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.
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| 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...
It's lovely!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Carrie!
DeleteMs. 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!
ReplyDeleteI 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!
DeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteLinda 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.
DeleteThis 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!
ReplyDeleteI 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!
DeleteVery 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!
ReplyDeleteSo 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!
DeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteVanessa you are so right about the ruching, I love the detail that the crossover creates and the ruching helps hide my love handles.
DeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
DeleteP.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.)
DeleteAre you still going to do your blog???? Please send me a link to the new one!
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!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Tomasa! After taking the top for a trial run yesterday I am in love with it!
DeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteYou are right Kathy, the cross over helps hide my love handles which is a very nice detail!
DeleteI'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.
ReplyDeleteI know Marjie, I hate a flipping out facing.
DeleteLovely 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! :-)
ReplyDeleteLisa 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.
DeleteMaybe when you are ready to make it we could do it together. Let me know when!!!