I made McCall’s 8340 last year as an emergency pivot for a masquerade wedding, and it seems to be the kind of pattern that comes in clutch, because I made it as a backup pivot for a different kind of masquerade event again this year. My sister and I went to an experiential theater performance in New York and the dress code was quite strict with black, white, and silver being the only allowed colors. I have several dresses that I rotate through for various events, but I didn’t have any in these colors. So I started making a different pattern (Simplicity 3046), but wasn’t entirely happy with how it turned out. But I loved this McCall’s dress in the first version I made, so it was always on the table as a backup plan. I still love this pattern after this second version, so I think that was a wise choice. I made a few adjustments this time around but since I was mostly using a previously fitted pattern, overall it was a pretty quick and easy project.
This pattern went out of print much too soon. It comes in two different pattern numbers – M8339 for the smaller sizes and M8340 for the larger sizes. I used sizes from M8340 for my version. The only difference is that last year I made view B and added a flounce at the bottom due to fabric shortage issues, but this time I had enough fabric to make view C, which is the maxi dress length. I love that the YouTube sew along is still up too, because it’s a handy reference.
Originally I was planning to use a different fabric, but I wanted to test the full length version first before cutting into my expensive fabric, so I decided to cut into a cheaper metallic slinky knit first. I snagged it on sale from FabricMart for something like $4 a yard, which is a steal. I do have to admit I kind of wonder if it looks like I’m wearing a trash bag, but I decided I was just going to own it if I did. And even if it does look like a trash bag, but it’s a fabulous trash bag, so it’s fine. Things being what they’ve been this year, I ran out of time and the expensive fabric is still safely living it’s life as potential future clothes, but I’m going to pull it out at some point because it’s gorgeous and I love it and I think it needs to become this dress anyway. But, for the time being, fabulous trashbag it was.
There isn’t much to add about this version of the dress. I lengthened the skirt by 11 inches to change from View B to View C, and I omitted the neckline facing in favor of binding the neckband with elastic, to see if it gave a better finish. I think it did, so I’ll likely use that technique again in the future. The only other change I made was to add a rhinestone trim appliqué, which I sewed on by hand. I had a few to choose from, and I dithered on this for a while before going with the rounder swirly celtic-knotty design. In photos everyone (including me) preferred the other option, but in real life the swirls looked more fashion and less costume, so I vetoed everyone and went with my gut. I still think it was the right choice.
I wouldn’t be a real sewist if I wasn’t working on things right up to the night before the event, and I will admit that I had to do a bit of hand sewing on the trim in New York. But my sister and I both finished our outfits without losing too much sleep and our repeat dress patterns were ready for a night out on the town!
I will admit it was really fun to get dressed up, have a fancy dinner, and go to a show where (almost) everyone was putting effort into dressing up to see it. The show was fabulous. You aren’t allowed to take photos or video during the performance, but you can take a few pictures at the after party at the end. Thanks to my sister for making sure to get a few pictures on the day.
You may notice we are both wearing long sleeve shirts under our dresses. It was literally freezing the day we went (there was snow and crazy wind in the morning!), and although looking cute was a priority, not freezing to death was also high on the list. So we compromised a bit and wore some layers under our gowns. But in the future this dress will hopefully get a day out and about without needing to fight off the cold. And of course there were cute apartment pictures after the event!
For documentation purposes, I also have a few after the fact photos to get some additional shots of the dress.
Overall it was an amazing time, and I’m so glad we went. I am also really pleased to have added this fabulous gown to my wardrobe, and as much as I joked about making this pattern my new personality last year, I think I need to make at least two or three more versions. At least. I’m also happy I was finally able to get this up on the blog! It’s been a real challenge to get photos of black garments this time of year, and I’ve had both dresses sitting out to photograph for over a month. I’m really excited to wrap up 2025 with all of my finished projects posted to the blog, so I can focus time and energy on what’s coming up next.
Doctor T Designs 