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SEWING MY STASH | MCCALL'S 7531
It’s another birthday outfit. This time I pulled out a real oldie but goodie. This McCall’s 7531 pattern hack is what I was going for with the top on my first birthday look.
This is pattern #13 of my personal challenge to sew 22 patterns that I already have in the year 2022. That means I have 9 more to go. You can see Pattern #12 HERE.
PATTERN INFORMATION
McCall’s 7531 is a very close-fitting, pullover dress with neckline, sleeve, and length variations. Views C and D have a back slit opening.
The pattern is currently available on the Something Delightful website with a printed option only. This is a “Learn to Sew” pattern, making it beginner-friendly with only 3 pattern pieces required to complete the garment.
The pattern provides an opportunity for new beginners to learn the following skills:
- Learn to set-in a sleeve
- Learn to sew a slit
- Machine stitched hems
- Center back seam with no zipper
The pattern instructions are very easy to follow. Extra information is included to teach new beginners basic skills for sewing the dress.
This is one of my TNT patterns. If you’re new to sewing that means it’s a pattern that has been adjusted to fit my body. Some refer to TNT as Tried and True, while others use Tried and Tested. Either way, it’s a pattern you can pull out and sew up without any fuss – one that has been adjusted to fit your body.
Inside the Garment
This garment can be sewn completely with a serger. If you have a hemming attachment for your serger, you can also hem the garment. I used my Baby Lock Soprano to sew the seams, Vibrant Serger to finish allowances, and Euphoria Coverstitch to hem. I just like using all of my machines. Hahaha!
Alterations Information
I have sewn so many versions of this pattern that I’ve lost count. However, this is the first time I’ve hacked it into a top. And my, my, my! I love it!
I didn’t have a pattern for this design and couldn’t find one online that I could purchase quickly as a PDF, so I decided to use what I already had in my collection. I didn’t think it would be difficult to hack, and it wasn’t.
This isn’t something I recommend for new beginners. I will not be sharing my process to create the new pattern pieces because I literally just started drawing lines, with no formula or measurements. I only created one pattern back piece for off-the-shoulder. Then, I used the original back piece to draw the other back side for the sleeve onto the fabric. It was a trial that worked out.
Fabric Options
The fabric suggestions on the back of the pattern envelope call for 4-way stretch knits only (75% stretch). I used a rib knit purchased from Hobby Lobby. Also, I recommend using knit interfacing to hem the garment to prevent wavy hems.
Notions Information
There are no notions required for this garment. But you insert a decorative zipper in the back if you want to add something extra (maybe an exposed zipper?).
My Plans for the Garment
This top will be worn all over the place. Oh, YES!
I wore it out to my third birthday dinner celebration with a group of special friends. We met each other in an online coaching program and discovered we lived not too far away from each other.
I love sisterhood and community. I thrive when I have other women to learn and grow with in all areas of my life. These ladies, and all my other sisters from the coaching programs, have brought so much light into my life. God knew exactly what I needed.
When I reached out to them, individually, and asked if they would join me for dinner, they each accepted the invitation with an enthusiastic yes…no hesitation. My heart is full. I am grateful, beyond words, for this sisterhood. The women seated at this table are an answer to prayer. God loves me so much.
Styling Options
This top is great for dressing up with skirts or slacks. And, of course, it’s gonna look so cute with jeans and shorts. I can see it with a flowy maxi skirt and belt. OMGoodness!!! Let me pull out a pattern and fabric!
Styling Option #1
I styled it with a pencil skirt that I made with Simplicity 8982 (another TNT pattern). I’ve also lost count of how many times I’ve sewn this skirt. It’s so quick and easy. The fit is always perfect and I love a pull on skirt that can be styled with unlimited options.
I wore a pair of clogs, a wide belt, and carried a cute crossbody bag. I kept my accessories very simple. A dainty drop chain and bangle bracelet from my friend Glenda’s accessory boutique were perfect. She has since closed the business but I treasure the pieces that came from her boutique. I added a pair of drop earrings and a simple ring trio.
How would you wear the garment?
Would you try to hack the pattern and sew this top? Do you have the pattern? How would you style the top? Talk to me in the comments. I would love to hear from you.
Don't Forget your Sewing Project Checklist
Did you know that I created a Sewing Project Checklist to help you stay organized while sewing your garments? If you missed the video where I shared 3 Steps to Time Saving Sewing for Beginners, check it out to learn how you can streamline your sewing process. Tap the link below to get a Free PDF copy of the Checklist.
Thanks for stopping by,
Remember: When you live in your DESIGN, it is from there that God SHINES!
Links to Products, Posts & Tutorials
Here are links to products, blog posts, and tutorials mentioned in this post.
