Friday, March 21, 2014

Poncho/Cowl Redo

When you write a Sewing Pattern Review, one telling question about the pattern asked is "Would you sew it again?" Unless it is completely unique or unnecessarily confusing, I usually say I would make it again. I am a pattern hoarder (yes, a hoarder, I can soften it with a euphemism, but why lie to you and me?), so I always have something else I want to sew and rarely remake a pattern. 

Awhile ago I made Mccalls 6658 and wrote about it here

                           
                                   


My sister liked it so much that I gave it to her and never got around to making a replacement for myself. I decided I needed a funky top to throw on with jeans, and this pattern came to mind. The suggested fabrics for this pattern are lightweight fabrics with drape and flow. I decided to stray from that suggestion and make my version using a stiffer fabric for an architectural look. I purchased this fabric at an estate sale last year and I believe it is a polyester knit that feels like gaberdine. 

I made this top with no adjustments beyond my fabric choice. Here are my photos of the completed top and review of the pattern.

Mccalls 6658

Poncho style

In a pinch, a rain hood?

I like the length of the back.

Cool, like the other side of the pillow.

Pattern Description:
Pullover tops. A: Armhole bands. A,B,C: Close-fitting, neck bands. D: Very loose-fitting, reverse construction finish on neckline, front and back cut-in-one, narrow hem, openings for arms and wrong side shows on back hemline. Loose-fitting shorts or straight-legged pants have elastic waist. E: Attached tie. Designed for A,B,C,D: moderate stretch knits only; E,F: medium weight woven and knit fabrics.

Pattern Sizing:

XSM-Med This is for view D I made a size small.

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

Yes, if I sit like her I guess. I don't think the single image shows the wearing options.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, though I had to turn the radio off at points to be sure I concentrated. Transfer all of you markings carefully. If you follow the pictures and read carefully, you will do fine.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I had no dislikes on this one.

I liked that this top has a more architectural look with a firmer fabric.

I like the scoop hem in the back and the straight hem in front.



I like that it can be worn as a cowl neck top or a poncho.

Fabric Used:
A polyester knit from my stash that I purchased at an estate sale.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
None

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Yes


Conclusion:
I really like that this top it has sleeves that are short enough to not get in the way and just enough warmth when you only need a little. If you use a firmer fabric, it may be hard to carry a shoulder bag as the fabric feels bulky when you gather it on the shoulder.  


Happy Sewing,
Bianca

6 comments:

  1. That is funkiliciously awesome! I don't know if I could pull it off, but you look great. Looks very comfy too....

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  2. What an interesting design. I love all the variety in wearability, and the colour is fantastic.

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    1. Thanks! I think green is my new favorite color!

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  3. That is my kind of top and your version is much better then the pic on the pattern. How are you finishing your seams? Serger?

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    1. Thanks Hilary. The seams are finished with my serger.

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