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Transforming my Summer of Love Dress and M7969 Pattern Review
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- čas přidán 17. 08. 2024
- I want to share my thoughts on sewing the M7969 dress. Before that, though, I need to talk through the changes I made from my original 'Peace and Love' dress, to make it more wearable in the day-to-day. If you want to skip right to the review, please use the chapters below:
0:00 intro
1:23 altering my original M7969 design
6:34 Pattern Review: What drew me to this pattern?
7:57 What fabric did I use?
8:05 Did I make the recommended size based on my body measurements or did I size up/down?
8:34 Did I do any hacks/make any alterations?
9:35 How were the instructions?
15:18 How would I rate the difficulty level?
16:08 Were there any techniques or finishing details that I particularly liked about the pattern?
17:17: Was there anything that I didn't like about the pattern?
18:45 Would I make it again?
19:09 If so, would I do anything differently next time?
19:50 What fabrics do I think would work well for this pattern?
Mentioned in this video:
How I fit the M7969 for my body, including FBA tutorial: • Fitting a Faux Wrap Dr...
Elastic/button tutorial from Sandeep, owner of Sister Mintaka: www.instagram....
Fabric purchased from Guthrie and Ghani
guthrie-ghani....
I do not have any affiliations or relationships with these companies. All of these opinions and recommendations are my own.
If you are enjoying my videos and want to support my channel, please consider donating to my Ko-fi account: ko-fi.com/lost... And consider telling a friend, which will help my channel to grow!
Thank you so much for watching! If you want to see more of my makes, you can follow me over on instagram: lostmythread . You can also send me a DM there or shoot me an email at theresa.lostmythread@gmail.com , if you want to have a more detailed chat!
This is a some what early release (within 4 years). Why buy a pattern that puts sewists in a position to spend time, money and research to make into something wearable? I used Big 4 patterns 40+ years ago. The vintage patterns are still glamorous and timeless. The quality and offerings were better, reflecting the time period. Big 4 should include built in FBAs, inclusive sizing, rigorous pattern testing and PDFs. Their clients want to buy a positive experience with a successful outcome. People (different ages, sizes and locations) would buy their pattern collections - from any time period.
Theresa, this is an excellent, thoughtful review of the pattern. Keep up the creativity, problem solving and beautiful makes.❤🇨🇦
Well, I don't disagree with any of that! It's hard to see the appeal of big 4 patterns these days, with so many other options out there. I can't see myself reaching for any of them too soon. I could be swayed by a vintage pattern now and then, though. 😉
@@LostMyThread by the way…Love your dress!
Theresa, thank you for the extremely thoughtful and frank review. I did make a muslin of this dress and struggled with the instructions. I thought it was just me. Glad to know I'm not totally off-base. I have yet to make a proper dress but I was thinking that an Indian cotton in batik or design, (blues and greens), would be especially lovely. I can't imagine how much time you spent making this review. In any case, it's the most detailed and useful one out there for this pattern.
Oh wow, your fabric idea sounds gorgeous! I think that would be so beautiful. I hope that you can manage to get the fit how you like it. It was worth it in the end, for me!
I love that you made it more “practical” after you made it for the specific occasion you needed it for! The Big Four has not improved their “instructions” at all over the years! I have vintage patterns by them, and they have not expanded/improved them, which baffles me because of all the indie competition now. I usually just guess and hope for the best! 🤣💗
I guess you get used to it, right? 🤷🏻♀️😆 Some very vintage patterns can be great and offer really different/unusual techniques, but most are just painful. I am surprised that they aren't upping their game with the competition, but I guess if they're still selling patterns, they don't need to!
I’m definitely going to use elastic and a button rather than press studs next time! Brilliant idea. I love both versions of your dress.💕😊
Thanks Janet! I need to try the button/elastic trick on some other clothes, too!
Love the idea of using elastic and a button, and I never would have thought about the difference to the chest area from sitting to standing. Thankyou loads for pointing this out x
Yes! That realization about sitting/standing was a game changer for me. I've never heard anyone else mention it, but it makes so much sense!
Teresa every dress I make I do a ton of adjustments to make it fit ... the top 4 pattern company's never fit me ...so I spend most of my time chopping and adding to the pattern before I start...I get some fantastic result ...but boy ...I have to spend ages getting the pattern to fit ...and I kinder look at the pictures on the instructions and take little notice of the words..lol...and I often change the pattern so will add darts tucks elastic etc
This was always my normal too, but I've managed to find sewing pattern designers that fit me much better out of the packet. It's rare that I don't have to make any adjustments, but this whole reconfiguring of a dress feels like it's half my design! 😆
Really helpful review, thanks. I like how you don't hold back😆
Haha, thanks! I definitely want to be honest and helpful!
