When McCall’s 7319 Meets Nicole Miller
Every once in a while a cute pattern and gorgeous fabric come together to create fabulousness. That’s exactly what happened with McCall’s 7319 and this beautiful designer fabric by Nicole Miller that I purchased from JoAnn’s Fabrics. I’ve had my eye on the fabric for quite a while, but waited for a good sale, at which time I was able to purchase it at 50% off the regular price. I never pay full price for fabrics or patterns at JoAnn’s, unless I become desperate for some reason, which is quite rare. The colors in this print are so vibrant and I knew I wanted to make a maxi dress the minute I saw it. I think this would also look amazing in a solid knit fabric. If you haven’t already checked out the Nicole Miller fabric line, I think it’s worth a look. She has so many beautiful prints that I want to use.
McCall’s 7319 Pattern Review
Pattern Description: Pullover dresses have close-fitting bodice, raised waist, gathered, bias overlays, and narrow hem. B, C: Stitched hem on sleeves.
Pattern Sizing: A5 (6 – 14), E5 (14 – 22) = I cut a size 10 for my bodice, and size 14 for my skirt
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it did!
Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were very easy to follow. I found them to be straight-forward, and the accompanying illustrations were very helpful.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Several things drew my attention to the pattern initially. (1) I love the crisscross overlay design on the bodice. (2) I love the fullness and drape of the skirt. (3) I love that the skirt is only a partially gathered in the front and back. (4) The gathered sides of the bodice are the icing on the cake. That, accompanied with the overlays, really elevate this design. (5) My favorite maxi dress style is one with a fitted bodice and full skirt. This design fits my style perfectly.
I am not a big fan of the raised waist design in dresses. However, the overlays on this dress concealed that detail, making it more appealing to me. Therefore, I can’t say that there’s anything that I dislike about this pattern.
Fabric Used: I used this gorgeous Nicole Miller Rayon blend, constructed of 94% Rayon, and 6% Spandex.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: The only change I made was to the length. I added 2″ to the skirt hem to accommodate the shoes I wanted to wear with it.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I would probably sew it again in a solid knit. However, because I have so many other maxi dress patterns waiting to be sewn, I probably won’t sew it again in the near future.
I would definitely recommend this pattern for intermediate and advanced sewers. Advanced beginner’s should be able to follow the pattern guide sheet and do fine, but I would caution new beginners to wait until you have a bit of experience and a number of garments sewn before attempting this one. The construction of the bodice overlays could potentially become frustrating for the new beginner.
Conclusion: I can see this dress styled with a large floppy hat, and a pair of sandals for a nice day out in the sun, a lunch date, or a fun day of shopping. It’s just that comfortable.
Create the Look
- Pattern = McCall’s 7319 (View D)
- Fabric = Nicole Miller
- Bag & Scarf = B-Iconic (A shop in the Outlet Mall at the state line of California & Nevada) – No website
Beginner’s Sewing Course
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Thank you for stopping by today!
Remember: When you live in your DESIGN, it is from there that God SHINES!
Anita
All Photos Courtesy of CEMO!
I was looking up reviews for this pattern and found your blog. So obviously your post is older but I just wanted to let you know how blessed I was to read the beginning part of your post and why you were led to change your motto. That is the best “review” yet! 🙂 I think I will also be looking up that book.
Hi Anita
I’m working on this dress (C) as a gift for a friend. I’m still very much a beginner sewer. Could you explain what the instructions mean when it says to finish the self facing? This is the first time I’ve come across “self facing” in a pattern.
In the meantime, I will definitely be checking out more of your blog!
Beautiful! Beautiful! I just picked up this pattern on sale at JoAnns and was looking for inspiration and reviews. Yours will be a blog I visit regularly now, especially because of the beginning of this post. I can see Him shining in you in your beautiful photos! God bless you! -from: ThePrettyPickle.blogspot.com
Hi Sara! Awesome! I’m so glad you found the inspiration here. I just LOVE this dress so much. It’s so comfortable. I hope you will like yours as much. Blessings to you my sister.
Mrs. Anita,
Did you line the inside of this dress? Just the bodice section?
Hi Rochelle! Yes, I lined the bodice only with the main fabric.
Have not sewed in years but I need a formal dress for a January wedding….lots of dancing at the reception. I’m thinking a black skirt and a beautiful pattern for the bodice. Maybe 3/4 sleeves. I’d love your thoughts about pattern suggestion and level of difficulty. I used to make suits but not in 20 years! This style looks elegant and breezy at the same time.
It looks great on you! – Nancy
Hi Nancy! I think you would benefit better by going to your local fabric store and looking through the pattern catalogs. If you don’t have a store local to you, then visit some of the websites of the Big 4 pattern companies: Butterick, McCall’s Simplicity, Vogue. They all have websites where you can see all the patterns they have in print. I hope this helps.
I love your motto tweak. 🙂 Your dress is fantastic!! I would have never thought to try the maxi version, but now I am really tempted. I am so glad to see this pattern sewn up.
Thanks Jenny!
