Hello everyone! Whew, I’m still packing for our upcoming move and I am beyond exhausted! Over the last week, I’ve managed to get rid of all the large items we’re not taking with us, had an indoor moving sale (too hot outside), and sew another dress. I chose another very easy dress this week because of the move, and also because I need nice, lightweight, sun dresses for the getaway my husband and I have planned. Therefore, for the next few weeks, I’ll be working with very simple patterns. This Easy “Beginner’s” Pattern – McCall’s 7405 fits my plan perfectly. Remember, a simple design with the right fabric and accessories can become something MARVELOUS!!!
Easy “Beginner’s” Pattern – McCall’s 7405
This McCall’s “Learn to Sew” pattern is perfect for beginners. The instructions are easy to follow and this makes a great practice piece for those of you who have watched the video tutorials from my Beginner’s Sewing Course. The fabric options are limitless. There’s nothing more exciting for me than taking an incredibly simple pattern and bringing it to life with a knock-out fabric. I will definitely be making this one again in a gorgeous print.
Now, I made a mistake in the cutting process for this one, but it all worked out due to the crinkled design of the fabric. I mistakenly placed the back piece on the fold, when it should have been cut as two separate pieces. So when I went to cut open the center back, I accidentally picked up the front piece and cut open the center front. Well, for those of you who have experience with sewing, you know this is not a good thing because to sew that center seam together I will be removing sizing, because obviously there’s no built-in seam allowance on the fold, only on the side edges. Fortunately for me, this is a loose fitting bodice, so I just sewed a 1/4″ seam on the center front and it doesn’t look bad at all, and it only took away 1/2″ of sizing, which was not a big deal for this design.
I added 3″ to the hem on this dress because I wanted to wear it with heels. but it still wasn’t long enough, so I threw on my flip flops which gave it a more casual look. I think the finished length measurement given doesn’t take into account the blousing that occurs after elastic is installed, which raises the hem.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t find the link to the fabric I used for this dress. It is a CRINKLED GAUZE (cotton) that I purchased from my local JoAnn’s Fabric Store.
Creating a GREAT Casing
For those of you who are new to sewing, using bias tape to create a casing for inserting your elastic is a great method. I like it because it yields a crisp, clean finish. I’ve included photos of what it should look like at the end of this post just in case you need a live visual, in addition to the line drawings on the pattern instruction guide.
Styling is Everything
Usually, I accessorize my outfits before I even sew them together. Once I’ve decided which pattern I will use, I take the fabric into my closet and pick out shoes, jewelry, scarves, hats, and purses, then I proceed with sewing. Then sometimes I just start the project, knowing that I’ll find something in the closet to make it look good. While I was sewing this dress (1-day project), I remembered this hat but I wasn’t sure if the shades of green were the same. After completing the dress, I took it to the closet and an angelic sound came from my mouth when I put the hat against it. Then I had to do my dance. Haha! Yes, there’s nothing more exciting for me than to find a hat in my collection that’s a perfect match for a new dress, hot off the sewing machine. I can’t wait to wear this out.
Create the Look
- Pattern = McCall’s 7405 (View D)
- Fabric = Crinkled Gauze (JoAnn Fabrics)
- Hat = Burlington Coat Factory (in-store purchase)
Thanks for stopping by!
Remember: When you live in your DESIGN, it is from there that God SHINES!
Anita
All Photos Courtesy of CEMO! (except last two)
Fabulous-iI just boought the pattern. Thanks for the tip on the bias tape. I see you posted this a few years back but still look very stylish.
Blessings
Thank you so much, Carol. I’m glad you were able to grab the pattern. Have fun sewing.
First of all your dress looks amazing and I am glad to find this review because I have the same pattern and I also cut the back on the fold. I did this by following cutting layout view A for XL sizes where pieces 1 and 2 look as though they are on fold. I’ve been sewing for a while but this easy pattern was a challenge especially since I couldn’t see notches on a center back that I cut as one piece. So to work around all of this I am finishing my dress with 2 side seams and the drawstring will be on the side. I can’t wait to finish this dress so I can wear it for Christmas 2017.
I love the dress!
Really gorgeous dress! My daughter has been begging me to make her one. I have to hurry!
Thanks so much for the tip about the bias tape! I will be employing this method in the future! I haven’t worked with gauze yet but I do have a pattern in mind for it. You might know it, its McCalls 7402. Another win here Anita!
Hi Su! You’re very welcome! Yes, McCall’s 7402 will look great with a gauze. Have fun sewing it up. Thank you!
