In Review: Vogue 8670 and McCall 6404

This afternoon I was determined to take more pictures. So, instead of eating lunch, I decided to try a third time to get pictures for my reviews. These garments were made for weekend comfort.

Lately, I'm not able to spend as much time as I would like sewing. So I'm making things that sew up relatively fast for immediate gratification.

I had both patterns in my collection for some time. Both have been reviewed on pattern review and in blogland multiple times. But that's all right. I wanted to tell about my experience of working with them. They served the purpose of making some quick outfits to add to my small weekend gear. First, I will review the knit top; Vogue 8670.  

Pattern Description:
MISSES' TOP: Close-fitting, straight, below hip length tops A, B, C, D, E have front darts, raglan sleeves with length variations, stitched hems and neckline variation. A: neck band and short sleeves. B: neck band and contrast three-quarter length sleeves. C: scrunch turtleneck collar and long sleeves. D, E: mock turtle neck with button closure. D: three-quarter length sleeves. E: long sleeves. I made view B twice with long sleeves.

Pattern Sizing:
8 to 24; I used 16 with modifications.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, pretty much.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
No problems, easy.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I liked that the tops were easy to sew; the raglan sleeves and the optional collars. No dislikes.

Fabric Used:
I used ponte and faux snake skin knit from my stash. It's not on the suggested fabric list. My choices had little stretch. So I cut my tops a little bigger.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I made my usual FBA, prominent shoulder blade adjustment, and sway back adjustments. I also added an inch to the length of the sleeves and two inches to the length of the top. I wanted full coverage of the derriere. I also, added a triangle to the back at the neckline and added a center back seam.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I will make views C and E at another time. This is a great wardrobe builder and is perfect for the cold, cold winters of Chicago.

Conclusion: This was an easy top to sew and is a great wardrobe builder. I recommend it to all level sewists.

Now, the leggings.

I think I have about five different legging patterns in my collection. I've wanted to try them for a while. Last month, I finally got around to it. For my first two pair, I used McCall's 6404. It's out of print.

Pattern Description:
MISSES' LEGGINGS: Close-fitting, casing with elastic. A: Welt pocket with hidden zipper. SUGGESTED FABRICS: Two-Way Stretch Knits: Double Knits. Contrast A,B: Synthetic Leather, Synthetic Suede. Lining A: Lining Fabric. I made view B and D.

Pattern Sizing:
XS to XL; I used Medium with modifications.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
No confusion. easy.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I bought this pattern because of the multiple variations. The design will give me opportunities to add uniqueness to my leggings without drafting a pattern. No dislike.

Fabric Used:
I used ponte knit. It does not have as much stretch as the recommended fabrics, but I was able to modify them to fit through the crotch area. I didn't have any fit issues in the leg.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I only added a few inches to the length of the brown pair because I had limited fabric. The cream/beige pair I added about four inches to the length. For both, I lengthen the crotch on the back pant.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes and yes. I plan to make more.

Conclusion: These are a good alternative to the average legging pattern. The pattern is easy to sew and goes together with no problem.