Hello everyone! I hope you had a great weekend celebrating you or other special women in your life for Mother’s Day. If you no longer have your mom with you, I pray that fond memories warm your heart at this time each year. I was able to spend the day with my mom on Saturday. We took her to her favorite restaurant for lunch and had a laughing good time. Then we went out for a photo shoot so I could share her with you on my blog today. Neither one of us care to go out on Mother’s Day because we don’t like the crowds and long waits. We were able to get into the restaurant with only 5 minutes wait time and enjoyed a lovely meal.
I grew up watching my mother wear beautiful clothes. I remember how her outfits, shoes and handbags were so neat and organized in her closet. As much as she loves her clothes, there’s nothing she loves more than her perfume. Oh gosh, I’ve never seen anyone love fragrance as much as my mom. You will never find her without fragrance on her body. She has more than any one person needs for a lifetime, if you ask me. She loves to shop for it and even gets invited to department store events where the women go around testing new frangrances. So, although we know she doesn’t need more perfume, my sisters and I know what she likes, which makes gift purchases for her kind of easy. Perfume and restaurant gift cards are what make her happy. I love my momma. She’s easy to please, like me.
She recently started shopping online and is having a ball with it. She found the cute dress she’s wearing at Zuliliy and said she saw the same dress at a department store that costs a lot more than what she paid for it.
Of course I had to make a dress to wear because, well, I sew. Hahaha! All I need is a reason to crank one out and I’m on it. Initially I had planned to wear THIS dress. However, on Friday I cut a simple dress just because I wanted to work on matching stripes. I used a ribbed, jersey knit from my stash to practice with. I had no intentions of wearing it the next day, but when I woke up on Saturday morning, I decided to sew the dress up real quick and wear it to lunch. The restaurant my mom chose is very casual, so this dress was perfect.
Learn to Sew for Fun – McCall’s 7531 – Beginners
This is another easy pattern designed for beginners. I discuss the McCall’s “Learn to Sew For Fun” Pattern Series HERE. I chose this pattern to practice matching stripes for a few reasons. 1) It only has 3 pattern-pieces; 2) There are no darts or other design elements to interrupt the pattern; and 3) I really want more everyday casual dresses. This one is so comfortable, and with a pair of flat sandals, flip flops or sneakers, it’s great for lounging around the house or running errands, even movie dates.
When you’re learning to sew and find a pattern that really works for you, one which you have perfected the fit on, it can become your TNT (tried-n-true). A TNT pattern is one that is used over and over again. It can be used to practice matching stripes, plaids, and prints. Use it to test different fabrics. You can also use your TNT pattern to practice different hem finishes, trims, and zipper insertions. This is the year of the sleeve, so the TNT is also a great pattern to practice different sleeve designs. I will discuss TNT’s with more detail in a future post.
I intend to use this pattern to practice matching plaids and large prints also. The pattern goes to a size 26 = XXL (48″ bust and 50″ hip), so if you need a larger size, you will need to grade up. To learn how to grade a pattern up to a larger size, check out Andrea with Sew to Fit. She has a great tutorial called “Increasing the Pattern Size.”
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I’m attending a Fundraiser Gala on Friday, so while I had this pattern out, I used it to make a dress for the event. I turned it into a cocktail dress by using a dressy fabric. I think I’ve said this before, but I love to let the fabric do the talking with very simple pattern designs. Make sure you check back next week to see how I dressed this pattern up for the cocktail look.
Create the Look
Create the Look- Pattern: McCall’s 7531
- Fabric: 4-Way Stretch Knit
Thanks for stopping by!
Remember: When you live in your DESIGN, it is from there that God SHINES!
Anita
Do you want to learn to sew? Would you like to make your own garments that fit? Do you struggle finding clothes in department stores that complement your personal style? If you answered yes to any of these questions, I invite you to check out my FREE Beginner’s Sewing Course. Join me and learn to sew your own clothes. You will learn the basics of sewing with easy, step-by-step video tutorials, while creating six staple garments to add to your wardrobe. You will make a circle skirt, maxi skirt, straight skirt, t-shirt, sheath dress, and shirt dress. Don’t wait any longer! Get started now by clicking on the photo below. I’ll be waiting for you.
(All Photos Courtesy of CEMO!)
