Cozy Stretch Velvet - New Look N6687

I wanted a cozy, black velvet top for the winter season.  When I saw the stretch velvet at Joann's, I really didn't have a pattern in mind.  I just knew I wanted something new and cozy for the season.  After returning home from the store, immediately I tossed the fabric with several other fabrics into the washer.  This velvet washes and dries beautifully.  Love it.

My pattern choice for my velvet top was New Look N6687.  I thought the match up was okay.  Not perfect though.  The fabric for the top used on the envelope appears to be lighter and has more fluidity.  

This pattern top, view A,  may be described as a knit top with a asymmetric neckline, ruched side and long sleeves.  

It comes in sizes 6 to 18.  I used size 16 with a few modifications.

My version of the top looks very much like the drawing and photographs on the envelope.  Because of the heavy fabric, my version does not have as much drape.  Also, the length of my top looks a few inches shorter.  

The instructions were typical and easy to follow.  It's important to transfer all markings, notches and circles.  There was nothing confusing in the instructions.  The top quickly came together.

What I like about this top is the neckline and the ruching.  A change in the neckline of a basic t-shirt is always welcomed.  The ruching helps add interest to the waistline while camouflages that little fluffy area that a few of us have. Lol

As far as alterations of the pattern, I didn't change/alter much.  In the bust area, I added just a bit more width and I lengthen the sleeves about an inch.  Lately, I've been feeling a little lazy when it comes to doing a FBA.  The good thing is it turned out just fine.

I think I will make this again.  Next time I will make it slightly longer.  Plus I will do a better "FBA". Lol  This is a pattern that beginners can make, and I do recommend it.  Surprisingly, there aren't many postings online by sewists who have made it.

In conclusion, this is a nice staple knit top to try.  The neckline and the ruching add interest to a basic t-shirt design.

So that’s it for now.

Happy Sewing!

McCall M8238 Converted Into a Pullover Top

I really like to style of the bodice of McCall's M8238.  So I decided to convert it into a pullover top.  The process was so easy.  All I did was use a basic t-shirt front and back pattern combining them with the front and back patterns of M8238.  I didn't even draft new pattern pieces.  I merely pinned both to the fabric and cut.  That's how simple it was. 

I think we all can take advantage of the practice of hacking/splicing pattern designs to come up with our own designs or  designer inspired creations.  It can be as easy as what I described above.  Or something more labor intensive.  I'd probably save a lot of money.  

Anyway, the making of this top was just as easy as constructing the bodice of the McCall's dress. The steps were the same except for longer vertical seams and a hem to finish it off.  To follow some of the basic pattern review protocols, please read the following:

Pattern Description:  Knit keyhole cut-out-fit-and flare dress is a pull-on style with back neck closure, and half, three-quarter and long sleeve options.  My top is most like the bodice of view B with some modifications.

Pattern Sizing:  Groups:  6-14 and 16-24.  I used size 16.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Yes and no.  Only to the waist.  Top instead of a dress was the goal of this project. The style of the bodice is also the style of the top. 

Were the instructions easy to follow?  The instructions were typical and easy to follow.  Although I did not like the closure at the neck. 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  

Likes:

• Keyhole
• Cut out upper back and shoulder
• Center front seam; option for color blocking and slimming affect

Dislike:

• Closure - I ended up sewing a small strip of velcro to easily close the strap at the neck.

Fabric Used:  I purchased the black penne at JoAnn's.  Perfect for what I had in mind.  The knit has good stretch and good recovery.  I tossed it in the washer for a quick wash.  Then into the dryer.  No problems.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  

• I changed the closure to velcro
• For the FBA, at the lower front armscye I graded up to size 18.  Also, along the upper front side I graded up to size 18 tapering back to size 16 five inches down.
• Spliced t-shirt with bodice to design a pull-over top.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Yes and Yes.  I plan to make another top.  I also want to make the dress sometime in the near future.

I enjoyed converting this bodice pattern into a pull-over top.  It will be worn with a newly made audacious skirt (V1725), which I'll review soon.  This is another project from a Big 4 pattern company that isn't quite what the designer had in mind. Lol

I do recommend this pattern to sewists of all levels.  It is a nice change from the basic t-shirt style dresses/tops. 

Stay Tuned for more on the skirt I made using V1725.

C