Haya. Great review & very honest. The changes you made really have worked wonderfully. Your dress looks beautiful on you. Thanku 'sew' much for sharing. x
Thanks for watching, Anna! I absolutely love how this one turned out. It was worth the extra work!!
Hi Theresa, I loved the original BUT I totally now love the new version of your dress. Love the sleeves and the new length. It’s so lovely. 💐 If you ever get invited to a tea party, I would tie a beautiful satin ribbon around the waist and put on a big hat and you could use it for that too. What a nice make. As far as swearing off the big 4 for the most part, I am with you. I am at the top of their size range of most of their patterns and it’s so much trouble to do all the alterations I need, I’d rather go with an independent pattern company and support their small business at the same time.
The size range on the big 4 leaves a lot to be desired!! I like to put my money towards businesses who I think deserve it. I have reached out to indie companies lots of times with questions/comments about their patterns and always get a great response. It's a competition, and the big 4 are losing for me. 🤷🏻♀️
I absolutely love your image of my tea party look in this dress. I can't say that I go to a lot of tea parties, but I want to make that vision come true!
Simplicity 8655 mimi g stretch woven flares/ankle length pants I really rate. Something about the pin tuck down the center of each leg looks amazing and the zero waistband, side zip and patch pockets make them a very easy sew.
I hear you on the fuse or bias bind confusion. I think I would have bias bound without fusing an a ton of stay stitching around the gathered shoulders. A neckline that stretched on a wrap dress would suck
I've eyed those trousers before. Glad to hear that you had a good experience with them! Pattern instructions can really cause a lot of confusion, can't they? Haha
I'm with you on the big 4 patterns! One of the great thing about making an indie pattern with great instructions is that you feel that you learn so much in the process. Big 4 patterns are just frustrating for me (unless the pattern is pretty easy)......Having said all of this, your dress is beautiful and you should make it again given the time you spent on the alterations!
I absolutely agree, Suzy! It's largely my own design at this point, and I might as well make the most of my efforts. I felt like I wanted to dip my toe into the water of big 4, trying to give them the benefit of the doubt, but I'm just gonna stay over here in indie corner for now!
Such a great, thorough review, I really enjoyed hearing your thoughts. Yours turned out so beautiful!
Thanks, Amelia! I really love the finished result, which is what counts, at the end of the day!
Your dress is magnificent and so clever to alter it then to make it day-to-day!! The pattern sounds like an absolute nightmare! I’m getting stressed just listening to you explain the instructions!! Fair play to you for persevering!!
Aww, thanks Rachael! For real, we are so spoiled by our indie designers. I was too determined to make that dress work, but I won't be going back to the big 4 for a loooong time. 😉
Super review and beautiful dress. I ll maybe stick with the ibi dress instead ! 😁
There is definitely a similar vibe there! Even though I love my dress, I still don't particularly feel like recommending it. It certainly wasn't great out of the packet. If the Ibi works for you, go for it!
Totally agree re big 4. I also was considering this dress but holding back for same reasons as you. Also there are no measurements re sizing on the packet- just small medium large etc.
There are measurements within the pattern, but that's not very helpful! The small is for a 31.5-32.5" bust, medium is for a 34-36" bust, and large is for a 38-40" bust. I have a 38" bust and made a medium, but I did add a 2" full bust adjustment.
It's the same here in Canada. There are no inexpensive "deals" on the big 4. So honestly, I'd rather support the smaller Indy pattern producers.
It's hard when you see all the great inspiration for big 4 patterns, but it just doesn't feel worth it to me!
I love the final dress, the fit is perfect. I too have to make lots of adjustments to patterns to make them fit and unless I am in the mood it often means I stick to the same patterns I have already tweaked. Well done for persevering. xx
Thanks! It really is a lot of effort, but I never regret it when I go to the trouble!
Hi.... I agree with you totally about instructions from big 4...!! However I have just finished Mimi G S8889 shirt pattern ... the fit is brilliant and the instructions were satisfactory.. I have been sewing for 60 years so not sure I can judge them fairly as I usually get the pattern read the instructions through then follow them but using different methods to do techniques in a way I prefer. Just about to do S8830 Mimi G shirt based on how good the first shirt was. These are the only 2 big 4 patterns in have used in the last 5 years!!! As you I much prefer the indie patterns!! Love your channel,.. keep up the good work!! And thank you for your hard work! 😁
Oh and I always measure the pattern pieces to ensure the sizing is accurate as I think big 4 use totally different system!!!
