Happy New Year everyone! Are you ready to take on 2017? I am! I have wonderful plans for the year and plan on it being a great year.
Today I am sharing this awesome dress that I’m totally in love with. I used McCall’s 7471, which is a pattern for pullover tops and tunic. I extended the length on the tunic to make it into a dress. I absolutely love the soft drape on the cowl neck. I used another piece that I picked up on my last trip to the Michael Levine Loft. It’s another thin, very stretchy, knit. The color is EVERYTHING! I look best in bold colors and this one complements my skin tone so well.
This was incredibly easy to sew–only 3 pieces! So for all you beginners, this is a green light for you. I will probably make one each in the tunic length and the top length. That’s how much I like this pattern, and I have plenty knit fabric in my stash. So don’t be surprised if you see this one again pretty soon.
Now I’m pretty sure you’re all wondering, “Who is this lady on Anita’s blog!” Teehehehee!!! It’s me!!! I’m playing around with new hair. I was ready for a change so I purchased this new wig. Her name is Alexis! Tell me what you think. I really do love how wigs have improved since back in the day when my mother and aunts wore them. They’re very lightweight and can look pretty natural if you work with them. My husband REALLY LOVES this look so I decided to go ahead and try it with this dress. She may be my new look for 2017 (I think). We’ll see. I used to change my hair all the time, but I haven’t made any changes in years. Since my husband is retiring, I think it’s time to spice it up a bit, because we’re about to be all over the place. Hehehe!
Create the Look
- Pattern: McCall’s 7471 (View D) with added length
- Fabric: 2-way Stretch Knit
- Shoes:
Thanks for stopping by!
Remember: When you live in your DESIGN, it is from there that God SHINES!
Anita
ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF CEMO!
Awesome choice ! The color and silhouette are perfect for you ! Did you have to taper pattern for the skirt? I like that the fullness in the shoulders (without a set in sleeve) balance the lower portion of the dress. I am a little fuller on the bottom and was wondering if the pattern would work for a pear shaped gal such as myself.
Hi Lisa! I didn’t do any tapering for the skirt portion. I just extended the length of the top straight down. Because this fabric is very stretchy, I knew it would stretch over the hips the way I wanted. It depends on what type of fabric you use. If you use a more stable knit, then you will likely need to grade out for your hips, then taper back in at the bottom. Thanks for stopping by!
Wow it’s so beautiful i like the dress it’s chic looking. the color is fantastic i like neck line pattern style it’s so awesome looking and full sleeves style was very good i’m a big fan of your dress.the way of design pattern presentation was very good i love the photography it’s simply super thanks for sharing your posts.
Thank you so much Patricia!
This dress looks great. I bought this pattern and made it several months ago and got stuck on the cowl neck. The directions are confusing starting at #3 under Top B C & D. You have great pictures posted here and was hoping by studying the neck in your pictures I would be able to figure it out. Did you add a seam to the back of the neck? Would you be able to do a tutorial on the neck?
Hi Marilyn! No, I didn’t add a seam at the back neck. I followed the pattern instruction sheet without any changes. I probably won’t be doing a tutorial on this one though.
Hello Anita,
I love the dress on you and your tutorials are amazing. Thanks for the info about the Facebook group…
Stay Blessed
Martha
You’re welcome Martha! So glad to have you join me.
I love the dress and the fit on you. Compliments you very well. Oh I have the same exact happy planner Mimi has which is the 18 month one. I always change out their disc. If you want to do that and add pages like, to do pages and pocket dividers, you can find them at Office Depot.
Hi Camille! Thanks so much, and I appreciate the information for the pages and pocket dividers for the Happy Planner. I’ll check them out.
Hi Camille! You had me laughing as I read your comment. I definitely wear foundation garments with scuba knit. I made a scuba knit pants suit and I tried the pants without the foundation garment. NO! It showed every crease and dimple. Now, if you’re tight and smooth, you may be able to go without the foundation garments.
I love all the dresses that you post are you going to have classes on them,
Hi Pauline! I will start doing tutorials again next month.
