Paisley and Wine Puff

The drip droop sleeves with billowing sleeves are here!

From Newport News


I thought that was a nicer color than the "grape" I purchased. It wrinkles so easily!

McCall's haute couture version:



Update: Sept 27, 2007
Look at those puffy sleeves with banded bottoms:


Here's my second version:


First version:







Pattern Description
"Misses'/Miss Petite Shirts: Fitted shirt with front button closure has topstitched seams and sleeve variations." I sewed view B with the self fabric ties at the sleeve ends.

Pattern Sizing:
6-8-10-12-14 with McCall's "Made for You" bust cup measurements A/B, C, and D.

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?
* They were adequate.

* I noticed that the cutting layout was for the "D" size. I wrote the A/B numbered patterns next to the corresponding to the front and side front. I read the entire set of directions for view B and highlighted the ones that belonged to "B" to ensure that I would not skip anything. There were steps common to all views that seemed to belong to a particular view due to the format.

* The side front and side back are first sewn together.

* The sleeves are gathered at the top and bottom edges, seams are sewn and the bands are sewn to the gathered edges.

* The sleeves are attached to the side fronts and side backs (forming the bottom edge of the armscye), right sides together, matching notches.

* The front of the shirt is sewn to the side front and the back to the side back. The top gathered edge of the sleeves are set in to the upper armscyes.

* I found that hand basting (I used to believe that pin basting is adequate) the seams together before machine stitching really helps to keep the sleeve gathers together.

* This time I had an easier time in putting together the collar. The written directions were a little more specific (compared to those I encountered in previous patterns I worked with) in how the collar band and the collar are sewn together. I found that for me the front facings were a little tricky in positioning and sewing onto the outer seams of the collar before turning them to the inside of the top. When I turned the front facings to the inside, they did not exactly match the original fold lines.

*Topstitching the upper seams of the shoulders and the princess seams really pulls the look together.


What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I liked the princess seams! The pieces even lined up nicely at the princess seams! The blouse was really "fitted" for my own taste! I could have decreased each seam by 1/4". I also liked the fact the front bodice pattern accommodates the 4 cup sizes.

Fabric Used:
Paisley printed cotton from W-M for $2 per yard. I was able to make this blouse and a sundress for my daughter. What a deal!

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
I used fewer buttons for the first version. The length of the blouse was fine without any adjustments. Since that was the case, the blouse on the envelope's model should have been higher on her due to her proportions!

For View B (the sleeves with ties)
I was surprised that the ties barely tied around my upper arms which are smaller for my proportions. I would add 2" to their length if I make this top the next time.

For View C (the banded sleeves)
The sleeves came out longer and a little larger than expected. But I ended up liking them anyway.


Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, in another fabric! Yes, I would recommend this pattern because of its timeless style, versatile sizing and that it is easy to work with!

Conclusion
This is absolutely a nice shirt pattern that can easily be a TNT pattern!


(Updated Sept. 23)