For my 18th  post, the letter M, I chose to sew McCall’s 6074. This pattern includes 3 lengths of sleeveless or cap-sleeved deep V-neckline knit pull-over dresses.

I really like this dress style. The elastic below the bust gives the dress shape – it’s body conscious but doesn’t cling in any of the wrong places. I can see why it has 18 favorable reviews on Pattern Review. It’s easy to sew (no zippers or buttonholes!) and would be a great pattern for a beginning sewer to make, just like 9 of the 18 pattern reviewers stated. Of the remaining 9 reviews, 6 reviewers rated this pattern as highly recommended, 2 said they would recommend it with modifications, and 1 said it’s a great wardrobe builder. 

I did have to modify the pattern a bit, but I wouldn’t say that I only recommend it with modifications. Pattern adjustments I nearly always find necessary aren’t the fault of the pattern drafter, just a reflection of my figure quirks. I modified this pattern by raising the V-neckline about 3/4 of an inch, but I find almost all V-necklines are too low for me. I also removed some width from waist area on the center back seam to adjust for my sway back.

I’m currently making the maxi length, view C version of this dress since I found the knee length version so comfortable to wear. Although the size 14 exactly matches my measurements, I’ve cut out the maxi in a size 12 to see if the 12 will fit with fewer adjustments. My conclusion: McCall’s 6074 is easy to wear and make – I couldn’t ask for anything more!

Many thanks to fellow Denversews blogger Lynne, for taking the photo above.