McCall's 7969

This popular pattern has been sewn by gobs of folks and even has its own hashtag on Instagram where I first came across it. I love the crossover, or surplice look and figured I ought to give it a try.

 
Here's my first version from 2023 made from Walmart cottons, just to see if I liked sewing it. I did, I really did. It has a raised waistline and hits at my narrowest spot. And that neckline is LOW but flattering. I have to wear a camisole or I look like I ought to be in Bridgerton. I added a tie belt and pocket, of course. 

 My next version was made from a vintage linen tablecloth and the bodice from leftovers of pants I made. I was enamored with the idea of using things that had been packed away or underused. I got that tablecloth at a resale store. 

 Now, this is not the same pattern, but it was inspired by those dresses. I just switched out the bodice and made the skirt pleated instead of gathered. Cotton from Joann's. I really should have learned that a drapey fabric would be best for a garment with full sleeves and skirt, but alas, I didn't. Still it works and I wear it with no hint of a decolletage.

 O and I pieced the back to add that slit and button loop. 

This is today's version. A short blouse instead of a dress. The changes I made on this were lengthening the bodice by 1.5", raising the neckline to be more demure and adding fancy pockets.  

I loved playing with this old Kaffe Fassett shot cotton stripe. I mitered the bias band and pocket edges.
Of course I matched the stripes as I attached the pockets. This top goes perfectly with the teal pants from last week. I'll get a lot of wear out of those as I now have three new tops to coordinate.

There was actually another one of these tops that I made using two red prints, but it was weird looking on a 76 year old and went to Goodwill.  Never took pictures.