Friday, February 12, 2010

Lined Pants--McCall's 5889 (see link below)

http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m5889-products-10126.php?page_id=114&search_control=display&list=search
































Pattern Description: Misses'/Miss Petite Pants In 4 Lengths (View D)





Pattern Sizing: LG/XLG
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? Yes, very easy....
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I really like the different lengths and the bagginess through the hips and the slender fit at the ankles. There is a front placket that is a nice addition to the pants (achieving this was easier than I expected). This gives it an illusion that there is a zipper there. In addition, the waistband has both elastic and a drawstring (which I love); however, getting the drawstring into the casing after the elastic was a little bit cumbersome. Fabric Used: White Poly Shantung/White Poly lining, better known as Posh.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: The pattern does not require lining; however, I opted to line pants. Oh, I almost forgot to mention that I added pockets to pants. This was a nice addition.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I would sew it again. This time without lining. Maybe a different/more casual fabric choice. Maybe a different view.....

Conclusion: The pants are really stylish and versatile. I recommend this pant for anyone looking for a nice wardrobe pant. This can be worn with a blazer, top, t-shirt (for a more casual look), etc. I will post picture soon.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

My Synopsis of McCall's Pattern #5556






Side Split of Top






















Click here to see illustration of pattern M5556

Pattern Description: 4 Great Looks One Easy Pattern

Pattern Sizing: Size 14


Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? So far it does.....WIP

Were the instructions easy to follow? Thus far....WIP Okay, I have come across a snag in the instructions. View A, the instructions states to place the loops on the right side of the sleeves. But after constructing sleeves, I had to seam rip the stitching and place loops on the wrong side of sleeve, in order to achieve the right placement of loops.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? It was easy to cut fabric and so far the instructions are easy. However, I agree with the other reviewers on the net that this is not a pattern for a beginner (unless they have a coach).

Fabric Used: White Poly Shantung/White Poly Lining (also known as Posh)


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I will be lengthening the sleeves. It seems that the sleeves on view A does not come all the way to the wrists. In addition, I have lenghtened the tunic by 2" and will line tunic (because of fabric choice).I added a loop/button to each side of split (at the hem of garment).

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes; but without lining. Yes, I most definately recommend this pattern, just be careful with tracing markings around the facing in the front of top (of course you want the facing to lay flat and have a nice appearance).

Conclusion: Overall I am please with the way the tunic is turning out. Instead of making my own loops, I purchased gold rope trim to substitute...this cuts down on sewing time. Work in progress...I will have pictures later.