Pages

Monday, May 29, 2017

Top-a-Palooza! McCall's 7542 and Simplicity 1280

McCall's 7542

Me admiring my sleeves <3

Pattern Description:

Semi-fitted tops have sleeve variations. Includes separate pattern pieces for A/B, C, and D cups.

Pattern Sizing:

6-14 and 14-22. Gotta love a pattern with cup sizing! I used a 14-C cup

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?

For the overall top, yes, and for my sleeve view.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

Like allll the versions floating around, I love the options. I like little boxy tops sometimes and the sleeves sold me on this one. I really love the fit, even the cropped length. Though that makes this not a work top. I'll have to add another 1.5" or so. I don't like the longer length, I feel it's too long for the shape of the top.

Me, demonstrating the non-work appropriateness


I did not like how long it took me to do those pleats. GRRRRR!!!! So long. So. So. Long. Mark, press, baste. I baste by hand most of the time. I prefer the control.

Every time I sat the sleeve down, it did this


Which I found hilarious. LOL! 

Complications:

I had the sleeves ready to set and went to serge the seam between sleeve and pleat. And this happened:


I serged right through the sleeve. Twice in what, 2 weeks? I think I've done this twice in EVER before now. WAH! I was ready to call this whole project a loss because I was thinking I would have to redo the pleats. Well no, I just had to cut a new sleeve. And after trying the top on with one sleeve, I knew I had to finish it.

But I didn't have enough fabric. I tried every which way and couldn't make that sleeve fit so I sacrificed my Style Arc Cara. I've only worn it once and donated the other one -- my shoulders are just too narrow and my posture too poor for this style I think.

But YAY! I saved my top!

Fabric Used:

Cotton (lawn?) from Fabric Mart.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

Cup sizing so no FBA! 5/8" swayback adjustment, 3/4" bicep adjustment (not enough), turned up 5/8" and hemmed. I also used a loop and button for the closure.

That tag! :-D

Speaking of closure...I totally ignored the marking on the pattern for the slit and ended up eyeballing it while sewing the back seam. My giant head *just barely* fits through the opening!

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others

Definitely!! I love all the views but would try the bubble sleeve next.


I LOVE the fit and the fabric (and these have become my my most favorite sandals ever)!

I need another 1/2" or so in the sleeve. It isn't restrictive but it's juuuuust barely enough ease.



So cute and almost dainty :-D

Simplicity 1280




Pattern Description:

Misses' top pattern includes loose fitting top with short sleeves, or faux wrap top with long sleeves and elastic waist. 

Pattern Sizing:

XS - XL. I sewed a medium

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

Yep!

Were the instructions easy to follow?

It's a very simple top and is intuitive to put together, butt the instructions are fine.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

It's a cute top and is current in RTW as well. I love the neckline.

Fabric Used:

Poly woven from Fabric Mart. If you have this (was one of the pre-cut fabrics), it wrinkles so easily!! But it takes a press okay.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I'd made this when it first came out and the sleeves were so tight! I did a bicep adjustment but chalked it up to the french seams I used on that version. I made it again for my mom recently and they were still so tight! So I added another inch. Sheesh. Sewed the side seams at 3/8".

I lost the neck binding piece and just made bias tape with my Clover bias tape maker. It works just fine!


I also used 1/2" elastic instead of 1/4",



Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Yes and yes. Well I'm not sure how many of these I need but it's a cute top on me so you never know! Plus I want to make view E at some point.

The extra sleeve width was perfect! And that neckline fits me so well!!


The blue and white print works really well with lots of close items!

These red pants from LOFT are so fantastic! 

When I put these on to photograph with the top, I totally went back and ordered them in black and navy. They fit me perfectly! It's their Julie fit and the essential skinny ankle pant FYI.

I chose to spend the holiday weekend as a homebody. Cleaning, organizing and sewing. <3 Current WIP: V1329


 I've also got the back assembled...I'll insert the zipper and check for fit. I almost always baste side seams and lots of reviews mentioned lots of extra fabric in the upper back, so I may need to tweak there.