Review: A Romper Look-a-like, McCall's 6965 and Simplicity 2281

Why do I even list my post as reviews? At times it's not to tell you what I think about the pattern, actually it is more of an Internet "Show (Sew) and Tell." The enjoyment of sharing what I sew is more fun than you would ever know. Well, unless you sew as well and blog about it, or go to local guild meetings or sewing meet-ups to talk about sewing.

For the most part, when I sew, I just want to shout it to the world, "I MADE THIS MYSELF!!!" Now, mind you, this sharing is by choice to inform you via the World Wide Web, of my experiences which abound in the privacy of my sewing studio. I used to get that sharing satisfaction by sewing professionally for others, but that wasn't enough. Especially, because that type of sewing limited my audience for "teaching" sewing, as well as limiting my time to actually sew for myself.

I love to teach and share. Anytime I can tell the world about sewing, whether one person at a time, or in a group, I am in heaven on earth.

That being said, shall we continue....

Culottes- McCall's 6965 Top- Simplicity 2281

I was trying to look serious on these pictures, since I'm always showing so much teeth in my pics, I thought it would be cool to look cool....."it didn't work!!"  LOL

I made this cute little outfit to take on the look of a dress/romper/jumpsuit.  Whatever you want to call it...it a short set to me.

On the pattern envelope, the photos look as though there are pleats in the front, but it's actually the draping that gives the affect of pleats.

I made View B for myself, although the only difference in the views is the length.  The flare starts at the hip line, which makes for an almost circle skirt.

They had so much ease in them, you could almost cut three sizes smaller and just make up the difference in the waist seams.  The pattern measures 53 1/2 at the hipline for the shorts, I am 43, and thus you can see how that would just be too much.  I took out 7 inches of ease from 8 seams!  (The pattern has princess seams in front and back.) The hem width on each leg was 44 1/2 inches!!!

The bodice of Simplicity 2281 was used to create the top by lengthening it by 10" and lowering the back opening by another 3 inches to compensate for not having a side zipper. There are no side darts, so to avoid the boxy look, I just curved the side seams slightly.

No changes were made to the neckline, sleeves and shoulders.  The drape of the sleeves are exaggerated due to the softness of the rayon fabric.

McCall's 6965:
Pattern Description says:  Flared shorts and pants (very loos-fitting through hips) have contour waistband, princess seams, back zipper, and narrow hem.

• NOTE:-- the waistband did not seam contoured as much as it might appear on the pattern.

Fabric: Rayon challis from my stash--so old I don't remember where I bought it.

Alterations Note:  The reason I cut a size 16 was to get the correct fit of the crotch and waist because it matched my pant sloper.  After satisfying that prerequisite, I then made the changes in the seams to get the fit and flare I wanted in the hips.  I found it easier to fold out width and skimmer off the seams, than to redraw or deal with the crotch curve, which was perfect for me.  I did lengthen the shorts about 2 inches.

I think these are the cutest culottes/shorts for any age.  Next, I'll be making the palazzo pants.  Although, I know I will be removing so of that ridiculous ease.