Plaid Crepe Knit Top - McCall M6963

McCall M6963 was the next to last top that I made on New Year's Eve.  The goal that day was to make something quick and easy to end my year of sewing projects.  Last year was the year of knit tops.  I made over twenty.

Again, this pattern was already adjusted for fit.  It is also a Palmer/Pletsch pattern with fit instructions included.  The design is basically a t-shirt pattern with two variations of a cowl neck.  I used this to make another one of Rhonda's sleeve designs.  It's still available on the McCall Patterns website.  There are two size groupings:  8 to 16 and 16 to 24.  I used size 14 with modifications.

The fabric that I used is a beefy crepe knit from the New Rainbow Fabrics on Roosevelt Road. At first glance, I had to have it.  One of the things that I discovered while cutting out the top is that the plaid is not printed straight on the fabric.   From one end to the other, crosswise, the print is slightly off.  So it was difficult getting the plaid to line up throughout the top.  But I think I did okay.  Not perfect though.

My top does look like the photo on the pattern envelope with the exception of the drape of the cowl.  Mine has a little more body than the fabric used for the pictured top.  My fit adjustments produced a few more seams.  But other than that, it looked the same.

The instructions were typical and nothing confusing about them.  The bonus is that the pattern has fit instructions and some additional sewing tips.

I liked the cowl drape neckline variations.  As far as the rest of the pattern, it's a typical t-shirt pattern.  No dislikes.

My alterations:

• FBA
• Swayback and center back seam
• Changed the sleeve length 
• Prominent Shoulder Blade adjustment

I will use it again for sure.  It's a easy wardrobe builder.  It looks great underneath jackets and cardigans as well as by itself with pants or a skirt.  All level sewists can enjoy making it and wearing it.

Worn with Christine Jonson Travel Trio Pants

Both M6964 and M6963 t-shirt knit tops were a great way to close out my sewing projects for 2019.  They were easy and quick.  To start the new year I have two great looking tops to coordinate with other separates in my wardrobe.


Happy Sewing!
C

The Best Stretch Ponte Knit Ever - Christine Jonson Center Seam Pants

Most would like to believe that ponte knit is just plain ole common fabric used in simple or fast fashion.  But that's not true of Mood's Stretch Ponte Knit.  It is superb.  I love it and want it in every color.  It's so amazing.  The hand is soft and smooth.  The feel is similar to scuba knit.    Using a microtex needle this dreamy fabric sews up with no skipped stitches.

My first purchase was a trio of black, chartreuse, and beige yardages for fall/winter weight pull on pants.  January was my month to sew separates, and I decided that this would be a great time to sew up a few pants to compliment my wardrobe.  Black and beige neutrals are always a plus, but I had to have the chartreuse; something a little different from the norm.

Today, I'm featuring two of the three pants that I made using Christine Jonson center seam pants from her Travel Trio 1 pattern collection.   The marrying of the pattern and the ponte knit was perfect.  The sewing process was quick and easy.  The result is two great pair of pants.

I decided to play up the center seam with some top stitching.  This is a nice little detail to show off the seaming.  I almost love the pant leg shaping; not to skinny and great for wearing boots.  These pants can take you from casual work gear to night out on the town.  In the picture above, you can see I didn't do due diligence with the pressing.  But I'll take care of that later.  NOTE:  be careful when you press.  The high synthetic fiber may be a little challenging.

The only other notable change that I made to the pant was to lengthen them a few inches to cover my extremely long legs.

This certainly will not be the last time I purchase Mood's ponte knit.  I want it in every color.  I invite you to try it.  You won't be disappointed.  There are ten delicious colors available at the Mood online store.

Happy Sewing!
C