I hope everyone's 2014 is off to a good start. I have already accomplished one transformation in the new year. No, not anything personal, a sewing project. I did a lot of traveling after Xmas, but did get home in time to whip up a casual top to wear to the family New Years Eve celebration, which consisted of sitting in front of the fireplace while watching the countdown on TV, with champagne chilling for the midnight toast. The top is McCalls 6841, one of several loose-fitting, pullover tops with draped front, and back collar. I made view C.
I liked the long draping at the center front of this top and thought it was very elegant. Though I did note that neither the pattern nor the McCall’s Internet site showed a side view of this top. I wondered about all that drapery in the tummy area. My fabric was a lightweight, crinkly textured, black knit with gold specs from the JoAnn’s red tag table. I have no idea of fabric content, though I suspect mostly poly. Great drape though. This pattern is really easy to make. The pieces are odd shaped, so be sure and follow the pattern direction advice and use good marking techniques. It took a couple of hours to cut, sew and finish. I used my new to me (Ebay purchase) Babylock coverstitch machine to do all the hems. I see why there are a lot of Babylock fans.
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| Front Original |
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| Side Original |
The top is fun to wear, but as I thought, there was lots of fabric on the tummy. On me it pooled mid abdomen, above the crotch of my pants. On the pattern picture model, it ended below crotch which was much more flattering. I wore it with slim cut pants to give the illusion that the tummy area was as slim as the thighs. An illusion needed because of all the Christmas cookies I have eaten.
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| New Years Eve |
I knew I would probably not wear this top again. as is. So I did a little strategic cutting and made it into a drape front cardigan. I simply cut up the center of the cowl/draping, which was originally on the fold of the fabric, hemmed the edges and voila, a top I will wear often.
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| Transformation |
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| Front after Transformation |
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| Side after Transformation |
