I am very happy to be back with a new make to present to you with this beautiful Minerva Core Range washed slub linen fabric in dusty blue. I chose to make the McCalls M7947, which is the first time in a very long time that I’ve made a Big 4 pattern and it went surprisingly well!

This project was firstly inspired by the many gorgeous versions by Gina, another Minerva brand ambassador whom you can find on this website and on Instagram @Ginaseams. Without her versions, I would have never tried this project as my imagination wasn’t able to go further than the cover images on the pattern. Adding a belt makes all the difference! I am constantly trying to figure out how to better accessorize my handmade wardrobe and get more versatility from my clothes and I am very thankful to the other creators like Gina who inspire me.

I decided to make the version D which is sleeveless and midi length in a size XS (4-6) at the bust graded to a size S at the hips. However, there is so much ease integrated throughout that I could have probably gotten away with not grading for extra room at the hips. I graded anyway because I wanted to be extra certain that it would be comfortable.

I ended up modifying the pattern in a few additional ways. Firstly, I shortened the midi length 18 cm so that with the hem ruffle, the hem would arrive about 1 inch (2.5 cm) below my knee, as otherwise, it was longer than mid-calf. This also allowed me to cut this dress out of only 2m, although I do not recommend it for everyone; it was very tight and I had to cut the button placket in two pieces!

I also ended up lengthening the shoulder straps by about 2 cm. I ended up having to do this late in the project, unpicking a lot of work, because I thought it was okay at first, but I realized after attaching the elastic and finishing the armscyth with bias tape that the dress was too tight under the arms after all.

My final modification was to sew together some long leftover strips of the fabric to create a waist tie. I prefer to wear this dress this way, otherwise, it is very roomy and not really my style. A regular belt would work here as well and I’m excited to experiment with that aspect a bit.

I finished this dress off with some pearly buttons from a local haberdashery and I really like the pearly finish of these buttons against the linen.

All in all, this project was an easy sew and relatively quick to finish. This fabric was also a dream to work with. This is a medium-weight linen with a lush, bouncy hand and a slight slubby texture to the surface. It took heat and steam from the iron well, it was easy to handle and to sew, and it creates a voluminous garment easily. I love this almost cornflower blue color, it is one of my favorite colors and will work really well with my wardrobe. The only downside of this fabric is that because it is 100% linen, it’s a little bit itchy, but I know that linen softens with wear, so it’s only a matter of time.

I can’t wait for the rainy, blustery weather to clear up here in Paris, for the sun to come back out, and to be able to wear this dress! I think that the volume and linen together will keep me cool in the hopefully warm and maybe humid weather to come this summer, and the feminine, romantic shape of this dress suits my style perfectly.

Thank you for reading!

Sarah

Instagram: sarah__naomi_
YouTube: Sarah Naomi

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