Hello everyone! Spring is in the air here in Southern California. Daylight Saving time is in full effect, as we have sprung forward by 1-hour across the country. I’ve started sewing for spring, and my favorite garment to wear this time of year is the maxi dress, like this McCall’s 7566 – Cape-Style Maxi Dress. Whether, long sleeve, short sleeve, or sleeveless–I love them all. They’re very comfortable to wear and appropriate for almost any occasion.
Before sharing about the dress, I have a question for you. There’s a lot of talk about style when it comes to wardrobe. What is your style? If you read my 1-Year Blog Anniversary post, you may remember me saying that my style is “LADYLIKE,” and that “I must KNOW my style, EMBRACE my style, and REPRESENT my style.” You see, my STYLE is who I am, not solely what I wear. While it’s an important aspect of my style, the wardrobe alone doesn’t tell the full story. Every part of me–wardrobe, speech, behavior, beliefs, etc.–communicate my style. What is “Ladylike?” A lady conducts herself in a manner that signifies respect for oneself and others. I strive to live every area of my life with grace, class and elegance. May it be so!
I want to introduce you to a beautiful lady who I met through the Fierce 50 Campaign. Meet Glenda K. Harrison, creator of “So What to Twenty,” a fashion and lifestyle blog where her readers are inspired to “view fashion as an all-encompassing vehicle, and for women to explore their personal gifts, style, femininity, and, most importantly, inner beauty.” Glenda has just launched a new book called, “TRUE STYLE, A Look Beyond the Surface.” I’ve read a few excerpts from Glenda’s book and am anxiously awaiting my copy. If you’d like to order a copy of your own, you may click on the book cover below. You may also join her private Facebook Page, where she shares lots of inspirational content.
McCall’s 7566 – Cape-Style Maxi Dress
Today’s DIY is a maxi dress that I made using an ITY Knit. The pattern is rated as “EASY,” and uses 5 – 6 pieces, depending on the view you are making. The dress is fully lined and the zipper insertion on Views C & D are sewn into a long keyhole opening. As an intermediate seamstress, this was an easy sew for me, but I’m not sure it would be the same for a new beginner. An advanced beginner might be able to tackle this one. Just take your time with it. I wrote a pattern review on this pattern and you may see it at PatternReview.com.
I love the flounce (cape) on this dress and that’s what drew my attention to the pattern. I may not be sewing this one again because I have too many other patterns to try, but I think it will be so beautiful in a challis or crepe, which are two of the suggested fabrics on the pattern envelope.
I plan to wear this on a lunch date with my husband. It’s very comfortable and he likes it.
Create the Look!
- Pattern = McCall’s 7566 (View D)
- Fabric = ITY Options
- Hat = Burlington Coat Factory (Old)
(All Photos of Anita, Courtesy of CEMO!)
News Alert #1
If you haven’t already heard, I was chosen to be a contributor to Sew Sew DEF, a multicultural sewing magazine created by Mimi G. Style and Norris Dantaford. (Insert Scream) I’m so excited, honored, and grateful for this opportunity to share my passion along with other talented seamstresses who are as passionate about sewing as I am. You may go to the Sew Sew Def website to meet the team of contributors and sign up to be notified of the launch date. It’s going to be great! Congratulations to Mimi and Norris!
News Alert #2
I’m so honored to be joining Shundra of ShunDavis.com for Round 2 of the Sewing 4 Haiti Initiative. This time we’re sewing for the boys. If you’d like to join us, check out the details on her blog and join the Sewing 4 Haiti Facebook Group. Our goal for this round is to sew 200 pieces, so we’re gonna need lots of help. I must say that participating in Round 1 last year was the most satisfying project that I completed in 2016. If you’d like to see the dresses I made last year, you may see that post HERE. I’m so excited to start sewing for the boys.
Thanks for stopping by!
Remember: When you live in your DESIGN, it is from there that God SHINES!
Anita
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I just discovered you today on YouTube. You give amazing instructions and I can imagine your students having so much success with your patience and teaching style!!! This dress is so pretty. You look adorable.
Thank you so much Gail!
Thank you for the book reference! It sounds great!I must say that participating in Round 1 last year was the most satisfying project.You are great.
Thank you for the book reference! It sounds great! You both seem to epitomize the style my mom had, elegant, stylish yet simple, with attention to detail. I made her clothes when she was in the nursing home at age 95, as it was almost impossible to find anything in stores that wasn’t low cut or easy-wear, and I must admit I missed the mark on her style (sorry Mom!) But she was warm and comfy! I am doing long-range planning, myself, to move to a retirement area which has lots of fabric stores nearby (a prerequisite!), and promote sewing for the residents, even making clothes for others, keeping individual styles in mind! 🙂
Hi Julia! I love the plans you have for the retirement community where you may settle. What a beautiful thing for you to do and I know many will appreciate it so much. God bless you for your giving heart.
I adore your fabric & pattern choices plus your styling is on point. Congrats on your news and I totally look forward to all that you bring to the sewing community!!!
Thanks Sharon!
Just love you miss anita that’s all i can say
Awww, Tandica, I love you too sister!
Another stunner! You look gorgeous in that dress. Congratulations on becoming a Sew Sew Def team member. They couldn’t have made a better choice. I have a question about Boys’ Clothes for Haiti. I’m still working on my dresses for the girls. Will I still be able to donate my dresses or are the dresses done and over? Or, would I be able to do both. If they are only taking clothes for boys, I will donate the dresses locally and begin sewing the boys’ pattern. Thanks so much. I’m the one whose son was begging for the robe. He’s thrilled that I can finally start on it. I bought flannel to make a lighter weight robe for me so I can hone my skills on that. I want his to be perfect. Thanks for sharing your talents with those of us who have the passion but lack the skills. Your tutorials are the best by far because you take the time to instruct on every detail leaving nothing to the imagination.
Oooh, thank you so much Marilyn! I’m not sure if she’s sending dresses in this shipment. I recommend you ask the question in the Facebook group and Shun can give you the answer. I hope you will have fun sewing your robe too. I’m really glad you like the tutorials. Have a great weekend!
The dress is beautiful. You did an awesome JOB!!! You also look great in it. Everything you make looks great on you. I love it. Also, Congratulations on being featured in the magazine. You inspire me so, so much in my sewing projects.
Thanks Sheila!
Congratulation Anita!!!! I’m so proud of you, sis!!!
Thanks Deirdre!
Your dress is STUNNING! I would have never considered the pattern as yours is light years better than the envelope! Congrats on the magazine feature! So awesome!
Thanks so much Sue!
Wow…I wouldn’t of looked at that pattern if it wasn’t for this post…this is sew my style:)
Hey Lora! Don’t you just love it? If you get it, have fun sewing your dress.
This dress is definitely you Ms. Anita!! i love your style. Like I said, you need to be on project runway showing them a thing or two (or three lol) love ya!!
Heeey Toni! LOL! Thank you!
Hello Anita! ??
That’s my kind of style… you look wonderful!?
Thanks Raquel!
Anita, I would like to say congratulation to you, it’s wonderful to
have a part in things you love doing, you are bless.
As always the dress and fabric you pick is fabulous,
you are living up to your words my you continue to shine
Thank you so much Gale!
All good stuff Anita! I love your style and the information that you share. The cape dress is very cute. I’m not a maxi dress wearer but wouldn’t mind making a shorter version of this dress – it would be a cute spring/summer look. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks Rema! Yes, the short version would be adorable too.