The invitation for the 2017 GIRLFRIENDS’ GATHERING read: “Pick a color – red, yellow, green, purple, orange, brown, blue, etc. and wear it (from head to toe), and become one of the many “colored girls”. How exciting! Especially since I love color.

The birthday dinner theme “For Colored Girls” was inspired by Ntozake Shange’s 1975 original choreopoem for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf. The only difference is the party host added several more shades like gold, lavender, black, white, pink, turquoise, denim, etc.

As soon as I saw denim, I knew that was the color choice for me.

The birthday dinner experience was just that, an experience. A room full of women- age 90 to 20, smiles, laughter, music, tears, dancing, conversation, poems, pictures, and love. For my sewing readers, followers, friends and those just curious, I used McCall’s pattern 7543. See pattern review below.

Pattern Photo:

 Pattern Sizing: Small View D

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? Very easy.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Loved the simplicity of this pattern.

Fabric Used: Lightweight denim.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I used the short sleeves from View A and shortened the dress hem (View D) by 2.5″. I used the Small size at top and under arms. According to the pattern, finished product at the bust, waist, and hips measured 36″, 39″, 42″. Since my waist and hips measure 2 inches more, I added 1/2 inch from the Small line on sides for fit.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I will sew it again. Instead of the additional 1/2″, I think I’ll make the adjustment from 5/8 to 2/8 in the seam allowance. Will probably add basic side-seam pockets instead of the recommended patch pockets. I highly recommend to others.

Conclusion: This is a great pattern for beginners and experts alike. Just in time for spring and summer.

Happy Sewing!

Erica

**Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”**