Sew Along McCalls M8104

Thank you for the sew along 👍🏻

I made this dress at the beginning of the summer for a wedding I attended and could not figure out what I did wrong with the neckband! I ended up making it work, but I can tell I could have made it better. This was so helpful, thank you!

Thank you for this ...greatly appreciated

Lovely fabric! Thanks for the excellent detailed demonstration of how to construct this dress and the possible pitfalls with the pattern. It’s a shame the manufacturers haven’t issued an updated error free version.

Thank you for all the time and effort you put into sewing, filming and editing this sew along. I’m certain that many will benefit. I was surprised that you didn’t stay stitch the neckline as a first step. I consider myself a confident beginner and I was under the impression that stay stitching any areas on the bias (necklines and armscyes) was best done at the outset to prevent any stretching. Perhaps it depends on the fabric? Or the pattern instructions did not have you do it at the beginning? I read your blog post just to learn about your fix. You explained it very well. The color of your dress is gorgeous on you. You look fabulous in it. 😊

I really appreciate this. Thank you!

Thank you very much

Thanks for this sew along. I have this pattern and I’ve been avoiding it because of the bad reviews. I’m gonna give it a try soon.

Thanks you. I always want to hear about your fabric choices but miss where you find fabric and it’s content. Where would I get that information?

After clipping the curves under the arms you said you finished them (was it with a serger?) Can u show pic of inside garment, under the arms? If u serged, does it cause puckering?

That is very nice of you to help out all the larger women who want to make this pattern, like me.

I made a wearable muslin of this dress and French seamed it since the embroidered fabric was semi sheer. I had a slip that worked with it. I adjusted the pattern for a better fit for the next one. I will be making this dress a couple of more times with length variations and sleeve options.

I haven't sewed it yet. Just cut all the pieces then saw the neckband problem. I emailed mccalls and got this reply....more confused now.

The piece you have is correct; you should have clipped as you were pinning the neckband to the garment. As this is a band, you will be placing the outside edge to the garment – not the neck edge, like a facing. The outside edge is attached to the dress, and you will need to clip as it states in the directions, where necessary. There aren’t any errors with this pattern – many people confuse a band with a facing and put it on wrong.

Your fabric is so beautiful. ❤

I'm (very) new to sewing and picked out this pattern a few days ago. Upon opening it up for the first time I was a bit overwhelmed by all the different markings and what seemed like complex pieces, and despite the instructions, didn't really know where to start. Thank you so much for a very easy-to-follow tutorial, It made the process so much clearer and gave me the confidence to keep pursuing sewing!

I have this pattern but have been a little scared to make it. I'll have to watch your video again in the spring when I plan to make it. Thanks for doing this! Love your sewalongs! Would like to hear more about how you determined which size to make. I struggle with sizing in the big 4.

Own this pattern and my measurements are almost identical to yours! Thank you for sharing and doing the troubleshooting. I am less afraid now to try this one.

Good to know, as I have this pattern - your blog post is very useful. It turned out cute on you!

I have just sewn on the neck band a second time and it is all pulling and stretched. Firstly I think the interfacing is a bit too thick for my fabric (viscose) and secondly, I didn't stitch from the centre back neck down to the hem on each side. I'll have to unpick it again. I might just end up making a blouse instead.😢

Everything is super easy until you go to the part of the neck band! I messed up and now it doesn't sit right, and I did the sizing in the pattern, but is the mcCalls instructions that are super unclear on how to attach the interfaced part of the band. I tried to do it how you said but it wasn't fitting, so I still don't know what I did wrong.

Just checking, should the interfaced band end up on the outside and the un interfaced band on the inside?

I just finished this dress and did not understand what I did wrong on the neck band. It fit but, when I went to sew it nothing landed properly. I was so frustrated and confused. I read the pattern and watched the video several times. It just didn’t turn correctly. I thought maybe I sewed the neckband pieces backwards or something. I finally just butchered the neckband enough to get the dress done. It looks okay but, I know it isn’t. I will still wear it and am bummed out that it was so darn difficult to make work.

How do you finish the seam on the serger if you are clipping curves?
Thank you, I am new to apparel sewing. Your videos are helpful. Thank you

Im making this for the third time. I find the front and neck part was confusing every time but I did get it. I did find the sizing was off so I had to make it bigger in the waist and it seemed big in the arm holes every time. I do like the dress because it is comfortable. I made covered buttons with fabric and added a big snap to close it up more on the neck.

I went on your website but no pattern reviews. First it talks about Joann flyer. Next Christmas gifts to make. Next section is designer patterns for holidays. Where do I find this pattern review!

I picked up the neck band problem doing a test fit with calico fabric. I re-cut the neck band from the back neck of the pattern piece. Otherwise the pattern is simple to sew, not many fitting issues for me other than I am short wasted.

Are you considering a book? A book on sewing for those of us that may need a little more detailed instructions. I love the way you are so calm and methodical.

I had trouble with the neck band it just did to fit in, the material is very movable, but I will keep at it.

Thank you so much! I’m not a beginner, but I was always lucky with a good pattern, and I couldn’t figure out what’s wrong with the neck band on my own! Next time I’ll probably make something with a pattern that you already posted here😆

go ahead...😁

Thank you so much!❤

Where do i find details for neck facing adjustment please ,? The pattern piece doesn!t work!

Thankyou so much

I thank you so much for this because I am the same size as you are bust and hips so I’m a little shorter than you but just because I was hit by a logging truck head on. I lost a couple inches. I don’t think it’s cause of that, I think it’s just my age and I’mmy bones are shrinking lol

I love that material. Where did you get it and what is it love love