When I bought the M7971 pattern I, like many others, was inspired by Reformation style flowy, floral dresses. It seems like perfect pattern to replicate that RTW style. I liked the pattern so much that it was a contender to be one of the patterns I use for my wedding reception dress. The version you see here is my wearable toile of the dress. I’ve decided to go in a different direction for the wedding dress, but I still really love how my practice version turned out.
Choosing fabric and sizing
I had initially planned on making a really flowy, floral dress (a la Reformation) but in an effort to clear out some fabric from my stash I went with a slightly more structured lightweight cotton twill. I love the mix of gingham and florals on this fabric. It’s also really perfect for dresses since it’s so opaque. I think that the weight of the fabric created a slightly different look than a really flowy rayon or crepe would have – a little more 90s schoolteacher – which I personally love.
For some reason, no matter how many McCalls patterns I make I still feel like I’m flying blind when it comes to picking a size. I get especially nervous with patterns that have a very fitted waist as I would hate to not be able to zip it up. I’d read some reviews online of people saying that the waist ran small for them or that the fit was too baggy in the bust. I measured the pattern pieces first to get a better understanding of garment measurements and ended up going with my usual McCalls size 10. That turned out to be the exact right size!
Sewing the M7971
The M7971 pattern is surprisingly easy! I always go into a big 4 pattern assuming that any detail of the design might end up being harder than it looks, but this was not the case. The trickiest part was probably getting the lining of the bodice together – but that wasn’t even really tricky just an annoying additional step. The skirt bodice has an invisible zipper, so if you’ve mastered those it’s straightforward. The bodice top in the back is meant to clasp with a hook and eye, but I ended up doing snaps instead. For some reason I just really don’t like sewing on hook and eyes. Mine always turn out a bit wonky and don’t line up properly. Snaps were much easier and took less than 5 min to put on.
Final thoughts on the M7971
The McCalls 7971 is a great summer dress pattern. While I’ve read that some people have had fit issues, I didn’t have those issues so I can’t complain. I will definitely be making this dress again because I really love the style of it. While it didn’t end up being the ideal pattern for my wedding reception, I now have a great wearable toile that fulfills my dream schoolteacher in a 90s rom-com vibe.
