Review: Not Your Basic T-Shirt McCalls 6797

Often times I have to get out of my box of simple style and symmetrical silhouettes.  It seems that when a garment is not even or symmetrical on both sides for me, I have a hard time feeling comfortable.  Another, fashion trend that is new for me is to use large print graphics.  However, after reading my regular blog roll, I was so inspired by the top Cennetta over at Mahogany Stylist shared with us.  Graphic prints!  Ok, I might be able to do this.

I found what I was looking for when I came upon the stash that Natasha at Sew Crafty Chemist shared.  This top was a true inspiration item, brought on as I continued to scour the net looking for ideas for a garment I would be comfortable with, and a graphic print fabric which I could get excited about and actually be able to wear considering my tendency towards humdrum prints and solids.

Sew Crafty shared this print she had gotten via mail order.  I wanted that print, but I hate mail order fabrics, I like to "touch" the fabrics I purchase.  Is anyone else like that?  However, SMFabrics Online store is here in Houston, so when I have the urge to touch, I can set an appointment to visit the warehouse.  The best of both worlds.

I found this particular fabric at Fabric Depot, while on a trip in July.  I couldn't wait to get back home to sew up something, anything!  But, I had to lay this fabric out and admire its graphic, and allow it to "speak" to me and tell me what it wanted to become.

It just seemed right, to use McCalls 6797, like a match made in fabric heaven.   My fabrics speak to me all the time, however, sometimes I just don't listen and end up with duds. Wouldn't you say your fabrics talk to you?

Pattern Details/Review:

Not much to it.  Pullover tops (loose-fitting through bust) have neck band, front/back extending into right sleeve forming drape, shaped hemline and narrow hem. A: armhole band.

Let's talk about the sleeve and armhole- The sleeveless side is GREAT!  I love the way it hugs the body and curves right in under the arm.  Now the other side, not so much.  It just showed too much when the arm is raised. So here, I sewed up the edge about 6"inches, thus, creating a type of pocket under the arm.  Problem solved. 

No alterations were made, although a 1" FBA would have been useful in order to avoid crawling of the front towards the sleeved side.  I should have also widened the bottom opening a little so it would drape more freely over my hips.  I cut a straight Medium.

I tried it with the sleeve as well, but I wasn't happy.

The final verdict...I will definitely make another.  Just have to wait for another "wow" fabric.

Sew, until next time....
Andrea

Review: McCall's 6760- Romper Room

Jumpsuits seem to be as easy to wear as a dress. Basically the top and bottom are already matched. Just throw it on and you are good to go.  With the exception of the occasional visit by "nature," rompers, the short version of the jumpsuit gives you just as much versatility as a dress.  Wear it as a short set with flats or wedges or pair it with heels for a date.  You can even pair it with a jacket and change the look altogether.

I find it hard sometimes to pair tops to bottoms, which might explain why I tend to enjoy dresses much more readily than any other ensemble.  To remedy this conundrum I decided to make myself a "romper" from my days of youth.  I chose McCalls 6760 jumpsuit view and shortened it to get the romper.  There was an option to make it as a dress as well.  

Wearing heels with shorts is not something I normally feel comfortable doing, but for some reason this romper actually "feels" like a dress, and thus, it just naturally goes better with heels for me this time.  Maybe, its the dressy style of the bodice that does the trick.  

The waist yoke is very comfortable and makes it feel as though I have on a belt.  Because of the slim fit, the pattern has the 14" back zipper all the way up to and through the yoke.  Now I would not normally place a zipper in the "back" of a jumpsuit, however, in this case the opening is low enough to reach around for use when the need arises.

The shoulder ties are functional, and are run through a channel which was created by sewing running stitches 3/8" on either side of the should seam.  They needed to be knotted tightly in order to keep them secure.  The fit of the bodice has to be the correct length to keep the shoulders in place, otherwise, they would slip off rather easily.  So be certain you measure accurately before the final attachment to the yoke portion of the jumpsuit, because that is the only place to adjust the bodice length after the shoulder seams are complete.

There is no underarm side seam because the front and back bodice pieces overlap to create the side closure.  This area is really low if you don't check the placement of the overlap.  After making sure it was set correctly for my level of comfort, I then hand tacked it in place to avoid any wardrobe malfunctions.  For the more risky dresser, you go right ahead and leave that bad boy open.  It makes for a really sexy glimpse of the future. (Wink, wink)  Not for me though.

I also paired this with a blazer for when I wanted to be a little more casual, and wear it during the day to take some of the "sexiness" away.  Looks awesome!

Other details:  Lined dress or wide-legged jumpsuit has drawstring on shoulders, semi-fitted, gathered bodice overlapping slightly to side back (no side seams), midriff, side pockets, invisible back zipper and narrow hem.

Alterations: 

• Made the inseam 3.5"
• 1.5" FBA
• Left off the pockets
• Tacked down the front and side overlaps

All-in-all this is a great pattern for me, because it has some shaping to it that I like at the waist, and still has the option to make it any length as a jumpsuit, romper or dress. 

Enjoy...