Sew Along for McCalls 8215
If last week was a quick make with 1.5 yards of fabric, M8215 is a fabric hogger! I was able to make mine with 4.5 yards of fabric because I went with a midi length. But If you want to do the maxi length you could be looking at 6 to 7 yards of fabric, and with that much fabric you need a fabric sale at rock bottom prices.
Pattern Description: M8215 is a fit and flare knit dress. I made view B with a round neckline, midi length and a side slit. View A has a sweetheart neckline and View C is a maxi length. I couldn’t find enough fabric in the cerulean blue on the front cover. I actually have TWO other dresses in this fabric color so I suspect that I bought everything that was available in the fabric store.
Pattern Sizing: I made a size 22 but I could have gone with a size 20 because I wanted zero ease on this top and I had to adjust the bodice and take it in on the sides and the shoulders.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? yes down to the fabric!
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes the instructions are easy to follow.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? The instructions were pretty easy, however the neckband and the armbands either have a typo on the size or the wrong pattern piece was printed. This pattern comes in three different size ranges. I got the middle size range and the neckband / armband printed was for the largest range.
Fabric Used: I used a double brushed cerulean blue knit from Joann’s, Super soft fabric and perfect for this pattern. I liked the cover so much I got the same fabric, and in my own defense I got this fabric color for two other dresses and a sateen jacket!
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I took in the bodice at least 1” on both sides and I also had to take in the skirt were the middle panel meets so it fitted the new bodice measurements. I also used a 1/2” elastic vs. the 3/8” elastic they call for in the pattern. There is tons of fabric and the elastic helps it not to stretch. I also stabilized the shoulders. When you have this much fabric its the way to go because it starts getting heavy.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? No, I don’t think I will sew it again. It’s a great pattern but the amount of fabric it requires can be somewhat cost prohibitive unless you find one heck of a fabric sale (and I mean doorbuster discount, take-it-from-my-hands-sale") and at 4.5 to 6 yards without a sale… it can be costly to make and there are plenty of other dresses or makes you can do with that much fabric.