I love it Ms. Anita! I’m definitely going to try this pattern out. Not sure when…. But I’m going to purchase the pattern for whenever I get around to it. I’m working on another pattern right now. (Sorry!). But I love this look and will definitely check out the Nicole Miller line.
Thank you!
Hi Camille! Awesome! Have fun making this dress! It’s such a cutie.
Absolutely beautiful! To God be all the glory!!!
Anita you look absolutely STUNNING!!! Your work isamazing!!!!!!!
Thank you so much, Jennifer!
Thank you for that encouragement to live Christocentric lives. I’ve been battling with blogging and sewing new makes for that very reason. I feel like I’m playing into vanity and “showing off” but at the same time I know that God gave me this gift and that He will get the glory out of it. The question is just “how?”. I know how in the future but I’m still trying to figure out what that means for me right now while I’m still learning.
Your dress is beyond fabulous. All of your makes are. You definitely know how to sew and style them well. Very inspiring. 🙂
Hi Tasha! I totally know what you’re saying because I had the same questions, especially before I started the blog. As I have more and more conversations with women, both publicly and privately, I’m seeing that this blog is about so much more than sewing, which falls right into God’s plan. I want to encourage you. What we DO is not the focus, so to speak. WHO God REACHES, through what we do, is the key. He is the One who sets the wheels spinning. Then if we’re paying attention, we fall in line and march with Him. You and I like to sew and there is a large community sewers. Since He has blessed our hands and given us this gift, it is that very gift which He will use to draw others to Him. He will use us, in our sewing community, to introduce Him to those who don’t know Him, to encourage those who are wavering in their faith, and to build up and support those who are fellow believers with us. In all of this, God is glorified.
When I was going back and forth with whether or not I could honor God with my sewing and sharing my photos on social media, one day it came to me that my concern was more about what my fellow believers would think of me, not what God was approving. Let me tell you something; the spiritual battle is real, and the mind IS the battlefield. We have to combat the negative thoughts and expose them for what they are–LIES. God knows the heart. All we have to do is be ourselves, pay attention and respond to the opportunities He puts before us to minister to others, WHEREVER He places us.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17)
If the gift is from Him, then it is good and can be used for His glory. While you’re learning to sew, He’s preparing you for something greater.
Have a great day, sister!
amen.. Thank you so much. I truly needed this.. Also I think you should also make a blog with daily sermons.. maybe it may be too much to do it every day but maybe three times a week. I too have had a wavering heart occasionally. Thank you, thank you, thank you. And if you start a blog for bible study please sign me up.
Thank you 🙂 and may God continue to bless you
Its crazy because I’m a newbie in sewing, with no money but the will to learn, searching and searching and all sites I went to wanted money to teach… I asked God ” is there someone who loves sewing and teaching without payment” and knowing that your gifts come in abundance. I came across your youtube page then your website and cried because he answered my prayer. I just told 3 young ladies about your website, there newbies too. Thank you for allowing me to learn up under you.
OMGoodness, BeauutiLovve! You know how it is when you hear some news and your heart skips a beat? That’s what just happened as I read your comment. I am soooo happy for you and grateful to God for His answer to prayer. I’m rejoicing with you, my sister, and I’m your cheerleader as you start this journey. Welcome, and enjoy! Feel free to ask questions, and most importantly, take your time and be patient. Thank you so much for commenting.
Well Nee-Nee, I feel that either Motto he shows how you shine. You are very gifted and he gave this to you to share. You smile on your photos every time as if it’s your first time giving us the beauty of your gifted hands . Go On Girl! Keep Shining!
Heeeeeyyyyy Shannon! Thank you so much, my sister!
Believe it or not, Anita, whenever I heard your motto, I always thought of God. So, I know what you mean! I’m so happy for you! Amen! By the way, I love this new dress. It’s beautiful and looks great on you. good job!
Awesome Nancy! That’s good news to me. If you knew, perhaps others did too. Thank you so much!
Anita, the dress and fabric are gorgeous, and I LOVE your revised motto!
Thanks Sheila!
Thanks SEW much for your blog of BEAUTIFUL sewing! AND for the reminder that GOD shines through us when we HONOR HIM in what we do! God Bless YOU!!
Thanks so much Dara! God bless you too!
Hi Anita!!! you can be assured that God gets his glory from your every word and deed!! It radiates out of you!!! And it’s contagious!!!!!
Dianne, that is my heart’s desire. May it be so! Thank you for the encouragement sister!
Dear sister: thank you fir sharing & reminding those of us that follow The LORD that He indeed is first! Amen & we love your creations
Yeees, Jc! He is FIRST! Thank you so much!
You look beautiful Anita in this lovely dress. Love the print in the fabric. Thank you also for sharing about your “light bulb” moment that you had concerning your motto. As a child of God myself, I know it was the Holy Spirit illuminating this truth to you. We as children of God must always strive to bring glory and honor to our Lord and Savior in everything that we do. It’s not about us, but ALL about Him! Thank you so much for your teaching tutorials and I look forward to what you will share in the future. Blessings to you sister in Jesus name!
Amen! Thank you so much Donna!
LOVE THE STYLE!!!! It looks great on you!
Thanks Shawn!