Sewing My McCall’s M8506 Maxi Dress

I made this McCall’s 8506 maxi dress last year. You may be wondering why I am just blogging about it now. Well, I made this dress with the full intention of twirling through summer like a boho beauty. But you know how life be life-ing sometimes? I gained a little weight after my dad passed, and by the time I finally put it on last year, it just didn’t fit. Sis was super snug in the bodice area.

Now I could’ve been mad. I could’ve tossed it in a “maybe one day” bin. But instead, I decided to work on me, from the inside out, and guess what? Through consistency, prayer, and a lot of sweat, I’ve lost weight and inches. Not only for the dress, but for my health, my confidence, and my purpose.

And now? SHE FITS!!!

Let's get into the details on pattern and fabric.

About the Pattern

McCall’s 8506 is one of those easy-breezy maxi dresses that gives effortless drama. The pattern size ranges from 8-26. View C has a wide scoop neckline, thick straps (hello, bra-friendly!), and three gathered tiers that just flow. And while the design is simple, don’t let it fool you—this dress takes time. All that gathering? Baby, your patience will be tested. But once you see those tiers come together? WORTH. IT.

I will say that in comparison to the model on the pattern photo, when I put on the dress, the bodice was shorter in length than it appeared on the model. It may be because my bust is bigger. Next time I sew it, I will lengthen the bodice by about 2-3 inches.

Fabric Choice

I used a gorgeous geometric rayon challis from Melanated Fabrics (no longer available) that I had been saving for something special. It’s lightweight, flowy, and has just the right amount of drape for this kind of tiered silhouette. During these warm days, while wearing this dress, the lightweight fabric makes me feel like I’m walking through a soft breeze, and who doesn’t want that?

The fabric tends to fray, so I made sure to finish all my seams cleanly on my serger after cutting out my fabric pieces. This fabric is not very translucent, but in sunlight, you can have a peekaboo moment, so I wear an underdress under it.

The Fit

Now that the dress fits again, I can honestly say the shape is forgiving and flattering. I didn’t need to make any real fit adjustments aside from shortening the length (I’m 5’3”, and that hem was mopping the floor!). It appears longer when I wear flats, but I didn't want to cut too much, as I do like the length because it allows me to wear heels (I'm wearing flats in the photo). This dress looks great on any body type, which makes it a winner in my book.

I love that it’s a dress I can wear around the house barefoot, throw on sandals and earrings to run errands, or dress up with heels and beautiful jewelry. It’s just one of those any-occasion pieces.

Final Thoughts

This dress taught me patience in more ways than one. Patience in the process of sewing. I could’ve let it sit in the back of my closet as a reminder of “what didn’t work.” But now, it’s a beautiful reminder of what can work when you give yourself grace, keep going, and let God do His thing.

Scripture for the Week

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9 (ESV)

Whether you’re stitching a thousand gathers or trying to fit back into a dress you made last summer, don’t give up. Keep sewing, keep believing, and keep minding your purpose.

Let me know what you think in the comments below, and if you’ve sewn this pattern too, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

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