I’ve wanted to make a winter midi dress for a while now and the McCall's M7948 was the
perfect pattern for it! I chose a striking black and white distressed star print viscose fabric
from Dalston Mills. I think it’s a Viscose poplin, as it has a really nice tight weave and a bit of
weight and structure to it. The fabric barely creases or frays and was wonderful to cut and
sew.

I was really glad I chose a non-directional print. There are lots of rectangular panels in the
style and I could easily have got things confused and the wrong way up, if I had used a
directional print. One thing I did make sure to do was to mark all of the notches which really
helped me with aligning in the panels and would definitely have helped if I had been using a
one-way print.

I’ll enjoy wearing this all through winter and beyond!

I made a few changes to the pattern for comfort and to suit my tastes. Before cutting out the fabric, I measured the pattern pieces and compared the measurements to my body. I decided to lengthen the bodice by 4cm, as I wanted it to sit on my natural waistline, not
above. I also widened the neckline by 2cm each side, as I don’t like narrow necklines.
I lengthened the skirt panels by 7cm each and I lengthened the sleeve ruffle by 10cm.

I liked how the neckline was finished with a facing which integrated the back keyhole
opening and gave a really clean finish. I added a delicate hand sewn button loop and a
small gold round button to finish the keyhole opening off – I think this is my favourite
detail on the dress!

I love to stay cosy in the winter and I’m a big fan of how this dress looks layered over a long
sleeve top and accessorised with a belt and boots. I’ll enjoy wearing this all through winter
and beyond!