McCall’s 6394

Greetings Dolls~I can't believe so much time has slipped past since my last post. I really need to make a New Years resolution to update this blog more frequently. Well enough of the chatter let's move on to my reason for this post, McCall’s 6394. It was completed back in March and I've worn it several times. This dress has no 'hanger appeal' but when worn it is a very nice dress.

McCall’s 6394
Pattern Description:

Lined dress, sleeveless, short sleeves, or 3/4 length sleeves, can be sewn in one single fabric color, or color blocked. McCall’s 6394 can be sewn with a deep V-neckline or rounded neckline. The pattern has options for A, B, C, and, D cup sizing.

Pattern Sizing:

6-14.

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

Yes, my version looks exactly like View C. I added a fabric made with the Charcoal Grey Ponte De Roma. 

Were the instructions easy to follow?

The pattern instructions were clear and I did read them thoroughly, but I changed several things and sewed without referring to them. The pattern envelope has "EASY" in bold letters on the front and I would disagree with that. I don't think a pattern with 11 pieces and right angled yokes should be considered easy. It is not difficult to sew, but someone with limited sewing experience might become very frustrated trying to construct this "EASY" pattern.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I loved the overall silhouette and the trendy color-blocked design.

Fabric Used:

Tan moleskin purchased at JoAnn’s Fabrics several years ago and Charcoal Grey Ponte De Roma purchased from Vogue Fabrics online.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I did my usual 3/8” shoulder adjustment at the back shoulder seam and added 4” to the length.

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

Yes, I plan to make it again in a solid black and houndstooth check. I would not recommend this pattern for a beginner sewer.

Conclusion:

I love this dress !! I receive compliments each time I wear it.

McCall’s 5929/McCall's 5523 (V. 2)

McCall’s 5929

Pattern Description:

MISSES' SHIRTS: Fitted shirts A, B have darted front and back, front band, front ruffles and shaped hemline; shirt A has stand-up collar, below elbow length sleeves with sleeve band; shirt B has collar and collar band, full length sleeves with placket opening and cuffs; dresses A, B have sleeves gathered at cap and lower edge.

Pattern Sizing:

6-14.

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?

I thought the instructions were pretty clear.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I loved the overall silhouette. The fitting darts and the shaped hemline made it very figure flattering.

Fabric Used:

A lightweight synthetic fabric purchased in Philadelphia over a year ago (I can’t remember the name of the store).

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I did my usual 3/8” shoulder adjustment at the back shoulder seam. The pattern was long enough that I did not have to add length to the bodice.

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

Yes, I plan to make it again in a solid black and I highly recommend this pattern. It’s a great wardrobe builder for someone like me who likes the versatility of mixing and matching separates.

Conclusion:

I love this blouse !!

McCall's 5523 (V. 2)

Pattern Description: Straight skirt, mid-knee length, has side zipper and faced waistline; skirt A has shaped lower back flounce; skirt B has pleated lower back; skirt C has gathered lower back with self-fabric ruffle; skirt D has two lower back flounces. For this version I made View D, with the double back flounces.

Pattern Sizing: 4-18

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes it looks like the pattern photo but it's hard to see the panels of the skirt due to the print of the fabric. 

Were the instructions easy to follow? The pattern instructions were easy to follow but I did make one minor tweak. The pattern instructions have you to make a 1-1/4" hem on the flounce but I did not attempt this method. I'm not sure if anyone else has had success with making a standard hem on a curved pattern piece but I thought it was a recipe for disaster. I have found over the years and through many sewing projects that a narrow hem works much better on curves and produces more professional results.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the panel design of the skirts and the various flounce/pleat back details. I was able to make a fitting adjustment quickly with the panel design of this skirt. I removed 3/8" from the 4 seamlines in the back of the skirt to reduce the waistline by a total of 1-1/2" and then blended back to the original seamline at the hip. This adjustment was a breeze because only a tiny bit was taken from the seamlines at the waist.

Fabric Used: A moleskin solid purchased from JoAnn's Fabrics. 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I pegged it 1" at the hemline removing a total of 4" from the hemline circumference and I removed 1-1/2" from the waistline.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, it is officially my TNT skirt pattern! I recommend it to others even beginners because it is a great wardrobe builder and quite easy to sew.

Conclusion: This is a great skirt pattern with various details and fairly quick to sew.

McCall's 5523

Pattern Description: Straight skirt, mid-knee length, has side zipper and faced waistline; skirt A has shaped lower back flounce; skirt B has pleated lower back; skirt C has gathered lower back with self-fabric ruffle; skirt D has two lower back flounces. I made View A, with the single back flounce.

Pattern Sizing: 4-18
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes it looks like the pattern photo but it's hard to see the panels of the skirt due to the print of the fabric. 

Were the instructions easy to follow? The pattern instructions were easy to follow but I did make one minor tweak. The pattern instructions have you to make a 1-1/4" hem on the flounce but I did not attempt this method. I'm not sure if anyone else has had success with making a standard hem on a curved pattern piece but I thought it was a recipe for disaster. I have found over the years and through many sewing projects that a narrow hem works much better on curves and produces more professional results.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the panel design of the skirts and the various flounce/pleat back details. I was able to make a fitting adjustment quickly with the panel design of this skirt. I removed 3/8" from the 4 seamlines in the back of the skirt to reduce the waistline by a total of 1-1/2" and then blended back to the original seamline at the hip. This adjustment was a breeze because only a tiny bit was taken from the seamlines at the waist.

Fabric Used: Animal print moleskin purchased from Fabric.com. 
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I pegged it 1" at the hemline removing a total of 4" from the hemline circumference and I removed 1-1/2" from the waistline.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, it is officially my TNT skirt pattern! I recommend it to others even beginners because it is a great wardrobe builder and quite easy to sew.

Conclusion: This is a great quick, sew skirt pattern with various details.