October 28, 2017

FALL'S SWEET 16 (GARMENT #4)...

...raise your hand if you have an animal print fabric in your stash (specifically a knit). I remember
animal print fabrics being really hot a few years ago, I just don't see them being used as much as before.  Back then there were so many different knit ones - for some the animal they mimicked were almost unidentifiable - like the one I  pulled out of the stash this week to use as a muslin.  I must have really adored the fabric when I purchased it because after using 2 1/4 yards for this top, I still have 2  yards left.

When using a pattern for the first time I quite often forget to check out "Pattern Review" to see what others have experienced, but with McCall's 7249 I remembered to do that and it was well worth my time.


Reviewers spoke the absolute truth - the pattern is truly a puzzle.  With reviews like this I normally say, "never mind" and put the pattern neatly back in the drawer.  But since I've had the pattern for a while and was still very attracted to it, I decided to give it a go first as a muslin.  I cut on Tuesday, worked on it a little each day, finished it tonight, and yes indeed it was truly a puzzle.  Reviewers said that the pattern ran large, but I did not find that to be so.


Overlay Side Ruching

MY SYNOPSIS OF THE PROJECT:
Did I make changes to the pattern?  Yes. I used a rectangular fabric strip to create a back neck facing rather than turn under and stitch which I like much better.  I tacked down the overlay facings to prevent them from flipping outward.
Will I wear this muslin?  Yes I will
Will I make the pattern again?  Probably not.  Original plans were to make the muslin, then if I liked it enough, use the pattern for my black ITY knit.  Although I'll wear the muslin, I don't think the pattern is worthy of my (hard to come by for my area) black ITY; and it involved a bit too much work for a knit top.

 Four garments down, 12 to go...

23 comments:

  1. Ms. Faye, this top is really cute and I love, love, love your "muslin" fabric!! However, I feel what you mean...I made this top once too and that was enough! Yours turn out much better than mine! Good luck on your next project!

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    1. I seriously doubt mine is better than yours Myra! Making it was a trip and I really did not think I would like it when it was finished. However, I gave the top a trial run yesterday and guess what - I'M IN LOVE WITH THE TOP!

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  2. I like your animal print fabric! I have put this on the back burner for all the reasons you did. I may still try it, not anytime soon.

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    1. Linda I took the top for a trial run yesterday and contrary to my first reaction I LOVE THE TOP AND THE ANIMAL PRINT TOO. So, I've changed my mind about the pattern so please don't put it too far on the back burner. I might just make it again now, and the only change I'll make is adding a center back seam, so keep that in mind when you make yours.

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  3. This one is so cute! The animal print really highlights the design lines well! Animal prints are one of those styles I wish I could find more of in my color palette. I do always admire women who wear them well, and this a pretty one!

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    1. I know Elizabeth, you look so pretty in pastel colors. I wasn't that crazy about this animal print I guess that's the reason it's been in my stash for so very long. But I wore the top yesterday for a trial run and I am seriously in love with this top now!

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  4. Very cute Faye! I think animal print is technically a classic for me. The scale and colors may change but I think you can never go wrong!

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    1. So true KS, I just wasn't crazy for this particular print so I used it as a muslin. However I took the top for a trial run yesterday and now I am completely in love with the top - print and all!

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  5. I love animal print! And your shirt came out so great! I love the side ruching, and the way it crosses in the front. You are doing so well with your capsule sewing!

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    1. Vanessa you are so right about the ruching, I love the detail that the crossover creates and the ruching helps hide my love handles.

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  6. I like your top, very versatile and can be paired with so many different colors, including boots. I have several animal prints in my stash, and just bought some leopard crush velvet that came in today, and I love it. I don't go with what the norm, I just do what I like. I believe I have this pattern, I've been on the fence about it, but reading your review think I'll put it aside since I only paid .99 cents for it.

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    1. I took the top for a trial run yesterday and changed my mind completely about top and the print so please don't put this one on the back burner. Now after the fact, I do think I'll make one again. Only change will be to add a center back seam.

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    2. P.S. Can't wait to see your crushed velvet. And I am in love with your comment(. I don't go with what the norm, I just do what I like.)
      Are you still going to do your blog???? Please send me a link to the new one!

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  7. Isn't it great when a muslin turns out to be wearable?! I have a knit animal print top I made last year. Your top is gorgeous!

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    1. Thank you so much Tomasa! After taking the top for a trial run yesterday I am in love with it!

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  8. I like your top, too. The cross-over style is a very flattering style. My one and only animal print top looked like a rag after the first wash and was chucked. Sighhh!

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    1. You are right Kathy, the cross over helps hide my love handles which is a very nice detail!

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  9. I'm glad you like it a little better after wearing that top. I like the style; I also become annoyed by facings and so always tack them down.

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    1. I know Marjie, I hate a flipping out facing.

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  10. Lovely top! Your fall wardrobe is coming along nicely! I have had that pattern for a while, and at first you discouraged me from trying it, and now I've read your comments and I might try it after all...maybe with a center back seam! I'm sure you'll blog about your second make on this one long before I get around to making my first! :-)

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    1. Lisa I am so glad you read through the comments! Yes, as it turned out this was the perfect fabric for this top - print wise and fabric weight. I worn it twice at this writing, and felt pretty fancy both times.
      Maybe when you are ready to make it we could do it together. Let me know when!!!

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