Happy Independence Day and McCall's 7405!
9:00 AM
Happy Fourth of July! We'll be spending the end of this long weekend eating and going to see our local amazing fireworks display - Thunder on the Mountain tonight. But for right now, let me share with you my latest pattern hack.
Our weather is exceptionally hot now. So I've been searching out simple cut looks for summer. I want to be cool and comfortable, but I still want to feel "dressed". While I was flipping through the McCall's catalog in Joann's, I came across this pattern. I completely overlooked it when it was initially released. I guess I was thrown off by the "learn to sew for fun" label. I tend to go for the more advanced patterns with a level of difficulty.
While searching for fabric deals at Hancock's going out of business sale, I ran across this fabulous printed ITY jersey and I grabbed what was left on the bolt. McCall's 7405 was perfect because of the lack of seams. Let's talk about the simple changes I made to the size medium I cut to make this pattern a little more special...
I cut the back on the fold and elimated the center back seam. I didn't want the seam to take away from the pattern in the fabric. And why spend time matching the print across the back when it was completely unnecessary and didn't lend or take away from the design or construction of the dress.
I also added an exaggerated keyhole. I really wanted that part to stand out.
I stabilized the armholes. For a design like this, you want it to lay close to the body without any gaping or stretching.
See how that looks!
The curved hem was what sold me on this pattern.
I stabilized my hem and sewed it very narrowly. So I didn't have to do a lot of easing.
I steam pressed it really well and I didn't have any waving as you see in a lot of knit hems.
I finished the dress with a chain closure instead of a necktie.
I bought the chain and the gold tassel from Michael's and I had a lobster closure in my stash.
Style tip: The chain is such an ornate detail that I only needed hoop earrings, some bangles and gold strappy sandal.
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50 comments
This is gorgeous. I have this pattern on my cutting table also only I want to make the shorter dress version. Great minds must think alike because I bought a chain for my neckline also. I think this is going to be a very popular pattern this summer. Will you make any more of the views?
ReplyDeleteI thought the chain just took it to the next level! I think I want 2 more. I want the short plain one and the one with the elastic at the waist and the side slit. Thanks Carolyn!
DeleteGorgeous. Take it you have to remove the chain for laundering? I will have to check this pattern out.
ReplyDeleteI actually tacked the neckline to the chain so that it wouldn't slid around. I'll probably just handwash it and hang it to dry. Thanks Manju!
DeleteMuch like all of your creations, this is beautiful. You are definitely one of the most detailed and classy seamstresses on the blogosphere. I also appreciate how you share tidbits about the inside and finishing touches of your garments. I'm just beginning to sew again and your creations inspire me to keep pressing on. Thank you, Mrs. Bunker.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Florence and keep going with your sewing!
DeleteThis is way too cute and I will definitely add it to my list of projects.. I have plenty of stash fabrics LOL
ReplyDeleteThis is a great one for those pretty knits. Thanks Donna!
DeleteThe dress is fabulous. What great attention to details.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much DK's Wife!
DeleteAmazing. Never would have thought you could end up with such a pretty dress from such a simple pattern.
ReplyDeleteI know, right! It's all in the details! Thanks Faye!
DeleteAbsolutely gorgeous dress! Perfect for summer and the Fourth! Congratulations on another wonderful success!
ReplyDeleteThank you Pam!
DeleteYou made this pattern and fabric sing, I love the details of the layout of the fabric and your construction techniques really brought this dress to the next level, and you style well.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sharon!
DeleteStunning dress on you, Erica! Can you share what you did differently to stabilize the armholes? The chain was a fabulous detail, too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rebecca! I added strips of interfacing 1/4" wider than the hem.
DeleteThis is smoking hot.
ReplyDeleteThank you Cidell!
DeleteThis is gorgeous on you! I'm a beginner with sewing and following your steps truly will help me along the way! Thanks!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Gigi!
DeleteOh I love this dress! The color is beautiful and what a great idea to add that chain. It certainly elevates it and adds some interest. And what a great idea to exaggerate the back keyhole opening. Gorgeous...just gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tomasa!
DeleteGorgeous,Erica!
ReplyDeleteThanks Candice!
DeleteBeautiful! Love the keyhole in the back.
ReplyDeleteThanks Margo!
DeleteOh Erica, I'm so in love with this dress. Every detail you added/changed made it all the more lovely! Your fabric is stunning and you look AMAZING! Your styling and phots are just gorgeous. Great job!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Anita!
DeleteThanks Irene!
ReplyDeletestunning! another fabulous creation, you wear it well
ReplyDeleteThanks Eimear!
DeleteThis looks great on you! Love the chain idea, it really does take this to the next level!
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda!
DeleteBeautiful! I love the look and the changes that you made. This is such a cute fabric.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sonya!
DeleteMy husband grew up in Dekalb County. He highly recommends avoiding sitting with your sweetheart on the top of Stone Mountain during the 4th of July fireworks display. (I was not his sweetheart at the time, so I can only shake my head and laugh at his description of their near-death experience. Since they didn't die.)
ReplyDeleteCute! Thanks for sharing!
DeleteGorgeous. I have this pattern on my to make list, and am going to shamelessly borrow your idea to use the chain instead of the tie.
ReplyDeleteFeel free! Thanks Remembering.. Oz!
DeleteAbsolutely stunning!! You are not wearing the dress, the dress is wearing YOU!!!
ReplyDeleteI think I know what you mean!😉 Thank you for comment!
DeleteYaaaaay!!! What a gorgeous finish!! I have this on my cutting table right now! I'm making it in a chiffon with a nautical print! It didn't even occur to me to just cut the darnt back on the fold which I will do!! The less seams the better! I'm using rope for the ties! I adore your piece! XoXo -Su
ReplyDeleteAwesome Su! I think the rope tie will really make that nautical look! Thanks!
DeleteBeautiful! I'm trying this pattern out with a light cotton from India, and hoping it still looks good despite not being a knit. Will definitely stabilize the underarm though, and going to follow your lead on using a unique tie/closure (no keyhole though, as I have a bit of a "hump"). Thank you so much for sharing your expertise <3
ReplyDeleteStripe
Thank you Elless!
Deletebeautiful , you've inspired my creativity, question did you have to shorten it if so where? i'm 5'4
ReplyDeleteYou must be new. I’m almost 5’10”. I don’t even know the word “shorten”. I LENGTHEN everything.
DeleteHere I am, trying this pattern for a second time bc of how gorgeous your make is! When you posted this make, I went out and bought the pattern and made it using an Indian cotton. Unfortunately the result looked like a pillowcase!😔
ReplyDeleteHowever, I’m trying again with a cotton gauze, hoping it will have enough texture to look good. And I’ll follow your lead on the stabilizing details!
Thank you so much for all you give to the sewing community. I’m truly grateful!💓💗🙈