Got my mojo baaaaack :) I've been sewing this weekend and got a couple awesome tops out of the deal! My Simplicity 2700 pants are almost done as well. I think I'll get them done tonight but maybe not. Well...they won't be done tonight. I have never done blind hemming and I'd rather eat brussel sprouts and cauliflower than hand sew so uhmm, yeah.
First up, McCall's 6754. This is a new pattern from their summer release. It's pretty awesome too! It's easy to assemble and if you're confident enough could be constructed on the serger. It does fit a little wonky up top. I read a couple reviews that stated such and wanted to pull more out but was hoping it would snug up when I finished the neckline, armholes and added the peplum but it's still a little bit roomy. I think the fix next time will to be to take a tiny bit out of CF. We'll see. I'm sure I'll be making this one up again though. I'm wearing it today!
Look at those lovely serged seams!!!! :)
Pattern Description:
Misses tops and dresses
My description: Dress and peplum top with bodice variations; and choice of raglan sleeves or sleeveless
Pattern Sizing:
XS-M - I cut a Medium
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?
I never consulted them. The sleeveless top is intuitive. The front and front peplum piece are cut on the fold, the back and and back peplum are cut and seamed. Assemble the bodice, assemble the peplum, sew it all together.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
So far (and the quirkypeach noted it too), it seems to be a slightly poor fit above the bust. I *love* the dart shaping and the light peplum. Super cute.
*I'm wearing it today and had that need to pull it up a couple of times. I still love it though.
Fabric Used:
Eeked this top out of less than 1 yd of ponte knit I got as a remnant from Hancock. I think I paid $1.50 for it.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Sewing has made me uhmm, appreciate my almost 34 year old, post-kid body 
I had to lower the bust darts about 1 inch and take 3/4" shoulder seam on the right and 7/8" on the left. I did not include the elastic (I'm not sure of the purpose and after wearing it I don't know that it's necessary. Perhaps as an "anchor"?).
I had to lower the bust darts about 1 inch and take 3/4" shoulder seam on the right and 7/8" on the left. I did not include the elastic (I'm not sure of the purpose and after wearing it I don't know that it's necessary. Perhaps as an "anchor"?).
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I will DEFINITELY be sewing this again. Next time I'll slightly raise the neckline. It's AWESOME as is - but the peplum is light enough that I'd wear this to work, but the neckline would have to be a good 1-2" higher.
Conclusion:
Easy top that comes together really quickly with good results. MAKE IT!!
********************************
Next up was Butterick 5493. I think it may be OOP.
This top went together fast...except for the decision to use bias binding on the armholes. Goodness gracious. Tedious. It's okay though...
I also did not do the hem on the ruffle or the blouse - I just serged it with a narrow overlock. It looks just fine and it helps that it's all black! LOL!
Totally need a swayback alteration. Next time I'll do it.
It's blurry but I like action shots! :)
Pattern Description:
Misses tops
Pattern Sizing:
8-14, I cut a 12/14
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?
Yes.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I love the style of this top and think it makes a great shell to add to my growing wardrobe of cardigans. No dislikes.
Fabric Used:
Some poly knit from the remnant bin...about $1.50 for the yard of fabric. The pattern says it's for stretch wovens as well.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I didn't do the side slits because I decided to assemble on the serger. That went really well. I did sew the front ruffle on with the sm. I forgot to do this before joining the shoulder seams though so I had to improvise, luckily it's black!
(I needed a swayback alteration and to alter the dart position next time)
I cut a size 12 until the bust then I graded to a 14 from there.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes. It is a nice, basic top with a little flair with the ruffle.
Conclusion:
Really like this and will be wearing it to work tomorrow. It's a great wardrobe builder!
Misses tops
Pattern Sizing:
8-14, I cut a 12/14
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?
Yes.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I love the style of this top and think it makes a great shell to add to my growing wardrobe of cardigans. No dislikes.
Fabric Used:
Some poly knit from the remnant bin...about $1.50 for the yard of fabric. The pattern says it's for stretch wovens as well.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I didn't do the side slits because I decided to assemble on the serger. That went really well. I did sew the front ruffle on with the sm. I forgot to do this before joining the shoulder seams though so I had to improvise, luckily it's black!
(I needed a swayback alteration and to alter the dart position next time)
I cut a size 12 until the bust then I graded to a 14 from there.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes. It is a nice, basic top with a little flair with the ruffle.
Conclusion:
Really like this and will be wearing it to work tomorrow. It's a great wardrobe builder!
