Cozy Comfort During The Pandemic - McCall M7836

Like many in the sewing community, I find myself sewing more cozy, comfy garments. This shift maybe partly due to the Covid-19 pandemic that has rocked the world.  Other reasons for me are lifestyle changes and anticipated harsh winter.

A few weeks ago, I decided to try McCall 7836. This pattern has four lovely views, which I hope to try. These tops would great to wear with jeans, leggings,  skirts, and even tailored pants with a little modification. Lots of potential and easily a TNT.

My first top is view A. I chose to use a lightweight sweater knit from Vogue Fabrics.  I prewashed the fabrics, then tossed it into the dryer. The knit came from the dryer even softer than before, ready to layout my pattern and cut  out my mock turtleneck top.  This was another super easy project that went together no problems.  

I used sizes 14 and 16 modifying where needed. The upper top size 16 tapering below the bust ending at size 14 at the hem. No FBA, none of my other usual changes.  The fabric is so fluid and light with about 40 percent stretch. It is slightly transparent and does require a cami underneath.  For the hem, I used a twin needle. 

I noticed that the collar does not stand as pictured on the envelope.  This can be attributed to the lightness of the fabric. Also, I could cut the neckline size 14 for a closer fit.  I am pleased with how it turned out. Next version, I will add a few inches to the bottom for a more slender look. 

My likes: everything about the style and the easiness of making the top.

I recommend it to all level sewists.  

Enjoy!

 

An Audacious, Simple Sweater Dress - McCall M7979

Every once in awhile a lady needs to add an audacious garment to her wardrobe.  For me, a simple, easy pattern paired with a bold textile is a perfect combination for achieving this goal.  It's especially, gratifying when you can achieve it in less than two hours.  So here's my audacious dress!

I purchased the pattern about a year ago.  Almost immediately, I made a test garment out of a jersey snake print that I purchased from FabricMart Fabrics. My test proofed that this style looked pretty good on me given there was quite a bit of fabric in the upper part of the dress.  No need for any of my usual fit adjustments.  That put a smile on my face.  It's takes so much time to make the adjustments. 

 

What makes this dress standout is the audacious "Ziggin' and Zaggin'" sweater knit from Gorgeous Fabrics.  This was another fabric that I purchased for my birthday in September.  This fabric is super easy to sew.  It's cozy and bold.  Definitely, a statement piece anyway you design it.  

Anyway, today I want to give my review of McCall M7979.

McCall's description:  Misses': Tops and Tunic close-fitting, pullover top A, B or tunic C has  drop shoulder and low armhole and sleeve variations.  A, B: neckband C: Cowl collar.

The first thing I noticed about the description is "close-fitting".  It is only close fitting in the hip and upper thigh area.  They must have meant loose-fitting.  Anyway..,

I decided to make view C into a dress.  So, the only change I made was to lengthen the tunic by a few inches.  My idea for styling this view was to wear it as a dress as well as a tunic with leggings belted at the waist.

The pattern comes in sizes 8 to 24.  I used sizes 14 and 16.  For the most part, the dress looks like the tunic only a few inches longer.

The instruction and the construction were a piece of cake.  Nothing confusing as I just glance them.  The guide sheet included all the typical Palmer/Pletsch fit adjustments.  Again, I didn't need to make any.  There was also a construction technique for making the cowl with a twist.  I may try that on one of the top versions if I decide to make it again.

Initially, I thought it might look better if I added cuffs to the sleeves and a band to finish the hem.  But when I tried it on, I didn't like it.  So I removed them I made small hems.

I bought this pattern for view B. Then, I became interested in view C after I made my test top.  I like the drop sleeves and the cowl neck. No real dislike.

I may make it again.  And, I do recommend it to others.  

There is a lot of style ease in this pattern.  For most, there will be no need for complicated fit adjustments.  For me, it's was another quick and easy sewing project with great results and style.

Happy Sewing!

C

BTW  - I'm still working on Vogue 8627 jacket.  More on that later.