The pattern that I used had finished garment measurements (which I assume are accurate?), but I was too nervous to go down 2 sizes. I'm happy with the outcome though, so no complaints!
I know that Mimi G was very insistent that they remove the excess ease from her patterns. I'm happy to hear that the fit worked out so well for you! It's very encouraging. I definitely need to try hers out.
BTW, your dress looks fantastic on you - both ways. Thank you for the tips for the elastic button loop and the difference sitting and standing.
You're so welcome! And I truly love the finished dress. If I wasn't doing a CZcams review, I'd have forgotten the painful bits by now and just enjoy swishing around in it! 😉😆
i have not made this dress because it's so huge. i wouldn't be able to size down enough to make it fit me. interfacing the binding does seem weird. if anything it could make sense to stabilize the bodice edge before you sew the binding on if your fabric needs it, but not the binding itself. i will stick up for big 4 and say that overall i think their instructions are getting better. this particular pattern is an older one and i'm sure they keep it around b/c it's been so popular. i think more recent patterns have had better instructions and i've even seen them showing how to do a burrito method, so i think there's hope. 😊
That's good news! It just doesn't feel like it's worth the risk for me, when I have so many reliable indie pattern companies. Once bitten, twice shy, you know? More like 20 times bitten, 21 times shy, but you know... 😂
Best Mimi G Pattern I love is S9114, you get a beautiful flowy shirt dress, cami, and pants! Great value, and I have made and hacked the shirt dress and hope to make more!!!!! Love your honest review of this pattern, and I like how the everyday wear version turned out!
I love your versions of both the shirt dress and pants, Fatmata!! I'm not a pleats on pants person, which is the only thing that puts me off. I'll definitely put it in my maybe pile, though, because of your versions!!
Hi Theresa, I’m glad you were able to make the dress “yours” with your alterations and revamp post party. I’m in the states and have used mostly the big 4… I learned many years ago to not judge a pattern look/fit on pattern artwork . If they didn’t have a real picture of a real person on the cover I shied away from the pattern. I also finally learned to look at the style to see if it was “oversized” and shied away from those as well as its not my style. I have found many of the newer patterns are shapeless with very little style. I get the “gather between these dots” it usually means you’ll line up the dots on another piece and make it fit with the gathers. Good luck on your next version.Thanks so much for your review.
Thanks, Mary. I'm happy that I was able to make it my own. It's great that there are so many more options these days. We can find patterns/pattern companies that work well for us!
Hi Theresa, great video! I’m about to make this a second time, because I keep wearing the first one. I’m definitely adding pockets. My first dress, I added elastic as an afterthought or I wouldn’t have ever worn it. Thank you for the many valuable tips! Hugs, Stephanie 🥰
Thanks, Stephanie! The elastic really made this one for me. I could have added waist ties but that would have felt more restrictive. I love how this one turned out. I definitely need to re-visit this pattern, myself. And yes to pockets! Always! 😁
I love that you included WHY you decided to make this pattern...I've never thought of including that and I think it's a great addition. The fabric you used is so beautiful - I've seen several gorgeous dresses using that fabric on IG lately. I don't sew Big 4 because their size range is not fully inclusive - even their "plus" size stops short for me.
Thanks, Michelle! Yes, the size range on the big 4 is seriously disappointing. They're missing out by not expanding it. Although with the amount of ease in their patterns, they could probably just change the size recommendations and immediately expand up 2-3 sizes! 🙈😆 Thanks for watching! Glad to hear that you liked my choice of questions!
Ugh. I have this pattern from Minerva too and yours is gorgeous (both the before and the after!) but it sounds like it was such a faff to get to that point. Think it can stay in my "you never know, maybe one day" pile for a while yet 😅
It seems like a lot of people have to make a lot of adjustments. It was totally worth it for me, but maybe leave it for a while!!
Totally love your comments. I thought exactly about the bias and then the straight grain . Like you I just went it both bias.. your dress is beautiful.
Thank you, Geraldine! So glad it wasn't just me. I really do love what I got in the end, so I am willing to forgive and forget. 😉 I hope yours turned out beautifully!
sew essential sell half inch stretch interfacing which may be useful for the neck binding :)
I've always been tempted to try that. I have some stretch interfacing, so I might just try cutting some strips and seeing what that does for me. Great idea for wrap tops/dresses, though!
I’m wondering how this pattern would compare to fibre mood’s Paris top (set-in sleeve)...I think I first found your channel years ago when you compared legging patterns. I appreciate those type of videos since there are so many similar patterns. But I love all of your videos, they are so thorough, genuine, and even calming.
