Me Made January – McCall’s 7531

For the month of January I completed 8 pieces. Here you will find 3 of the dresses completed using McCall’s 7531, one of my TNT’s and an absolute favorite dress to make. It can be styled with a printed or solid fabric and look absolutely different each time you make it. I went with prints for all of these. I love a good fun print, it’s kind of how I make my garments my OWN.

Yes you will see this dress again as part of my Spring/Summer collection, which I will start the first week in March. I plan to do some solid colors using View C.

This fabric is a knit border print that I purchased from Michael Levine a few years back. I say a few years because I can’t remember when I actually purchased it. Too much fabric shopping over the years. Did I really just admit that? Oh well!!!!

This green snakeskin like fabric was also purchased at Michael Levine, I think, if not there it was from Angels Textiles. I did a lot of fabric shopping during time I spent in Los Angeles and of course I can’t find my fabric album. I usually take photos of all the fabric from each trip in order to reference back when posting a blog in case someone wants to know where to purchase the fabric or something similar in print.

The last dress is out of this knit, but I am sure what kind of knit this one is. There is a good amount of stretch to it, but it has a silky feel to the fabric. I need to learn more about this fabric because I love how it feels against the skin and it was a nice and easy sew. I didn’t have any issues sewing this one. I have about 1.5 yards to make a tank top for the Spring.

These 2 dresses were made in the past using the same pattern. I guess you can see why I love it so much it.

I blogged about this one here.

Pattern Description: McCall’s 7531 Misses’ Knit Bodycon Dresses – Learn to Sew

Pattern Sizing: 4-14, I cut a size 12

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it looks just like the pattern envelope when I completed it.

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were so easy, by the time I made it to the 2nd dress, I have made this dress 5 times, I didn’t need the instructions.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? How easy the pattern is to make and the endless possibilities you have with the sleeve variations. Also depending on the fabric used, this dress can look so different each time it is created.

Fabric Used: Green Snakeskin look is an ITY Fabric, Black white tan look is a knit, Rose and white border print look is a knit, Floral print is a double knit, and the Blue white, black look is a double knit. All this fabric is fabric that was in my stash and purchased a few years back. I am sewing down my stash. The floral and blue dresses were the first made, but I hadn’t added to the Review until now. I want to say I made them both in 2018 or 2019. The other 3 looks were just made in January of 2020.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: No alterations needed I made view B for all of these looks. For summer I plan to make View C

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes as you can tell this pattern is one of my Tried and True (TNT) patterns. It’s quick and easy. What girl doesn’t want a new dress that she can she made herself?

Conclusion: Great pattern and I can’t wait for Spring/Summer Sewing. I will more than likely start that collection first week in March. Happy Sewing!!!

Simplicity 8173 Misses’ No Sew Poncho

When you’re getting back into the groove of things, you make something quick and easy for satisfaction. My choice for quick and I mean quick, less than an hour to cut and sew this pattern.

Simplicity Pattern 8173 Misses' Fleece Poncho Wraps

I purchased this fabric at Joann’s. The color combo on this one is not available online, but with all the plaid choices out there for winter, I am sure you can find one that you love.

I paired it with a mustard colored sweater from Nordstrom.com, which is no longer available online. Linked below are a few links to others that are the same color and similar in style.

Cotton Emporium Easy Rib Trim Sweater

Topshop Crop Sweater

Belt and Blue jeans from at Ross for Dress Less, you gotta love a good pair of stretchy jeggings. It is that time of year for all stretchy pants, at least for me anyway. I love to eat.

Boots are Top Moda purchased at Nordstromrack.com , no longer available, but here is a really close pair, there is only one zipper on this pair instead of 2 zippers. These were on sale, so they may not be available for long.

Pattern Description: Misses’ No Sew Poncho

Pattern Sizing:XXS-XXL

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes super easy.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?‘‘This pattern was super easy and it is really cute for the cold mornings.

Fabric Used: Flannel from Joanns. The color I have is no longer available online, not sure about in store.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: No alterations were made for sizing. I did serge the inside and made a 1/4 seam around the edge to finish it off.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes and I have already made in a black and white print. I highly recommend this pattern to anyone beginners and advanced sewists as well.


Conclusion:
I love this pattern. It’s perfect for beginners and for those needing a quick project to get back into the groove of sewing.

Bye for now, Time to go Sew Something!!!