling option is how I would wear the dress to the beach as a swimwear coverup. Getting it wet wouldn’t be an issue because the fabric dries quickly. I would also wear this style to the farmers market and to run errands on a sunny day. I paired it with a floppy hat, flip flops, the same drop earrings, my tote bag from Jamaica, and a thin drop necklace. I think this would look nice with a drawstring.
Styling Option #3
The third styling option is how I would wear it to church, out to dinner, a tea party (with a hat of course), and all other kinds of events where dressy is the code for attire. This time I tied the ends of the slit into a knot. I think it brings a whole different flair to the dress. I wanted to “sassy” it up. I think I just created a new phrase. Hahaha! I’m rocking it with the same accessories as the first styling option. Just in case you’re wondering, yes, I was still able to walk. I tested it around the house. Hahaha!
How would you wear the dress?
Would you sew this pattern? If so, which view would you choose to make? Which of my styling options do you like for View C? Leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you.
Check out the Pattern Review on YouTube
Yes, that’s right. I’ve created a pattern review of McCall’s 8035 and it’s available now on my YouTube channel. I wanted to get you prepared if you’re a new beginner and planning to sew this pattern. Tap the link below to watch the video. Then, grab your supplies and stay tuned for the Sew Along coming soon.
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 I mentioned in this post.
- McCall’s 8035 Pattern
- Sewing Project Checklist
- Pattern Review Video
- Gauze Option 1
- Gauze Option 2
- Gauze Option 3
- 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 25 Comments
Anita, I love your make of this pattern, what an awesome job and your color choice is perfect for your beautiful personality and smile. Thanks so much for sharing!
Anita, I love this pattern ! I will be doing the sew along, for sure. I like the option with the wide belt. I initially thought to make this and wear my turquoise concho belt with it, but those tend to be worn closer to the hips vs. waist. Guess I gotta star shopping for a wide leather belt. LOL. Thanks all that you for us!
The dress, the shoes, the color…. I love it. I think this would look good on me as I am 5’9″. Think I’m going to purchase this pattern.
I think the dress is lovely on you, but I am short with a full bust and 160lbs. Living in AZ with 100+ temps, so it would not be a good style for me. We rarely wear long sleeves or maxi dresses here, so unfortunately I would not make this dress—sorry. I need some casual clothes with bust darts , short sleeves, crop pants currently. I do need dresses also but more tailored clothes (I think).?
Jean, you don’t need to apologize to me for not wanting to sew this dress. You know what you want, so create what makes you happy. I would never apologize to you for sewing what I like and what looks good on me.
Ok this is going on my list of must do’s….I have to say, looking at the pattern in a book I would not choose it, however seeing the finished dress sown with a yellow textured fabric and wearing wide belt, makes me want to sew and wear it.
My granddaughter is getting married next year, outdoor wedding under a huge canopy at a local park by a lake….I think this dress would be perfect. Cool, dressy, but not over the top, fun and airy I can keep going. Can you tell I love it!!!
I can tell you love it, Monica, and I think it would be perfect for the wedding you’re describing. Have fun sewing your dress.
I love this dress. I would make it and wear it. I like it best with the belt as you have a great waist. I think it would be perfect for Atelier Brunette gauze!! I think we might be shoe sisters. I just finished a dress – liberty lawn – that I bought to MATCH A PAIR OF SHOES I HAVE! The shoes are gray, yellow and a pale green. So it the fabric. I need a 12 step program for this…
Jodi!!!!! I’m laughing so hard over the 12 step program. ? I LOVE matching my fabric to shoes in my closet. It’s literally one of my favorite parts of starting my projects. I need to know that there’s a shoe to go with the finished project. It’s just now the same when I don’t have the accessories in place first. ? I’ve never heard of Atelier Brunette gauze. I need to check that out. Thank you for sharing.
Anita, this is definitely a keeper. initially, I thought you used a waffle knit; gauze is such an ideal fabric for the summer. Your accessories for view 1/3 work so well with this dress. I’d like a self-fabric belt also just to add an option. You pick the best patterns and fabric. Thank you for sharing so many beautiful options.
Thank you so much, De! Yes, my original plan was to make a self belt but I ran out of time to make it before the post. But I still plan to make one because that would look absolutely amazing!
Looks great on you! Yes, I’m in for the sew along.
Awesome, Margarett! Have fun sewing your dress.
Yes, I would love to follow along and sew this dress. I like the short sleeve/heat wave version?.
Yaaay, Stacy! Glad to have you join me for the sew along. I’m cracking up at the “heat wave” version. ?
I love the dress and am looking forward to making it. I really enjoy your site and the sewing lessons. I have been sewing since I was 13 years old, but haven’t been able to for about 10 years so you are helping me remember what I have forgotten. You are an excellent teacher. I lost my husband in December and have been trying to adjust to the loss. When you have had another person with you for 45 years it’s like missing an arm or a leg or half of yourself. So I have been re-discovering myself with your help. Thank you very much. May God bless you And keep you safe in this crazy world we live in. Steph O’Melia.
Oh, Stephanie, I’m so very sorry to hear about your husband. I literally wanted to reach through this screen and hug you when you shared how it’s like missing an arm or leg. Wow, 45 years is a long time so I know how much you’re missing him. My sister, my heart leaped with joy to hear you say you’re re-discovering yourself. I’m right there with you doing the same thing. I’m learning so much more about God and myself along this journey. This is very new for you, so I pray from my heart as you navigate this unfamiliar road. Our God will uphold you and show you the way, Stephanie. I pray for you as you allow yourself to endure the grief process, one day at a time, one step at a time, one breath at a time. God bless you too, my SEW Sister in Christ. Have fun making your dress.
Everything you sew is beautiful ! You know how to choose the pattern that fits you perfectly ! Thank you for sharing !
Thank you so much, France. I just really love sewing and pairing the patterns and fabric.
Anita, you know you being doing it up girl. Looks great! Can’t wait for the sew along.
Audrey, you just made me giggle. Thank you, sis. Awesome! Glad you’re looking forward to the sew along.
You are rockin’ that dress! The color and style look great on you. No matter how you choose to wear it, it looks great. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much, Sally! Yes, I think it looks great with all 3 options.
I love this dress. Yes, I will be making this and I will be using guaze fabric.
Yay! Have fun making your dress, Sharon.