Thursday, February 23, 2012

New tops.. McCalls 6078

 McCalls 6078 - a best pattern of 2011 is a great pattern and I can see why it found it's way into the top ten.  I made two views - View A which is described as "has front and back stitched pleats, front drape, lapped back and extended shoulder seams".  

These are reasonably quick tops to make, but please take my tip - when comparing your pattern pieces to the pattern instructions, make sure you have the fabric the same way up as the diagram... I ended up sewing the pleats twice and couldn't work out the first time why it didn't make any sense to me *head-smack*.  Anyway I must remember that sewing a pleat is like sewing a dart but with one end open - I really didn't get it the first time I tried it and had them sewn very strangely.  Luckily it unpicked better than I thought it would.  

The fabric is a lovely bamboo jersey from Gorgeous Fabrics - you can see how well it drapes for this top.
 


 The back also drapes beautifully...




This is how you hope the back view looks...


 But sadly, this is how it really looks...

The bra strap is green and I could nearly get away with it, but I am thinking I need to find a bra with a lower back strap.  If I can get hold of one, then I will make this top again in a fabric with a bit more spangle for a going-out-to-dinner top.  I lurve it, except for that issue.

I also made view C - "has front drape and contrast loops".  This top is a cinch to make.  I used a rayon jersey again from Gorgeous fabrics and then made the loops from some leather left over from making my Obi belt.  It is a Nappa leather - soft sheep's leather.  I have seen this idea in blogland - I wasn't original. 


I cut the loops half the width of the pattern piece (as I wasn't going to fold them over) and hand-stitched them as per the instructions.  However I realised later that they are probably 1 cm too long as I didn't leave off the seam allowance.  Not sure it matters - if you think they would look better shorter let me know - I am still undecided on that one.  The main thing making me want to leave them, is that I don't want to hand-stitch them back on again if I shorten them!


Regular tee-shirt from the back.


I love this pattern and I am sure I will be making more versions yet.

Next up I have finished but not photographed another Ottobre ruffle sleeve top and am in the process of cutting out the Maggie jacket from Style Arc... until next post... Ciao!

19 comments:

  1. Wow - these are great tops. Love the colour of the fabric. VERY sexy back on the first one. Perhaps a strategically placed safety-pin for the bra strap. Love the shoulders on the second one. Great job on both. They go well with the orange skirt. You are certainly ploughing through your patterns. I look forward to your finished Ottobre top and Maggie Jacket.

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  2. Both tops look great in that lovely drapy fabric. I love the crossover back design, but always worried there wasn't much to stop it falling right off, do you feel safe in yours other than the bra strap issue?

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    1. A lot of reviewers have said it falls off the shoulders, but I don't seem to have that issue.

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  3. I really love that first top...perfect fabric for it and a gorgeous colour. Could you tack the cross-over bit together, or perhaps use a clear stud thingy-mabobby...I have used them to good effect on the front of wrap dresses?

    i don't think that you need to change the loops.

    I always have trouble working out which way pleats go and so often I get it wrong.

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  4. Love both of these Sue...they look fabulous! Get some of that Hollywood tape from Priceline. It works a treat!

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  5. Sue - I love both of your tops and they look great on you! Surely the back of the first one can be secured with a little fashion tape! I use it on everything.
    Also I really like the orange/red skirt - super fit and lovely lining! I've never sewn with bamboo jersey but now I'm going to give it a try. Thanks for sharing!

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  6. Beautiful tops Sue! That color looks great with the orange skirt.

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  7. Those are lovely tops. The draping is very elegant.

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  8. Very nice work and great colour choices. Darn about the bra strap - can the back be redrafted higher?

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  9. They're both great tops - I've seen a few sparkly versions around the blogs and they've all looked really good too.

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  10. I like both of these tops on you. They're definitely great for our current weather.

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  11. Beautiful tops on you! I don't think you need to change the loops on the tank top version. I love how that version looks safari-ish. The orange skirt is also beautiful and the lining is so cool!

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  12. Lovely tops, and fabulous colour on you. I love the leather loop detail, very smart.

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  13. Great tees! I think the straps on the second one are a great length--they are a nice, fashiony design feature.

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  14. Gorgeous tops, love the style and colour and pity about the back drape can you add more height to the pattern piece for the next version. Your orange skirt is perfect and you have made some great tops to wear with it.

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  15. Looks great, Sue! Is it possible to take a few stitches on the back overlap so it covers your bra strap? I hate having to wear special underwear with certain clothes... What a pain.

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  16. Both of those shirts are lovely - that colour really suits you, and really pops with that skirt. I don't think you need to alter the loops on the second one. They look great.

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  17. Love both tops and also like the green and orange together. Nice colors!

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  18. I love this top and all your sewing projects! I'm your newest follower. I can't wait for summer(I'm a teacher) so I can try some of your things. I love to see finished patterns to see how they really look! Thanks for sharing!

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Love to hear what you think...