McCalls 5576

So I wasn't completely useless this week. I finished McCalls 5576. I altered the pattern slightly to make a shirt for my sister which came out really nice. I wasn't able to take a pic before she left but I used a black and white retro print and a black contrasting fabric for the neck yolk and sleeve bands. She liked it which says a lot since she doesn't hesitate to turn her nose up and something in a heartbeat.

Anyway here is the dress I made. I didn't really make any changes to it except omitting the zipper. It was already short enough and with the material I didn't feel a FBA was necessary. The sleeves came out a little funky but I will admit I just kinda winged it on those so I'm not mad. Overall I think it cam out nice. I plan to make it again in a funky print for myself before retiring it. It's one of those dresses that screams 70's so I'll wear it while the trend is semi hot and then let it rest.

Simplicity 3956

I finished these projects late last year but wasn't keeping a blog at the time. I figured I would include them now since I'm slacking and haven't finished anything recently. This was part of the wardrobe I set out to finish for the Hawaiian cruise DH and I took for our anniversary. I ended up wearing it to dinner and one of the comedy shows one night in port.

Pattern Description: Six Made Easy by Simplicity. Cute tops for fall or spring. I made view F without the lace trim.

Pattern Sizing:I cut a 16 bust and a 14 for bottom pieces.

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

Were the instructions easy to follow?They were very good. I was a little concerned about not enclosing both ends of the strap in the lining so I jumped around a bit and fitted them and enclosed them before assembling the bottom.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?This was a really fun pattern to put together. I was a little concerned that my full bust would be spilling out, or worse yet this would look like a maternity top but I was very pleased with the result.

Fabric Used: A silky kaleidoscope print from Joann's on the clearance table.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:I never did finish the hem since I think the top looks fine without it. I also enclosed
the straps as noted above.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?Yes. I started making view A with a leftover satin butterfly print that I have. I forgot to layout the back bodice piece and ended up not having enough fabric. I'm thinking of ways to alter it so it still comes out looking like something.

ConclusionI would recommend this pattern since it was fairly simple to assemble and fun to make.