- Pattern
- Sewing Project Checklist
- Pattern Review Video
- Fabric Option 1
- Fabric Option 2
- Fabric Option 3
- Learn to SEW
- Baby Lock Soprano
- Baby Lock Vibrant
- Baby Lock Euphoria
(DISCLAIMER: This blog post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission on qualifying purchases. All opinions in this post are my own.).)
This Post Has 37 Comments
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Very stylish, Anita!
Thank you Linnea
Happy Birthday Anita..As always your beauty and style shines through the photos. May God grant you more years to share with others…God Bless!
Thank you so much, Linda!
Anita I do own the pattern from which you did the hacking but I am a beginner and still in the dream stage. Your pairing is fabulous and the picture with your friends priceless. Everyone looks so happy it’s like a breath of fresh air.
Hi Agaatha! Yes, stick with the pattern in its original form as a new beginner. Master the basics first and you will eventually be ready to venture out to pattern hacking.
I just took a second look and realize that I made a top out of the same geometric knit fabric as your skirt and I made Simplicity 8982 in a navy blue knit to pair with it.
I love Simplicity 8982. It’s the best pattern I have for a pencil skirt.
Love the hack Anita! Great outfit….
Thank you, Carla!
Gorgeous!
Beautiful Anita! Wish I could find the pattern for the skirt too!
Doesn’t seem to be available. Any options on that? Best of luck to you. And again hope you had a wonderful birthday!
I love the outfit, and my favorite picture is of you smiling! That speaks volume. This blog makes my heart happy. I know how much that you’ve been through, and you’re extremely blessed to have a strong sisterhood. God loves you, and so do I. Keep shining my Sew Sister.
Naomi
What a fantastic outfit! I love how the top coordinates with the skirt! The off the shoulder hack is just my style too!
Beautiful outfit Anita! I’m so glad you met other ladies who also ❤️ to create ?
Anita,
I love this hack! I would have never thought to do it, perfect outfit for dinner with the girlfriends, as always your styling is EVERYTHING!!!
Who would have thought to do this? Not the pattern maker – only Anita Morris!! This is so cute. Your hack reminded me of something a teacher once said – Consider how something can be used beyond it’s conventional use. You certainly took this pattern to another level. The total outfit looks sooo good. Another winner!!!
Thank you so much, De! I just LOVE it!
Total skill…..when you can take a pattern and turn it into a different pattern or style that’s skill! Love the the outfit from the top to skirt to shoes and accessories. You rock!!!!
Yeeesss!!! Thank you, Monica!
Hi Anita. ? the top & skirt. The top is one of my favorite style!!
Gaynell, I am really feeling these off-shoulder designs right now. Thank you, SEW Sister!
OMG Anita! I love love love the design for the shirt! It is beautiful and the color is amazing as well! Happe belated birthday! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much, Sheila! I fell in love the with fabric color the moment I saw it.
The celebration continues with another great outfit that looks amazing on you! Wonderful that you have a close circle of friends to support and celebrate with you. I couldn’t begin to carry off this look but all the ideas you have about how else to style it seem spot-on to me. I’m thinking it could look good with pants made of pleather in the early fall with a poncho or very large scarf or jacket for the cooler parts of autumn days that can be put aside when the day is warm enough to go without, as autumn days can often be quite warm. You are also inspiring me to look at patterns I’ve had success with before to get new ideas since I already know they “work” for me.
Mary Jean, I LOVE the idea of styling the top with pleather pants and jacket for cooler months. Yes, it’s fun finding ways to hack patterns. I want to do it more often.
Excellent job!
Thank you Delores!
Love this look Anita. And, you are looking fabulous as always. Stay blessed and enjoy the rest of your birthday month!
Thank you, Trish, and I sure will continue to enjoy my month.
Looks great! I’ve bought the pattern twice after seeing your dresses over the years and still haven’t made it. Can you tell me more about the clogs? Outfit is fabulous as are the clogs.
Thank you so much, Linda. And, you’re right, they’re clogs. I called them mules. LOL! I purchased them from Macy’s and the brand is Sun Stone. They’re very comfortable. I’ve added the link to the post.
Very chic! You look radiant!!
Thank you, Charlene
I love it! So simple but the fabric choices & colors make the outfit look like MONEY! I know you’ve been sewing for a long time. Shopping your pattern stash is perfect. There is nothing new under the “pattern sun”, just remixes. I have patterns from the ’80s. I have gone back to some of them & made an outfit that was new millennium chic! Good job!
Donna!!! Nothing new under the “pattern sun.” I LOVE that and you are so right. And, YES, fabric choice is everything.