Hi: I would use the 45" layout. Since you are an inexperienced sewer, it will be a lot easier for you. When you have sew for a while it may be different. Follow the pattern layout closely to make sure the straight of grain is laid out right.

Hi thanks for the response! I'm not sure how much easier it will be but I'm glad you said that. With this layout I'll be able to keep the stripes vertical like I wanted and with the 60" layout I think it would have made them horizontal. :) Now I just have to find out how to match up stripes during cutting of the fabric from the pattern. Thanks!

To match the stripes make sure you lay all the pieces out with all the top edges to the same side. If the stripes are not all the same width/colour, having for instance one side of a blouse one way up and the other side upside down you will notice :-) Also make sure the little triangles placed on the edge of the pattern pieces to facilitate joining the right pieces together in the right places, are at the same point in the pattern on the fabric compared to the sections they will join to. Sorry if this isn't clear, it's hard to explain in writing :-)

I don't want to discourage you, but let me make a suggestion.

As someone who has not sewn from a pattern or made an article of clothing before, maybe you should start with something just a little simpler to make.

I would try a Simplicity tank top or simple skirt in a solid or small overall patterned fabric. Stripes are not that easy to match and McCall's patterns are a bit more complicated than Simplicity.

Of course, I don't know what your baseline sewing knowledge and aptitude is and may be way off-base. In the end, the worst that can happen is you learn a few sewing lessons.

Enjoy your first project. Sewing is a lifelong learning process and very rewarding.