That looks really similar, actually! It does look like they've had to tack it closed over the bust, though, so I suspect that it's just as tricky to get the fit right. I'm planning another pattern comparison series soon, it's just had to take a backseat with other priorities. It won't be long!
I made M7969 after watching Sara from the Sewing Therapy channel create her sew along. It is the first dress that I have ever made and I used French seams throughout. It was huge-my fabric was not light weight enough. Her instructions were very good. I made a second one and lengthened the bodice so that it didn’t look so baby doll. I cut my interfacing as the pattern piece showed-on the diagonal.
I would also like to make a Mimi G pattern and just watched one of the tutorials on her channel-her husband provided the tutorial 😀. Teamwork to make the dream work 💚
Sara's sew alongs are so good! How wonderful that you were able to create it with french seams. That is absolutely a big achievement!! It always feel extra special when a garment looks as pretty on the insides as it does on the outside.
Mimi G and her husband are such a cute power couple! They have such a great sense of style, and their tutorials are great. I'll be curious to see if anyone recommends a particular pattern to try!
Thank you for your comprehensive and honest review of this pattern. I am very much a product rather than a process sewist and getting this to look good on me would drive me nuts! The big four have so much to learn from indie designers, I really don't know why they continue to produce patterns with such sketchy and confusing instructions and the lack of information on the packet. I have this pattern in my stash and I've decided not to make it. It's already in the charity shop pile! There are other pretty, floaty, summery dresses out there and tbh I'd rather give my money to a small company than line the pockets of the directors of large multinationals.
I completely understand where you're coming from!! I'm committed to getting more out of this one after all the work I've done. I am with you, though, on wanting to support the pattern designers who take the time to make the better product!
I really appreciate you doing a pattern review. Probably half of my intended (rabbit holes don't count) sewing video watching is looking for a pattern review with adjustments. (the other half is tips for alterations) I am so frustrated with big 4 pattern companies. I had it confirmed recently with an overall pattern that completely stumped me with an important part of the directions. I am dyslexic and adhd but I took that into account and read and re-read - the pictures didn't match with what they wrote. I tossed the pattern and my muslin out and bought an indie pattern that is super cute and much easier to understand.
I'm glad to hear that you find pattern reviews helpful. It was a new idea for me to try, and I want to make videos that people want to see!
I am sorry to hear about your frustrations with the overalls, but I can't say that I'm surprised. The big 4 must be losing so many customers to indie these days. I'm happy that there's another option and will continue to support the indie designers who I think deserve my money the most!
Hi! I'm getting ready to make this pattern and so glad I found you! I'm pretty experienced at sewing but do get confused with some of these pattern instructions. I'm just getting back into garment making after years of making quilts. So I have a question about adding a pocket, do you have a video of making a pocket from scratch??? I love the idea of it extending into the waist so it doesn't flop around. I love love love your dress both ways. I'm excited to make this dress, I think its a super cute fun dress.
That's so nice to hear! I hope you enjoy finding your way with garment sewing again. There's so much more out there in terms of tutorials and support than there used to be. It's a great community!
Lindsey from Inside the Hem has an excellent tutorial for extending pockets into the side seam: czcams.com/video/x4YP3zrvL7U/video.html
It's really clear and should point you in the right direction!
@@LostMyThread Thank you so so much for your quick reply! That will be so helpful. 😊
At the risk of being overly dramatic, I think the big 4 scarred me for life. I was so overwhelmed with the instructions, as a teenager, that I assumed I was just stupid. I basically did not have any help from my mom, so why did I think I could sew from them?? My pulse races when I get that tissue out of the envelope. Goodness, even that's ridiculous , who wants to put that back in? I still occasionally sew from them, mostly children's patterns, but I have my method for printing and cutting the indy patterns that works for me. Thanks for the format for me to rant. I love, your dress so much. I want to get that fabric so much!
Oh no, Kathleen! 🙈😂 I had similar issues as a teenager, but I didn't think I was stupid so much as inexperienced. There was a ton of assumed knowledge that I didn't have. There weren't CZcams videos or sewing vlogs back then, so it was just us and the patterns, for better or for worse. It didn't even occur to me to read a book, and after my sewing 101 in high school, there really weren't any sewing classes around at the time.
I remember sewing and ripping out seams over and over to try different ways of interpreting the instructions. There was a point in most projects where I'd have to leave it for a day or two to see if I could work out a way to construct it, myself. I'm kind of amazed that I made anything at all!
