Mini polka dots and a pussy bow - together?
It's a distinctive look, and one I appreciate on others (Jane, for example - love her polka dots!) - but I'm not sure it's for me. This style experimentation business is something I really love about sewing but nope, I don't think this experiment counts as a success.
That's fine... I'll probably wear it... and to be honest, the point of making this top was to suss out the McCall's sizing, not really to run an experiment. I have a pretty good idea of how I fit a Vogue pattern, but based on a sample of just two McCall's dresses
and this one (M5655, which I don't think I really blogged), also made in a size 10 and also pretty voluminous even after taking in:
I expected the McCall's sizing to include an absolute truckload of ease.
I was wrong!
I sewed this top last weekend, quickly but carefully (it looks nice on the inside, trust me, and the hand sewing is top of my range), thinking to be able to get a definitive answer on the McCall's sizing question and then to quickly make a different McCall's (dress) pattern.
I'm so glad I made a practice McCall's garment before cutting into expensive dress fabric... Evidently the sizing is plain inconsistent. Or is it consistent if you only ever sew the same McCall's designer / line?
The pattern:
McCalls 6793, sewn in a size M (which is I think 12-14) - and lo and behold, it fits! It looks kind of bland on, but that may be due to my absolutely unimaginative styling. I find the reasonably good fit interesting, as the pattern has zero darts - so I guess it's a poor pattern if you're curvy (luckily you curvy ladies get the Jasmine instead!).The fabric:
A nice quality cotton shirting from Tessuti Fabrics. I bought a few metres of it and have used less than half on this top - what's left should be enough for another little top, and it's still up for grabs in my giveaway.
The modifications:
Only one - I raised the lowest part of the front neckline by about about 2 inches. Just in case this becomes a work top... surprisingly this change didn't cause any problems in attaching the bias collar; notches still lined up and all was fine.
See you soon!
- Gabrielle x
You might not think that it fits your style but it sure looks cute on - especially with those red flats! Pattern sizing is a constant mystery. Good luck with the sizing on your next McCalls make :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Kirsty - basically I was worried the top was too young a style on me, but I'll definitely give it a test run. Sizing.... it truly is a mystery!
DeleteI never pay attention to sizes any more. I just base my sizing decision on the finished sizes on the pattern tissue and the fit I am after - and search around the internet to see if there are any special inconsistencies with the pattern itself. Whatever did we do before Google :-) LOL
ReplyDeleteThat is so sensible! I do sometimes measure the tissue up but I find it so boring - so in some kind of warped sewing logic it seemed easier (more fun?) to sew a whole garment and look at its fit than to spread out a whole lot of pattern pieces and work out how big they'd sew up! Anything can be rationalised...
DeleteI agree with Lizzy, don´t pay attention to sizes either. But sizes apart, the top looks really nice and I think you should wear it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Merche, you are another sensible sewist! I will give it a go; I'm sure there will be plenty of opportunities for a new little cotton top this summer.
DeleteLike others have said I use the finished garment size for any garment I make as "ease" is so different for each of us. I really like your dotty blouse and you can have a lot of fun with bright skirts and jackets!
ReplyDeleteThank you Sharon - I will have to change my sewing habits!
DeleteFitting inconsistencies aside, I really like it! I think it looks great on you and you styled it well. I love me a pair of red flats :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Jillian - I am living in these red flats!
DeleteI think this is great on you Gabrielle! I agree with everyone else...fitting will always be an issue. This top is adorable and this pattern is now on my wish list waiting for a sale on McCalls...proof of how much I like yours!
ReplyDeleteOh thank you Margo! I do wish there was a short cut - that there was a calculator that translated sizes between brands - there's already not enough time for sewing!
DeleteIt looks like a nice classic piece for work and it looks good on you. For fit and size, I usually compare with a similar piece of clothing I already own.
ReplyDeleteThank you! This is another great suggestion!
DeleteSpots, cotton and bow tie...you can't go wrong really.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gail - I hope!
DeleteThank you Valerie, I'm sooo glad to hear McCalls are pretty consistent - this is just what I was hoping to hear. I do find the Vogues pretty consistent, so it seemed to make sense that their sister brand would be too. Sounds like flat measurements are the way to go though!
ReplyDelete