Pages

Friday, May 5, 2017

Springtime is for Tulips and Mccalls 7542


I am not much of a band-wagoner, but some trends cannot be ignored. Mccalls 7542 is fast becoming a very popular make in the sewing community. 

                               
When it was initially released, I passed on it in favor of other choices. I love the sleeve options, but I thought it was a bit boxy and too short. Those are simple tweaks, but I passed on it. THEN, I started seeing the variations on Instagram and starting falling in love with it.  I found it on sale a second time so, I decided to buy it.




               

I made the tulip sleeve view using double-layer cotton jersey in reverse applique. I cut the pieces in my ready to wear size. This is my usual pattern conversion for jersey hand-stitching. This makes the top close-fitting, eliminating the ease. In addition, I added about 3-inches to the length and lowered the neckline by 1-inch. I sewed it with a combination of machine and hand-sewing techniques. 

To begin, I airbrushed cream-colored paint on the top layer of fabric using my flower stencil. I then added it to the back layer and stitched them together using a 5.0 stitch length using a ball point Chrome needle from Schemtz.  

                 

Once all cut, I carefully cut the middles of the shapes taking care not to cut the bottom layer.

                        

I really love these sleeves! I have nothing like them in my wardrobe and they really elevate a simple top.



      
The body of the top is made in double layers. I added a third layer to the sleeves to mask the bobbin threads on the underside. Once inserted in the body of the top, I trimmed the seam allowance of the sleeve head to reduce bulk.




           
To finish the neckline, I added a bias strip of jersey and stitched it in place using a hand-sewn chain stitch.


I love all the texture in this top.  As a final step, I felled the seams to the sides and top-stitched them by hand-sewing them to the back. I left the bottom of the top un-hemmed with a raw edge.


I really like this top and the drama of the sleeves. I will certainly make this again and definitely the other views. 

Happy Sewing,
Bianca

16 comments:

  1. FYI- most of the images in your post are not showing up?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for telling me! I will fix that.

      Delete
  2. This is simply gorgeous! I love how you use wonderful techniques on simple styles to elevate them to the next level. It's a wonderful interpretation of the pattern.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I didn't like this pattern at all, that is until I saw yours. Love it and this may go on my to make list. It is gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! I wasn't keen on it until I knew I wanted to make it this way. I am glad I gave it a second look.

      Delete
  4. I really like what you did with this. I also like the fit changes you made and will keep them in mind if I make this pattern...because like you, I passed it but the first time, but then went back to get it when it went on sale again. :) This looks great on you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! I wasn't a fan of the boxy woven versions I have seen​.

      Delete
  5. Your treatment of the fabric, stencilling, airbrushing, cutting and all that hand-stitching, WOW! Just WOW! And as far as the pattern, this has to be my favourite take of the sleeve trend.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love the fabric you created and the top is fabulous! I too just finished making this top but I used the flounce. Nice to see this version with the tulip sleeve - very pretty.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Tomasa! Your version is very nice, I like that flounce.

      Delete
  7. This has been such a cool pattern, and people have been so creative with it. It's destined to be a Best of 2017 Pattern on PR! I love the extra flare of the tulip sleeves and this style works really well in the reverse applique. Did you use your Terial Magic for this one?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Elizabeth! I agree, this one will be on the list. I ran out of T.M. and didn't want to wait on my shipment. Fortunately, the density of the fabric and needle worked here.

      Delete
  8. lovely work. looks so great. We have a great collection of African fabrics. Colorful and best quality at lowest price. For whole sell price Visit us, hope you guys love them.
    African Fabrics
    Wholesale African Fabrics
    African Prints
    Guaranteed Wax Block Prints-Phenix
    Sequin Fabrics, Whole sell Sequin

    ReplyDelete