Vogue 7340/McCall's 6757

Vogue 7340
Pattern Description: Wrap blouse with collar variations, front tucks and tie ends.

Pattern Sizing: 8-18

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, with modifications.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Very easy

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? No dislikes.

Fabric Used: A stretch satin with metallic threads throughout the fabric.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made View C but added sleeves and wide cuffs. I added 1-1/2 inches to the length after reading other reviews. I used the tie from View A because I wanted a wider tie. I also add a few inches to the length of the tie.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I received several compliments when I wore this ensemble and I would love to sew this blouse again but this is my second version so its time to move on to other projects.

Conclusion: Although I won't make this pattern again I really love this blouse. It is OOP and available on Etsy.

McCall's 6757

Pattern Description: Misses' skirt and pants: Semi-fitted skirt and pant (slightly flared) have contour waistband, welt pockets and invisible back zipper.

Pattern Sizing: (8-10-12-14-16)

Fabric used: 
A synthetic tweed with a slightly loose weave.

Did it look like the envelope when you were done sewing it?
Yes, pretty much except I moved the invisible zipper to the left side. 

How were the directions? 
You know, directions were pretty great until I got to the welt pockets. The instructions for the welt pockets are a little cumbersome so I followed this video for the welt pockets. 

Likes/Dislikes:
Although constructing the welt pockets were a bit challenging, I do love the final result! I love the shaped waistband.

Alterations/Modifications:
I added 3" to the pants length and 2" to the crotch seam (1" to the front and 1" to the back). The pattern is slightly more flared than like so I removed about 4" of flare from the hem. As mentioned earlier I moved the zipper to the left side and I lined the pants.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I do recommend this pattern and I plan to make another pair. I used my new pants form to achieve the perfect fit.

Conclusion:
This is a good basic pattern which I chose for its simple style because my focus was on fit.  

Custom Pants Form

Greetings divas!
I made a custom pants form with lots of help from hubby (actually he did all of the work I just stood as still as a statue for over an hour). After doing some research and reading several reviews, I decided that a pinnable, custom-made dress/pants form would be my best option. During my research, I learned about the My Twin dress form and ordered the instruction booklet from the company's website. Unfortunately, it appears the company is no longer in business. However, similar instructions that detail this process can be found here. 

 

Me, waiting for the plaster bandages to dry.

The plaster cast taped together at the sides before
 being filled with 2-part expanding foam.

The My Twin process uses plaster bandages to create a  body cast, which is cut from the body and later filled  with expanding foam and covered to create the  finished dress/pants form. I also used the My Twin  process to make my first custom dress form back in  2009, shortly after the instruction booklet arrived in the  mail. As a result of weight-training and cardiovascular  exercise 3-5 times per week my body has changed since  then so I will be making another dress form soon.

My finished pants form!

McCall's 6650/Vogue 2029

 

McCall's 6650

Pattern Description:

Loose-fitting, pullover blouse with button placket in back. There are various sleeve and neck treatments. I wanted the bow -- but this pattern is a fabric hog and I didn't have enough! So I made View C, with long sleeves and button cuffs.

Pattern Sizing:

4-12.

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?

Very basic.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I like the fact that the sleevehead had minimal ease. The instructions would have you simply press open the placket and stitch it down. This seems to be a lazy way to do this -- I would recommend you do a continuous bound placket here.
Fabric Used:

I used a crepe-backed satin purchased at Hancock’s it was fairly easy to sew with. The fabric snags quite easily so I had to be very careful to avoid snags.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I changed the soft gathers at the neckline to 3 tucks which I really like.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Yes, I plan to make it again. This is a very easy to make top and would be great for beginners.
Conclusion: 

Its a nice, basic top with design elements to keep it from being too plain. I love the color of the satin and I received several compliments when I wore it to work.

Vogue 2029 (OOP)

Pattern Description:

Semi-fitted, straight wrap skirt (sits below natural waist), above mid-knee/above ankle variations or lower calf, with various closures.

Pattern Sizing:

(6-10)(12-16)(18-22)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

It looks very similar to the pattern photo.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

There are 5 pages of instructions which I only glanced at briefly. I made view F so I didn't have to worry about buying additional things that were not already in my stash.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

Pros: It was easy. The lines are easy. It's basically making the same thing twice (with the exception of the little tab on one side), putting right sides together, stitching them on all the edges leaving part of one side open, and turning it right side out. The pattern is designed for a self-fabric lining which I considered a huge waste of fashion fabric. A self-fabric lining was not a consideration for me due to the weight and thickness of my fabric.

Fabric Used:

I used a mid-weight boucle fabric purchased at G-Street Fabrics several years ago.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:

I reduce the waistline by sewing deeper darts and I used a silver belt buckle for my closure.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
The fabric is already selected for the next version.

Conclusion
I really like it and received several compliments when I wore it.