White Party in Jamaica - McCall 7048

One of the few things that I made for my summer vacation was this outfit for Anita's birthday celebration.  Everyone was asked to wear white for the party.  It was left up to each individual to decide to wear something casual or dressy.  I chose to dress it up a bit. 

Recently, I shared an inspirational post that featured sequins.  To my surprise, JoAnn's Fabrics has stocked a few sequins fabrications.  One of them happened to be ivory on ivory mesh.    Not to fancy, just rows of single sequins stitched onto mesh.

For my outfit, I decided to use McCall 7048, which is similar to an inspirational designed I saw in a fashion magazine.  There were only a few changes required to achieve the look I was going for.  With that being said, let me start the review of my two piece sequined dress.

Pattern Description: MISSES' TOP, DRESS AND SKIRT: Close-fitting top and dress have self-lined yokes and bodice with princess seams, and back zipper. A: exposed zipper. B: lined skirt with princess seams and side pockets. Purchased trims and flower. A and C: overlay. B and C: horsehair braid on hemline.

Pattern Sizing: This pattern is available in sizes 6 to 22.  I used between  12, 14 and 16 with modifications.


Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  My dress is similar to the drawing (views A and C).

Were the instructions easy to follow?  This is a Designer Joi pattern which includes some fitting tips.  The instructions were easy to follow. I omitted some construction steps though.  More on those changes later. 


What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I selected this pattern because it was similar to the designer inspiration. Other likes:  princess seam top with yoke and full skirt.  No dislikes.


Fabric Used:   Sequins on mesh, Casa special occasion polyester crepe. and China silk from JoAnn's Fabrics.   I used tricot interfacing.  Use a sharp needle to sew the sequins fabric.

Fabric dislikes - handling China silk, but love the polished look of it.  I wish for better crepe.  The polyester gets the job done.  Does anyone sale wool or silk crepe anymore?

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  
Changes and Alterations-

Top:  Overlay added to the front yoke, back yoke, and center back; FBA; broad shoulder and swayback adjustments; lengthen the top an inch; hand picked the zipper; and omitted trim to lower edge of top.

Skirt:  Added nine inches to the length of the skirt and overlay; hand picked the zipper; omitted the trim on the overlay; and omitted the horsehair braid to lower edge of lining.

Fit Observation:  The bodice fitting across the bust isn't as smooth as I'd like.  The width below the bust is a little loose. Also, lengthen the top caused some pooling in the lower back area.  These issues can be easily corrected.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I may make this again.   The skirt is common and is the same in many patterns on similar styles.  It can be used as a slopers.

Conclusion: I enjoyed making this outfit.  Adding the sequins as the overlay gave it a little "bling".

Parting shot:  Here is a cropped head shot of me in a group photo at the party.  Sorry I don't have any pictures on my wearing the outfit at the event.