I probably learned so much though, and learned things much more deeply by problem solving. I can't say that I miss it, though. And don't judge me, but I must admit that I really enjoy folding the tissue back up, along the same fold lines. It's like folding a map, which I've always found satisfying. It feels like a puzzle to work out which fold goes next. 😂😁
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I appreciate hearing your review of this extremely popular pattern. I also got it free from Minerva but haven't made it yet. I'm not sure it's worth the effort for me as I don't think the style will be great on me and I have other dress patterns that I like more still to make. I also learned to sew using the big 4. I only occasionally use them now. Maybe for a simple style that I want to save money on (sale $3-4) or isn't available from an Indie company.
Thanks for watching! This one does seem to have a lot of fit issues for most people who make it. I'd only recommend it if you really loved the style. There's only so much sewing time in our lives, so why waste it on making things that we don't think we'll love!
It does seem odd with the binding. I think big 4 can be a lot more work to get the end result but to be fair you have a beautiful dress now so it was worth the effort Theresa.
Experienced sewers know what to expect with most instructions but its the sizing that drives me nuts. I'm usually 12 to 14 and I've even made a size 8 before now and thats indie patterns too! Thanks for your honest observations Theresa.
I completely agree, Annette. I love my dress, so it was totally worth the trouble. I just like to reflect to help me make decisions for the future. Of course you can't lump all indie pattern designers together (and probably shouldn't for the big 4 either), but I've got a pretty good feel on which designers fit me, and at least that's consistent!
I get your criticism of big 4 but I think once you really know how to sew (and you do), you don’t really need to depend on directions. I rarely follow directions religiously. My main complaint with big 4 is inconsistency in fit . . . which is huge. I always have to carefully measure big 4s before I cut. With Cashmirette, I alter/cut all patterns the same (12 neck & Shoulders graded to 16 bust & hips). I shorten all pieces in the same too. Your dress is just beautiful.
I completely understand what you're saying, Barbara! I don't need the instructions for most patterns, but I see the instructions as part of the whole package. For this one, it seems that most people who make it have to make a ton of alterations to get it to fit reasonably well, so I have to blame the drafting. I don't feel like I want to give any more of my money to these companies!
It is definitely a plus point that indie patterns are much more consistent with sizing. I also appreciate designers like Cashmerette who give me different cup sizes, so I don't need to do an FBA.
Thanks for being so honest. I received the ‘free pattern’ from Minerva. I decided it was a con as it was a pdf & whether I printed it at home or emailed it to be printed, I would still end up paying a lot for it. Basically I felt it wasn’t free. I didn’t know the BIG 4 sold pdfs. Do they? After watching your informative video, I’m off to delete the video. 🙄
Apparently the big 4 have started selling PDFs, I think to compete with the indie pattern companies. I'm pretty used to PDF, and I can print a lot of patterns before needing more paper/ink, so I don't worry too much about that cost. You're not wrong, though. It's not absolutely free. I'm glad that my video was helpful!
@@LostMyThread That’s interesting that it doesn’t use much ink. To be honest I’ve not tried printing them at home. Thank you for sharing 😀
Fall ideas? Are you going to do a simple 12 pc wardrobe?
I definitely need to start thinking about fall, but my brain is still stuck on what I want to make for the summer!
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For some odd reason Teresa your video won't play. It keeps buffering but just won't run. I've clicked on other videos without a problem so I know it's not me :)
Oh no! I hope it starts working. Others have been able to watch it, so I don't think it's the video itself. I blame CZcams! 🙈
@@LostMyThread hahaha! Well this morning it worked just fine so who the heck knows what that was about?! I'm so happy I was able to see and listen to your adventure with your big 4 dress. I haven't worked with a big 4 in a while too. My last one was a Vogue and as my frustration levels reached gargantuan levels, I swore never again 😂 I honestly have enough patterns to keep me happy for several lifetimes. Love your dress Teresa! The mix of colours in the print suit you so beautifully.
@@PsychicKathleen thank you so much, Kathleen! I'm glad that you were able to watch it eventually. It had been so long since I ventured into the big 4 that I wanted to give them another try. Maybe in another 10 years? 😆 I am so happy with my dress though, so I really shouldn't complain!!
IMO McCall's patterns have just THE worst directions of any pattern company, hands down. They desperately need home sewists as pattern testers. I removed every single McCall's pattern from my collection because they made me hate sewing. I still love the other large brands though.
Edit: I really love the format you used to do your review.
Well, that is really interesting to hear! I tend to think of the big 4 as one, though I know they're not all run the same. I feel like I've had issues with them all over the years, though I admit that most of those patterns were purchased between 1998-2015. They may well have come on, but I just don't feel a need to find out! 🙈 And thank you-I wanted to make sure that I didn't miss anything in my review!