McCalls 7745: Advantage, Jersey

Although I'm usually in the minority when it comes to what I consider to be "neutral," in recent years, a commonly held acceptance of "animal-print-as-neutral" has developed, and the “rule” is: animal print is a neutral so long as you don’t pair it with another print. (We watched an old episode of "Friends" last night, please picture me "air quoting" everything à la Joey.)

This "rule" is where I juke left; I have several coordinating pieces of various wildlife in my closet, and I swear they go with EVERYTHING! However, my wardrobe was lacking a full-on leopard print dress, for those times when you need an easy, solid basic--something quick 'n classy. Because quick 'n classy go together.

I scooped up this hybrid leopard/python/giraffish rayon jersey print at Mood Fabrics for my MSN July allowance, and informed Rob I was going Full Florida. I don’t know why I associate a leopardish maxi dress with Florida. But in my head, when you arrive for the 5 o’clock early bird buffet, you’re wearing this. QUICK 'N CLASSY.

This is McCall’s 7745, sized down to accommodate for jersey. I didn't have much luck with it in the recommended woven. It was sort of baggy on top, the darts as-patterned are kind of gigantic--but I thought a nice stretch fabric might take the wrinkles out. (I find that if you take a woven pattern down two sizes, you're good to go for jersey. But be ready for some shucking and jiving, it doesn't always go swimmingly!)

The bodice is fully lined in animal deliciousness as well, all seams are enclosed, and therefore reversible. This gave me the option to decide which side I preferred before attaching the skirt. I love using fashion fabric as lining for that reason, you have double the choices when starting to sew! Especially when using haphazard prints. Which I usually am.

I lengthened the ties, and made it a true wrap dress by leaving a gap in the right side seam of the bodice.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, Rob's making pancakes 'n bacon for my birthday week! PANCAKES 'N BACON!!!!!! I might throw this on and pretend we're at a "super" early bird buffet.

(ps: no tennis courts were harmed in the taking of these photos. I trod lightly.)