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

Lace Trimmed Maxi Dress

For a recent round of sewing lessons, I used some new patterns. I have a fallback set of patterns that I use and am familiar with, but my students missed the sale. I had to find some replacements that met the criteria of skills I want to teach. I needed something with a wide range of sizes including Plus and could be sewn with minimal supervision. The maxi dresses in McCall's 6558 fit the bill. My students chose the view they wanted to make and I guided them along when they needed it. 

The lesson was a success and the students loved their dresses. They made the top in view A, and dresses in view E. Here, I will review the dress in view E that I made.

 

Pattern Description:
Pullover tops and dresses have elasticized neck/raised (seamed) waist, and narrow hem. A and B: sleeveless. B: applied hem ruffle. A and C: purchased trim. C and D: front and back extend into sleeve (wrong side may show). D: side slits and purchased trim for shoulder strap. I sewed view E
 
Pattern Sizing:
8 to 24W  I made an 8.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, with the exception of the lace trim I added.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Very Easy
 
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I used this pattern in a lesson and liked how easy it was to sew. My students followed it with no problem. There were no dislikes.
 
Fabric Used:
I used a cotton blend from the Lisette Line sold at Joann’s fabric.
 
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I added three strips of  lace to the bodice.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I would definitely recommend this pattern and will make this again
 
Conclusion:
This pattern is great for whipping up a quick and stylish dress with little effort.

Happy Sewing!

Pattern Review Mccall's 6658

I had a few minutes on Saturday to run to Hancock Fabrics for more button and craft thread. I found that they were having a $1 sale on Mccalls patterns. I was looking for a shirt pattern for knits. I wanted something that looked good, but was also easy to construct and kid friendly. Mccalls 6658 seemed to fit the bill.  

After working on Alabama Chanin hand-sewn projects and my embroidery entry in the last month, it is a relief to get to the machine again. I whipped this little number up in a couple of hours and I am very pleased with it's weird drapey-ness.


Here is my review with pictures.

Mccall's 6658

Drapey top

Worn as a poncho

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 Medium, but for the next I will make the 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. 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 the option of wearing this as a cowl neck shirt or a poncho. I liked the seams and the armhole openings.  I like that it looks like more effort than it really is.

Fabric Used:
very light weight knit from my stash

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
none

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I might make view D again with a much smaller cowl or none at all.

Conclusion:
I really like 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. Be sure to use a very lightweight fabric. This top also works great as a nursing cover! My son got lost under all the fabric!