McCall's 7196, Bozo the Clown Top

A few weeks ago I purchased Mccall's 7196:

 

I was picturing myself in that lovely flowing tunic with the graceful pleats down the side.  When it came down to making it, I realized all the fabric would drown my 5'3" frame.  Still picturing flowing tunic with pleats though, I made view D:  straight hem below the hip with 3/4 sleeves. I purchased a festive peachskin for the fabric.  It has a nice drape without being heavy but enough body to hold the pleats.

 

I cut a size 18 and used a size 20 sleeve to give the biceps plenty of room; the 18 would have been a tad snug. I thread trace the pleat lines which went surprisingly quick.  The directions were easy and clear and the project just flew along.  The tunic is very long, even this "shorter" one.  I had to cut 3 inches off the hem to get it to hit just below the hip. 

 

The top is very pretty when I'm standing still, but how often do we stand still?  I couldn't even get still pictures as the wind was blowing (sun in my eyes too).  As a result I look very preggers ( and grumpy)  I think.  Why I did I think any kind of pleating would hang off a 38" bust properly?  Duh.  The print may be just a little to busy and festive for this top.  But the fabric did sew up and press nicely.

 

I'll have to say I don't think this one quite worked well for me.  I may still wear it about the house; it is quite comfy and loose.  I won't be sewing it again. I still have to blog about the cotton voile top. Will do that as soon as I can get a picture with it.  On to the next project...Happy sewing

Shopping At Joann's

Joann's is having the Labor Day sale this weekend and have lots of sales going on.  Chiefly, for me at least, patterns.  Butterick and McCall's are $1.99 and Vogue are $4.99.  There are lots and lots of patterns I want, but I decided to limit myself to what I will realistically sew up in the near future.  Only two came home with me, McCall's 7196, I love the pleats on view D. and McCall's 7254, loving the jacket and the vest. 

Of course fabric is also on sale so a little came home with me as well.

The happy dots is a peachskin that I was thinking would be pretty for the McCall's 7196.  The ivory is another peachskin and the lace to match are for a project I want to do next, McCall's 7095. 

Right now I'm deep into Simplicity 1328:

 

 

 

I'm making view A, the shirt jacket for my husband.  This is my first foray into men's clothing, so I'm a little intimidated.  I'm using a medium-weight brushed flannel so regular markings would not show up.  It was the first time I've used thread tracing to mark a pattern.  It was very time consuming but has been worth it.  Who know where all those pockets would have ended up without it?  Now I'm working in the plackets, another new skill set. We'll see how that goes.  I fear a seam ripper is in my future with this one.  I just want it all to be so right and there are so many new skills involved in this project.   Do you challenge yourself with your projects?  I know this is how we grow as sewists and my reference books are getting quite the workout.  More updates later and don't forget to catch that sale if you haven't already.  Happy stitching.