This is beautiful! You really inspire me Anita. I promised myself I would make at least one garment each month, it’s almost the end of January and I haven’t even started. But when I saw this post, it encouraged me to put some time aside and make something. I’ll share it with you once I do!
Hey Art! Yes! Awesome! I can’t wait to see it.
Very nice as usual Anita.
Thanks LaToria!
Sista…I was looking for a pattern like this one for this knit a just purchased for 5 dollars a yard….how many yards did this dress take you to make. I love Love your style. My wardrobe needs the basics established and your blog is perfect for that (not that you are basic in any way)…thanks for all you do:)
Hi Lora! I used about 3 yards for this dress. Have fun sewing her up!
Hi Anita! Very nice dress and it look so soft and comfy. It would be a good travel dress. Those shoes are spot on. You look beautiful as you always do. Be Blessed!
Thanks Sandra!
Very nice. Love the blod color and the crown neck. xo
Thanks Mirline!
I love the color. I am also a person who is into vibrant colors. I have this pattern in my stash. I am definitely going to make this dress. Congratulations on getting the new year off to a great start.
Thanks Linda!
OMG, you are stunning!!! You are so right bold colors look amazing on you. This dress looks so stylish and so comfy! Great pattern hack 🙂
Thanks Anya!
?Hi Anita,
I’m finally A SEWWWWW SISTER!!! So excited. I’m almost done with my 1st garment. I’m amazed at how much i remember from a home economics class from 5, 15, 20,… years ago ?. I love this dress as i do all of them?. You are an amazing seamstress and instructor. Thanks you so much for sharing your talent. God bless you!!!
Heeey Peggy! Welcome to the sewing community, SEW SISTER!!! Yes, when I returned to sewing it all came back to me quickly. Have fun getting back into the groove.
Anita, thank you so much! We are certainly honored to have you a part of the group. We have so much fun with these challenges. I’m definitely looking forward to the Workoutrade Gear challenge.
For lack of sounding repetive, I am enamoured with your style, so polished, classy, and very feminine. Love it!
Thank you so much Alethia, both for your comment here, AND for the wonderful community boards you host for us.
Very nice!! Love it!
Thanks Talisha!
Anita,
I love the dress and I also requested to sign up to join the Facebook group Sew Much Talent. Thanks for sharing and so I’ll see you over there.
Also I wanted to know if you were going to Mimi’s Conference this year? I’m really thinking about going and this will be my first.
Thanks
Dee from BWHAT!
Heeey Dee! Awesome!
Yes, I’ll be at Mimi’s Conference this year. Ooooh, I sure hope you decide to go. I would LOVE to meet you in person. That would be such a treat. You will have a great time. Dee, the ladies there are so friendly and the staff is very welcoming. If you’re not already a member of Mimi’s Facebook Group, you will get an invitation to join after you attend the Conference. That’s another AWESOME group! Ooooh gosh! I would love to see you there.
Anita,
YES! Thank you so much and it will be a honor to meet you. I’m going to register, I wasn’t sure
and don’t like traveling by myself but I know once I get there I’ll be safe.
I’m looking forward to meeting all the wonderful ladies and I can’t wait. If you don’t mind I’m going to send you a personal email just to find out a little about the area and where I’m thinking about staying.
Thanks for providing that information which was really the deciding factor for me.
We’ll chat later.
Dee
Yaaaaaay! I can’t wait! Get ready to be consumed with love from your sew sisters. You will NOT feel alone at all.
I’ll go check my mail. Oh, oh, oh! I’m too excited! Hehehe!!!
Girl, the fashion show is a BLAST! You’re just gonna LOVE it!
Beautiful! Where can i get thise shoes?
Thanks Arlene! The shoes are by Calvin Klein. They’re very old.
Beautiful as always Anita! I’ll be adding this to my “must sew” list. Those shoes though….fire!
Thanks Chrishana!
You look amazing Ms. Anita!!! I love this dress! I’ll be adding this pattern to my stash soon! Love the color too!!
Thanks Brittany!
Beautiful!
Thanks Lillian!