Wednesday, May 12, 2010

McCalls M6034 View A

I finished up the McCall's M6034 view A top over the weekend and must say I was slightly disappointed. View B for my sister is coming along nicely and I will do a full post of that later on. The plus with this pattern was that I made myself follow some better sewing steps and actually did some pattern marking on the fabric with a semi tailor tack. The pattern envelope stated "no provisions for alterations" for view A which should have made me leave this pattern alone altogether. But I had some fabric leftover from the maxi dress on my list and the pattern was just 2 pieces so I said what the heck. The pictures below show the tailors tacks as well as front, back and side views of the top. I also added a full review below.



Pattern Description: MISSES' TUNICS: Sleeveless pullover tunic A has pleated front and back and elastic at lower edge;

Pattern Sizing: Z(Large, X-Large) I cut the XL

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes it looked like the picture while laying on the table, but not so much once I put it on.

Were the instructions easy to follow? For the most part the instructions were easy to follow, however the instructions for the pleats seem to be incomplete. The directions say to baste the pleats in place, but never tell you to stitch them in place. So I took the basting stitches out after the top was complete and I think that's where I went wrong. The pleats don't hold up well once the basting is removed making the fabric pool at the bottom.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the idea of the pleating when I first pick up this pattern. However the pleats are in random places but not random enough if that makes sense. The pleats line up in some places, which gives the appearance that they should line up in all spots, but they don't. Random, but not random enough.

Fabric Used: I used a green knit that was leftover from a dress I cut. Not real sure what type of knit.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: The pattern envelope stated "No provisions for alterations." on the back of the envelope so, I did not make any alterations. The shirt is way to long for me and the pleats hit in the most unflattering places. The bust area fits nicely however.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I will not be sewing this again. It is an easy enough pattern for beginners though. I would recommend this pattern only to the taller more slender sewer, my petite plus sisters should steer clear in my opinion.

Conclusion: Simple top, if you have the height to pull it off.