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Thank You for this post, Anita. I had given up on using commercial sewing patterns because the instructions were not easy for me to understand. Because of your post, I am willing to try commercial sewing patterns again. I visited the “Learn to Sew for Fun” section of the McCall’s website and pinned some Patterns I plan to buy and make. Thanks for sharing your gifts. I truly appreciate your expertise. Be blessed.
Awesome Crystal! I’m so glad you’re gonna give it another try. I sure hope these patterns help you. Take your time and feel free to ask me any questions. Have fun with these patterns.
Thanks Anita!
Tarah, I’m so glad to hear that you are motivated to get back to sewing. Have fun with it.
Please do a tutorial on this one. I love it! I just got a sewing machine. I’m excited to get started.
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You look great Anita, and so does your mom! My mom has been battling cancer for a year now so mother’s day is so important to me, you never know what next year is going to be like! I am appreciating my mum every day regardless of the holiday or not! =D
Best of luck to you hon and great update!
Vienna, you are so right! We never know what the next year holds which is why we must treasure every moment we have with our loved ones. I pray for your mom’s health. Blessings to you both.
Your Mother is beautiful and so are the dresses!
Hey Faye! Thank you!
You both look lovely Anita, go Momma in her Zulily dress and her love of all things that celebrate being a women, love your dress too Anita enjoy all the plans for the next sew, it brings much joy, Lyn, Australia
Oooh, thank you so much Lyn!
Beautiful fabric ! Lovely ladies, Happy Mother’s Day
Thanks Q!
Stunning together!!!! Happy belated Mother’s Day, Ms. Anita.
Thanks Margo!
Hi Anita! You and your Mom are absolutely beautiful! I’m with your Mom on having a nice fragrance to wear. It’s something about smelling pretty too. God Bless!
Thanks Sandra! Yeeesss, she always says, “you must smell pretty.”
Hi Anita,
I hope you and your mother had a wonderful Mother’s Day. I enjoy reading your blog. The dress looks fabulous on you as usual. I like your mother’s dress as well. I can’t wait to see how you dress up the casual dress pattern. I’m going to start working on cold shoulder tops and dresses.
Thanks LaToria! Yes, we had a lovely time. I need to work on tops too, because I don’t have many at all. Have fun sewing up your cold shoulder tops.
Oh ok now I know why Anita is so pretty cos mom too is a princess.. you 2 rock..slaying sister
Thanks Ray!
Both you and Mom are BEAUTIFUL!! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Dara!
?Hi Anita! I hope you all are well. You and your mother are beautiful. I’m spending time this week with my beautiful 88 yr old mother, who has been and still is a God-send to our family. I’m also a zulily fan and I’m loving the dress she’s wearing. Yes i will be purchasing the sew easy pattern. At this point that’s what I’m looking for. Thanks for sharing. God bless you and tour family.
Hi Peggy! Oooh, how wonderful that you get to spend time with you mom too. God bless her, you and all your family.
You are the Best,skilled seamstress,beautiful,and a Christian woman.Thanks for your tutorials,and how you break it down for beginners like myself.You and your Mom look Lovely.
Thanks so much Linda! I’m glad you like the tutorials. Have a great day!
Happy Mother’s Day Anita and thank you so always for your amazing blog posts! You are my fashion and style angel!
Ooooh, Terolyn, you are so welcome. Making me blush!
So glad you could spend time with your mom! You both look lovely. I especially like the aqua long dress. That is a stunner!
Thanks Gayle!
What a lovely tribute to your mama. That dress is fabulous. And those shoes! Gorgeous!
Thanks Cat!
Anita, how nice your Mom looks, such a beautiful lady. Yes, it is a blessing to have your mother, I am blessed too to have my Mom. My Mother suffered a stroke two years ago and is still going strong, a little slower than she used to be but still recovering. I love your dress, very simple in style but a classic for sure. You definitely matched the stripes to perfection. I will definitely have to add this pattern to my stash for a quick dress when needed. Thank you for your encouraging words through your sewing. That in and of itself is a ministry…..Take care and have a wonderful and Blessed day!
Hi Patricia! Thank you so much for your lovely words. Praising God with you that your mom is still going strong, and asking Him to continue to keep her in good spirits. I’m sure you’re treasuring every moment you have with her. You have a beautiful day too sister!