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Sewing is therapy for me. I hoard fabric, patterns, notions, and spend more time shopping for fabric than I care to admit...

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

McCall's 6752 Top

Here is another review for McCall's 6752.  Last time, I made view D and just love it!  This time I attempted view B, with disappointing results.   

Description:
From McCall's pattern website: Pullover tops and dresses have neckline variations, and elasticized (seamed) waist. A: lower left side gathers and exposed zipper. A and B: loose-fitting . C: elasticized side seams on lower section. C and D: very loose-fitting, gathered (bias front) bodice. B and D: semi-fitted skirt. Stitched hem A, C and sleeves B. Narrow hem back neckline A, B and neckline/armholes C and D.

Fabric:
I purchased this gorgeous fabric from Treadle Yard Goods in Minneapolis.  The colors are amazing and the feel is like a lovely silk against your skin.  It has a 27" repeat on the print, so it was tough to get everything cut out just how I wanted given I took the last of the bolt and there was just enough to cut the dress out.  I believe the content is a poly/lycra blend.  It has great stretch and recovery. 

What can I say that I didn't say before?
This pattern seems well drafted.  Everything lines up well, all the notches match.  As I said earlier, I attempted view B, but I am not sure if it was my clingy fabric choice or what, but I just almost despised it!  I love the colors on the fabric, but the way it laid I felt like I needed to wear Spanks from my throat to my knees. 





Did it look like the pattern envelope?
Yes, sort of.  It looks like I took view B and hacked it off at the hip line, which is exactly what I did. 

Likes/Dislikes:
Likes/Loves:
I love the style of the top.  I think this view is super cute, just not on me.  Everyone else I see wear this makes me want to make one of my own.  Well, I did that.  Not sure what I think of the finished result yet. 
Dislikes:
The sleeves hung down past my elbows.   I felt like I was about to fly away if I only flapped my arms hard enough. 
The sleeve openings were gigantic!  You could see all the way to my waistline before alterations. 
Didn't like the skirt with this fabric.  It is the same pattern pieces I used for view D and loved it.  I am thinking it was a function of my fabric and pudgy body. 

Changes/alterations/modifications:
I cut off 6" at the shoulder line and tapered it down to 4" at the underarm so it was more of a wedge I removed rather than a rectangle.  That helped immensely! 
To remedy the sleeve openings, I took in a total of 6 inches from each armhole opening: three inches from each side.  This helped just as much as shortening them! 
I actually added 1/2" to the front and back bodice pieces at the waistline.  I felt like my previous version was just a tiny bit snug, plus I wanted a looser fit. 
I tried to find tricot to line the skirt and try to salvage the dress but none of the local fabric shops had any so I hacked it off eight inches below the waistline, just what the measurement was for the length of the back bodice piece. 
As with the previous version, I stitched the top of the casing to the bodice so it didn't flap around. 

Recommendations:
If you are making this view, I highly recommend making a muslin if you plan to use precious fabric that is irreplaceable.  Had I done that, I would have saved this fabric I loved so much and made something else. 
If you are using a really stretchy fabric and don't have a coverstitch machine, like me, use steam a seam for the hems on the sleeves, back neckline, and top/skirt.  It saved me a lot of grief. 
I highly recommend stitching the casing down to the bodice.  It helps it stay put and not flop around. 
Check the neckline for how low you want this top to go.  Given the drape of my fabric, I will be wearing the bright yellow cami underneath as is pictured.  Not sure if I will wear the skinny black belt or not.  It looks fine in front, but in back I think I need liposuction. 

Conclusion:
I am still trying to decide if I like this top or not.  I know I'll wear it a few times, but I really wanted to love it so very much!  I really love my dress from view D but this view just doesn't do it for me. 

Thanks for reading!
Sue

3 comments:

  1. I think it turned out to be a great top. That fabric is divine and it looks fabbo on you

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  2. Thanks EVESEWCOOL, hopefully I will come to love it! Thanks for stopping by! Sue

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  3. The fabric makes it look great!

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