Have you ever decided, the day before an event, that you want a new dress? I know I’m not the only one. This Gold/Black Plaid Bodycon – McCall’s 7531 is the result of my latest last-minute venture.
After the wedding dress drama, you would think that I’d chill out for a while right? Nope! I had a lunch date planned with a couple of my girlfriends last Friday, and decided on Wednesday that I wanted a new dress to wear. That’s not really a big deal with the availability of so many Easy-To-Sew patterns on the market, like this McCall’s 7531. I could whip up a dress in no time–even with my slow sewing speed.
However, I added a bit of difficulty to the mix by choosing a plaid fabric. I love plaids but it takes me a LONG time to match the patterns, especially the larger prints. And you just don’t want to get caught with your plaid lines not matching. The sew sisters have eyes. Hahaha!!! Choosing a simple fabric would have made this a much quicker project to complete, but this print really spoke to me.
I cut out the pattern on Wednesday, which took me hours because getting the lines on the sleeves to match the ones on the dress is always extra work for me. Then I had to make two attempts because the first set of sleeves didn’t line up. While precision cutting is required when matching patterns, working with stretch fabric makes it a lot easier if the cuts are a tiny bit off, because I can actually make the fabric go where I want. Wovens aren’t flexible though, so the cutting has to be on point.
When planning my DIY garments, I almost always style them before I start sewing. I love going into my closet with the fabric and pairing it with shoes, hats, purses and jewelry. Sometimes I dance — sometimes I squeal. It’s probably one of my favorite parts of the sewing process.
I’ve sewn this dress several times already and there’s a Sew-Along on my YouTube Channel. It’s beginner friendly and perfect for matching plaids or any other prints. The fabric is a Double Brushed Poly Spandex. It’s a very thin fabric, therefore, I lined it with a lightweight black knit from my stash.
I cut this one above the knee because I plan to wear it with flat sandals most of the time. Usually, my dresses are cut below the knee when worn with heels because I think it’s a more classy look.
Nevertheless, here I am posing in a shorter version with high heels. Hahaha!!!
Quite a few people have asked if I will be posting more video tutorials. The answer is, YES. I’m actually planning several right now. Working out the fabric selections and I hope to have the first one out within the next couple of weeks.
Thank you for stopping by!
This is lovely, Anita.
Hi Anita! I jsut want to say to you…. You showed out matching those plaids! This short style is ooh so classy on you!
I’m longing for your coming tutorials because you are a very, very good teacher and one of the best out there on Youtube. If you would do one to show how to mach striped sleeves with the bodice I would be more then happy. You look Amazing in the dress.
Beautiful and classy. You look amazing.
Oh my goodness, this is gorgeous! The plaid matching looks flawless to me. I love it paired with the hat and shoes.
Squeeeeeeal! Oh my gosh! I love this particular dress on you! The plaids? Amazing! You styled that dress ma’am!
Thanks for the inspiration! I think I know what my next reward will be… Buying this pattern, and viewing your sew-along, to attempt making this dress. I too am guilty of day-before dress making. There’s just something about the adrenaline rush that makes the finished garment so satisfying!
Thank you, Maureen!
OMG that matching. The dress is beautiful and you are beautiful in it. Have you made a video showing the matching?
Thank you so much, Pam! No, I haven’t made a video on pattern matching yet.
I plan accessories and shoes with makes too! So I totally get that! The dress is lovely and you look amazing in it.
Thank you so much, Carolyn!
It is sew beautiful! And if course that print matching and styling is perfection!
Thank you, Carrie!
Absolutely stunning! Your make is perfection and it looks amazing on you!!
Thanks Barbara!
Oh yes! You look like $1 billion! If I could only get my body to act right so I could get in to a dress like that! You did such a marvelous job!
Emma, thank you so much, sew sister! Your comment had me cracking up. Hahaha!!!
I love it!!! Your print is so bold and interesting and I think the length is perfect for heels and flats! Lovely make!
Thank you Su!
Beautiful dress and a great job. Maybe you can do a tutorial about how to match plaids every time I’ve tried it came out horrible so I just gave up. Thanks
Thank you Ginger! Maybe one day I will do a tutorial, once I perfect the technique myself.
Beautiful as always. I love how you effortlessly make a dress look classy and sassy at the same time. You CAN have both! Great job Ms. Anita!
Thank you Monica!
This dress is just drop dead on you gorgeous! This is when you wear the dress ……. the dress don’t wear you 😉
Yeeesss!!! Thank you Pauline!
Great look. Impressive pattern matching. You look ah-maze-zing as usual! Such an inspiration. Looking forward to the tutorials you have planned. I really enjoy your teaching style. Thanks for all you share!
Thank you so much, Brenda! I’m looking forward to getting back to recording videos.
Gorgeous! You are shinning!
Thank you, Sandra!
Okay, Ms. Anita, you know you’re a straight firecracker in the gorgeous dress. I love the entire look, mama, you did your thang with this from head to MK on your feet, LOL!!!
Heeeyyy Jennifer!!! FIRECRACKER!!! Hahaha! Thank you sister.
WAW WEE LOVE IT. 100% the plaid fabric is gorgeous. I love plaids myself. The fit is beautiful. You whole ensemble is great and you took two days to make this courtier.
Lady Anita, you know you like drama. It makes you sparkle truly in your design. Blessings Always to you and your family ??????
Thank you, Dinny! Hahahaaa!!! Heeeyyy, maybe I should stay dramatic so my DIY’s will always be fire. Hahahahaaa!
Woweee! You’ve got the whole package! I’ve been following your sewing (and exercise!) videos, staying active, and enjoying the pay-offs! I’m sewing a smaller size now! I’m still making quilts and giving them away to people in need. I’m also participating in our local guild where we make quilts for veterans. I also make one for Girls Inc every year for their raffle. But I love garment sewing too! So thank you Anita for helping us walk the walk!
OMGosh, Julia! I LOVE what you’re doing, sister!!! Using your gift to bless others. Way to GO!!! God bless your beautiful heart.
That pattern matching makes me very happy! What a fabulous plaid and perfect in the simple lines of that gorgeous dress shape. You look fab!
Hey Diane! Thank you so much sew sister!
Anita you look amazing and your style is so chic. You did an amazing job and the only reason why it takes you long is because you are a perfectionist and there’s is nothing wrong with that and your work shows it and is next to none. Keep being Awesome
Awwwww, thank you so much Angie! Yes, I don’t mind being slow at all. You’re absolutely right. I take my time because I want it to look amazing.
Awesome! I like the fabric choice and it’s beautifully done. I’m so looking forward to more video tutorials, thank you?
Hey Mirline! Thank you so much!
Anita, lovely dress! I’m in awe of the pattern matching! And I loved the dress you wore to the wedding. I’d find it so helpful if you would do a tutorial on your dress lining techniques. I see lovely patterns and fabrics but I don’t know where to start with doing a lining. I’ve read a lot about how to do it, but actually seeing the process might give me the confidence to give it a try! Thank you for all you do, I love your work so much!
Hi Cat! Thank you so much! I will definitely have a tutorial coming to show how to insert a lining. Stay tuned.
Hi Anita! I love the dress. You have such great fashion sense. Wish I had half of that ability. Looking forward to the video tutorials.
All the best,
Lesa
Thank you Lesa!