Definitely take a look at the sewing walk-through video for vintage McCall’s 7625.
I go through the entire sewing process, start to finish, giving you my tips and tricks for success with this piece.
All in all, I was able to complete this dress within a weekend, taking my time during the shooting process. The single step that took the longest was actually getting everything cut out. Between figuring out the placement of pattern pieces over 4 yards (I actually had to use the cutting guide!)– and getting everything notched and tailor’s tacked, the cutting was a long process.
Everything else about this pattern is generally straight forward, except perhaps the corner seams, which I filmed a separate tutorial video for.
It’s no surprise that I’m short and curvy- so I was worried about vintage McCall’s 7625 when I first saw it.
But to be honest, it really blew me away when I had the whole thing all sewn up.
The drop waist and low skirt actually worked on me- and I love this dress. Even the buttoned-up look which I normally recoil from: I couldn’t resist going all out for that vintage retro 1950s look.
Vintage McCall’s 7625 came together pretty simply, however, the biggest hurdle is managing all the fabric at the same time. And by that, I mean that the center front bodice is also directly attached to both the sleeve front and the skirt front at the same time.
If you’ve had the opportunity to see my fitting video for this pattern, I discuss my work around for fitting this piece without the skirt attached.
Vintage McCall’s 7625 is already on my “to sew” list for the short sleeve version, too.
The fabric I chose for the View B of M7625 was a tight floral from Britex Fabrics which just seemed to “go.” Of course, I had to make the cuffs and collar in a different color and I’m so glad I did- the blue grounds the dress and makes it practical.
Had I used red for the cuffs, it would have been too costume-y. Had I used white, it would have also looked… off. I discuss my fabric choice more in depth in my M7625 Video Series Intro video.
My biggest concern about picking this floral was whether or not it would make me appear super matronly.
The buttons I think were the #1 factor in making it “cute vintage” versus “old vintage.” Just like the blue cuffs and blue collar grounded the piece, the buttons dressed it up.
With that said, if you’re making McCall’s 7625, be mindful of the fabric choices, especially if you intend to wear it buttoned all the way up.
Larger florals might be overwhelming. Busy crazy prints might be distracting when it’s all about the silhouette with this design. The most successful fabrics I think would stick to smaller prints or even traditional motifs (i.e. hounds-tooth, gingham, etc.)
The biggest concern I’ve read in sewing communities is concern over the drop skirt, with its placement right at the hipline.
To be honest, I think the placement really helps the area look a lot more flattering.
The fish eye darts at the waist are the real shapers, with a total of four fish eye darts to make the waist look tiny in comparison to the flare at the hips. If anything, having bigger hips would flare the skirt out more, making the waist appear smaller.
Plus, the skirt is relatively demure for 1950s retro sewing standards. It’s just enough gathering to be a flared A-line skirt, without being overwhelming and distracting.
Sara Alberola Mahiques says
Hi!
I was wondering if you wear something underneath, like a peticoat or something or there’s no need with this pattern :)
sew_pinup says
Thank you for this blog post, it was so helpful! I fell in love as soon as I saw it, but was worried about the big PETITE emblazoned across the front of the pattern. Seeing it on you has made me sure it will look great on my curves! 😘
Bianca says
So glad you liked the post!! A few people commented to me that the Petite marking at the tops threw them off a bit– but thankfully the pattern is workable for all sizes!
And the curves really sells the piece. The princess seams are super flattering ❤️