M7969 ...hacked!

This is the now famous McCalls M7969 which is all over Instagram! I made the original version last year (see below) but saw this hack from @handmadehannah_ and couldn't resist giving it a go, I am a sucker for a peplum...

The original version was made with an oatmeal gingham from Hey Sew Sister. I made a size M with the bodice lenghtened by 1". I also tightened the sleeve band and added pockets (of course!)

My new hacked version was made in a lovely pink double gauze from Watson's Fabrics, I used the same pattern pieces so a size M, lengthened in the bodice by 1". I also cut new longer sleeve bands for a looser sleeve this time.

Bodice hack

My pattern adjustments were a bit more long winded than @handmadehannah_'s, because I wanted to check what the bodice would look like, and also because I planned to cut on the flat to save fabric. So I traced and cut an extra bodice piece, and overlapped them at the centre front seam (see pic 1). I then drew in a new neckline (pic 2), and folded the pattern in half to check it was symmetrical (see pic 3). Alternatively, you could just fold the pattern back at the CF line, draw a new neckline and cut on the fold.

Pic 1

Pic 2

Pic 3

Construction

I joined the side seams and constructed/inserted the sleeves as per the pattern. In this version the gathers at the top of the sleeve form part of the neckline, so I basted them in place. I made double fold bias binding from the double gauze to finish the neckline, based on the original neckline pattern pieces, but my neckline is slightly wonky due to stretching out the fabric. For my next version I'll probably just use single fold bias binding, as I find this easier and think I'll be less likely to stretch it out of shape. Never mind, imperfections are what make our garments unique :)

I reduced the sleeve bands length by 1.5" and sewed those in place. Finally, I added a 1.5" hem around the bottom.

Original v hacked.....what's your preference?

I love this version, it looks like a completely different garment while sustainably re-using an older patter. Whilst I love the dress version I would only really wear that in spring/summer whereas this is more practical, and I'd be more likely to wear all year round. I think I'd shorten it a little next time and obviously try to make the neckline neater but in all I'm happy, and I'm already wearing it which is the main thing! Which do you prefer, the dress or the top

?