Mc-Call of the Wild

Animal prints are still trending for the summer.

"Halle Berry" modeling a leopard print knit top from Boston Proper

The real Halle in a leopard print dress. She can wear a pillowcase and still look gorgeous.

Even Steven Tyler of Aerosmith/American Idol took a bite out of the leopard fabric!

"Mila Kunis" dressed in also an animal print knit top from Saks Fifth Avenue

The Real Mila K in a faux leopard coat

I returned to this McCall's pattern after my first unsuccessful attempt.  I stopped after topstitching the elastic unsuccessfuly and changed my mind about the gathered sleeves.

 Pattern Description: MISSES' TOPS: Pullover tops A, B, C, D, E, F have neckline and sleeve variations, stitched hems...

Pattern Sizing:
X-small-Small-Medium. I sewed a small at the shoulders and neckline, and a medium elsewhere.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, except I used a sleeve pattern piece from another pattern.

Fabric Used:
Rayon jersey from fabric.com.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, especially if you have sewn any basic "front-back-sleeved" top.


What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
This is now one of my favorite knit patterns due to its scoop neckline and its flattering and comfortable fit. I originally purchased this pattern also for the ruched sleeves from views A and D, which are still trending. I abandoned my original version (view A) after not being satisfied with my careless topstitching on the neckline and the look of the gathered sleeves on me after trying on some tops with similar styling in a department store dressing room. So this top remained partially sewn. I might plan to use this fabric for a future project.

With a minor design change in mind, I returned to this pattern months later.  I used remaining fabric from previous projects and a sleeve pattern from another pattern.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
*Performed my usual 1" petite adjustment at the front and back at the
waistline.

*Borrowed the "flutter" sleeves from Simplicity 2181, view "E".

*For the leopard print top, I cut a nearly-waist-length lining for the front in the same fabric using the same front pattern piece. I pinned and sewing the lining piece, right sides together over the front along the neckline, stopping 1 cm before each shoulder. While attaching the back piece right sides together with the front, I turned the lining over to beneath the back, so that the shoulder edges align. I stitched (or completed) the remaining 1 cm of the neckline seam to the upper edge. Then I stitched each shoulder seam from the neckline seam to the outer edge. After turning the top inside out, the inside will have no "raw" edges from the shoulder seam.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes with other pairs of sleeves (long, 3/4 length) that I also liked from my currently favorite patterns. I recommend this pattern, especially if you like the sleeve variations and feel confident to wear the styles.

Leopard print with a scholarly twist. Heather ready with her backpack and a smile for school.