McCalls 7061 – Casual Funnel Neck Dress

I’ve been making more casual clothes lately but I still like to wear dresses (which would be a total shocker to my younger tomboy self). I’d bought a dress almost identical to this about a year or so ago and loved it. On one of my many forays to Hancock Fabrics, I saw this pattern displayed on top of the pattern drawers and couldn’t believe my luck. Imagine my surprise when I realized this was in fact a sleepwear/lounge patter NOT apparel. Never being to like limitations or being told what I can and cannot do, I decided to make this as a casual dress to wear on the weekends, on my days off and while running errands. 

I actually completed the dress some time ago but then biting cold and rain swept in so in the closet it went. Today the weather was perfect for this in the low to mid-60’s since I used a sweatshirt fleece for this version. I need to find a lighter weight fabric to make spring versions because this style will be in heavy rotation.

Pattern Review: 

Pattern Description:  MISSES’ TOPS, DRESS, SHORTS, PANTS AND SLIPPERS: Close-fitting tops and dresses have sleeve bands. A and B: stitched hem on hood, wrong side shows. B and C: shaped hemline. A and D: collar and hem band. D: purchased drawstring. B, C and D: pocket. Fitted shorts and pants have waistband. E: side slits. F: leg bands. B, C and E: narrow hem. Slippers have insets, sole and contrast lining.

Pattern Sizing: Y(XSmall-Small-Medium), ZZ(Large-XLarge-XXLarge), Foot Size: [XS (83/4″),S (91/4″),M (93/4″),L (101/4″),XL (103/4″)]

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Definitely!

Were the instructions easy to follow? Great instructions

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the style of this dress and it is very similar to one of my favorite RTW dresses.

Fabric Used: I used a lightweight Sweatshirt Fleece from Denver Fabrics.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I added an inch to the side seams around the stomach area but ended up taking it back out. This is meant to be a lounge pattern but I made it as a dress.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I absolutely plan to make many more of these, this was such an easy make and super comfortable to wear all day.

Conclusion:  This a great pattern for beginners and a nice and easy casual dress.