It's no secret that I'm on the petite side. My clothes being too long is a common problem for me. This doesn't stop my love for maxi dresses. If there's any dress I'm going to wear on a regular, day to day basis, I'm going to pick the maxi dress. Fortunately, the best part about making your own clothes is that you get total control over the length and this is especially important in a long dress, such as the one I made for this tutorial.
I was excited to make McCall's 6697, but I was even more excited when I had a new, finished dress that fit me perfectly. There's so many things that I love about this dress. First, it's made out of knit fabric, so it's extremely comfortable to wear and very easy to assemble. McCall's 6697 is definitely a pattern that can be completed by a beginner sewer. There are no fasteners to worry about, as this is just a pullover dress. So, if you're afraid of doing zippers or buttonholes, then this is the dress for you.
The other thing great about this dress is the style. This easily could be a single color, knit dress, but those diagonal stripes really turn this dress from simple to wow. I love how this dress can be either casual or dressed up. I was amazed that by adding a few accessories, McCall's 6697 completely transforms into something elegant. My shortness was also changed into something tall and, I dare say, statuesque. I know it's all an illusion, but I'll take it.
Please note: In my copy of the pattern, there was a misprint. On pattern piece 6 there is a notch towards the bottom, which was mistakenly printed on the wrong side. Please don't be alarmed if this matches a non-notch side. For now, just ignore this notch. Also, in this demonstration we focus on making view D, the long dress, but you can also follow along with us if you want to make View B or C.
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Your videos are very interesting and informative . Thanks so much for sharing.
I really enjoy your tutorials. I am fairly new to sewing and find your tutorials easy to follow.
Ashley
Dear Professor,
Sewing with knits has always been a challenge for me. I would love to follow along and work on this pattern with you. I would like to try a shorter version though. I like the idea of a burnt orange with cream. I could dress it down with my denim jacket or dress it up with a sparkly golden shrug. I look forward to the tutorial.
Elena
I am also petite and struggle with finding anything in my size! I am a new sewer and super excited to start making my own clothes …. And this maxi dress is a must!
Never made a dress before. I would love to start with this one! Although I think I would choose polka dots over the stripe, myself 🙂 Good luck to everyone, and thanks much to PP for the give-away!
Oh, Professor, this would be the perfect dress to make for my uber tall, goal keeper, doctor daughter. It looks comfy AND feminine, and could be made in several lengths. Made in knit, it would be easy to care for in her busy life as career gal and mother. And perfect for 10 months of the year here in florida.
pick me, pick me, professor pincushion!
martha
PS I love your tutorials, even the ones without the give aways.
Hola
I’m a guy. I sew LOTS of stuff for my girlfriend. That’s an awesome looking dress and we can see that you’re really enjoying wearing it. I would do it in black and purple. In kindergarten, I finger-painted a black and purple picture – nothing but squiggles – and the teacher sent a note home to my mom saying that I must be morbid. She still has the picture and I still like the colors. And I am a nice and happy guy. McCall’s produces great-quality patterns, and I’d love to win this one. I know my girlfriend would really be excited about it, too. I’ve made her over 100 hats and some skirts and blouses, but never a full-length dress.
Thanks for always coming up with some great giveaway we can all get excited about. And the accompanying tutorials are cool!
Dave
Thank you for highlighting this pattern! When I first saw it, I thought It would be beyond my capability, but thanks to the great video tutorial, I know I’ll manage it! X
How cute! I L-O-V-E McCall’s patterns! They’re so easy to work with and the designs are beautiful!