Fantastic color choice! You look outstanding in this. I made this dress as well but found the armholes very big and had to take them in. Did you find this problem as well? Thank you for all the excellent styling tips and good luck with your move. I’ve moved 34 times so I know what a trial it is.☺
Hi Ruth! Wow, you should be a pro at moving after 34 times.
Yes, I did find the armholes to be larger than normal, but I it was still wearable. I would close them up a bit the next time.
I love the green, hat is to die for!! I just got a vintage pattern similar to this one. Now I am excited to work with it. Thank you for the inspiration!
Thanks Rae! You’re very welcome!
Wow! For a simple pattern and a plain color that dress really looks good on you and the hat really sets it off. I want that hat.Lol
Thanks Jeannie!
Amazingly beautiful! It’s true, the fabric makes all the difference in the world! And Anita, that ay-MAZE-ing hat puts the whole look over the top!! U r so very talented!
Thank you so much Ksaull!
I absolutely love it!
Thanks LeJanaro!
You go girl!??
LOL! I’m going, Nancy!
Absolutely gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!! Love the hat and the little beads on the straps…it’s perfect!!
Thank you!
YASSSSSS!!! Love how you styled this…You found the perfect color hat for this fabric. Thank you for sharing all your goodness!!
Thank you!
I LOVE THE GREEN!!! Beautiful simple dress that you brought to life…
Thanks, Patricia!
Hi Anita.
As always, you look radiant and beautiful. I just love your work.
Be blessed my sister and good luck with the move.
Thanks Sherry!
Lovely dress, beautiful fabric! … I have to dig my pattern out and give it a go!
Thanks Andrea! Looking forward to seeing what you do with it!
Hey Ms. Anita,
Loving this dress, I really love the color and go head with that hat girl now that outfit saying something LOL, I still have not started on sewing I got a lot of the patterns from the class and my sewing tools but haven’t gotten around to getting the fabric yet, the problem I’m having no one to help me with my body measurements, So until I can get someone to help me with this I guess I will be watching some more of your tutorials.
Thanks Angela! It’s ideal to have someone take your measurements for you, but you really can get them on your own. The waist, bust, and hip measurements are the only ones we’re using in the sewing course. They’re really easy to take. Whenever you get started, just enjoy the process.
Go Anita! I love this sis!
Thanks Stephanie!
Beautiful! I am a fan of all your work.
Thanks La Riesha!
I want to be like you when I grow up Anita =-D
LOL! You’re cracking me up, Towanna!
Love it! I am in love with this gauze fabric every since another blogger turned me on to it. This dress is what I need for this GA heat. Another winner ma’am… I just love your style.
Hey Zaun! I love the gauze too, and it’s WONDERFUL for really hot days. Thanks sister!
Would like to see your closet sometime too! Very empowering ideas! I love the videos, learning so much. I’ve been sewing probably from before you could crawl, so it’s never too late to learn something new! I got Nancy’s book, thanks! (couldn’t find my copy of “Fitting Finesse” she wrote a while back, so this is great!) I definitely will have more confidence and enjoy sewing clothing more now thanks to you!!!
Awesome Julia! You are absolutely right, it’s never too late to learn. I’m constantly learning as I sew. You cracked me up when you said you’ve beens sewing since before I was crawling. LOL! Too funny! Glad you’re enjoying the tutorials.
OMG, amazing as usual. Absolutely beautiful.
Thanks Alecia!
Oh yay Ms. Anita! I was in the process of reorganizing my patterns last night and what do you know….I kept this one aside because I was thinking of doing view A or B next! I would love to do this version, but I tend to shy away from full length dresses because I’m only 5’1″ and they make me look shorter. However, you are making me want to sew out of my comfort zone! Now I need to go hunt for this fabric! Lol! As with all your looks…BEAUTIFUL! Thank you for inspiring me, and yes a sewing studio tour would be amazing!
Hey Nola! Thanks so much! You know you can go with the shorter version, right?
Yes Anita! The color of the dress is gorgeous and the hat matches perfectly. The inside of the dress is just as beautiful as the outside.Going to look for pattern. Thanks for the inspiration sew sister. Be blessed!
Thanks Monica! Enjoy making this dress! You’re gonna love it!
Queenie (Like2Sew)
Hi Anita,
This dress is beautiful. Thanks for the tips and ideas for accessorizing. I think coming up with the whole outfit before you sew is a great idea! It would be great to get a “tour” of your sewing room. (after you have settled from your move, of course)
Have a blessed week!
Thanks Queenie! Yes, once I get the studio set up, I may do a tour.
Omg Anita! I love it…between you and Mimi, I can’t keep up! Love, love, love this one!!!!!
LOL! Thanks Stephanie!
You are working that hat Ms. Anita!! What a perfect summer look!
LOL! Yes, ma’am! Thanks LaTanya!