Thursday, August 27, 2015

Mortem's Tricks or Treats: McCall's 7019

Ok, so when I took a break from my sewing due to an overload of tote bag creation... I expected to explore my horizons, and perhaps pick up on other hobbies that have been left behind in Canada-- like wire working, or sculpting with polymer clay, or even henna wood burning! Yeah, that thought was exciting...

What I didn't expect from this period of liberty was for it to sling me into a creative slump.
It took all my energy just to flip the switches of my machines; an action that I took more pleasure out of then I should've in the past.

Thankfully, by the grace of some deity, I pooled enough motivation to sew something last night. It was something easy, heh; high satisfaction, short build up.



It was McCall's 7019, variation pull over knit tops. I had my eye on view C for its apparent bustleyness (lolwut?). I am also going to give myself a pat on the back for using fabric that is older than a year old to my stash. I used a black interlock knit with open work pattern, and a very beautiful heliotrope spiderweb foil nylon filament material-- both from Joann's. I don't care that the latter fabric is cheap costume stuff, it's gorgeous! This combination of colors is my absolute favorite.



I must admit, my sewing is getting less and less exciting... part of that is because I really don't go out. No really.
Generally, I go outside (literally step outside my door) once maybe twice a week-- not including work hours, of course. That is why I make such a good employee-- I have no social life to speak of, so primarily my focus is work. When I don't have work, such as my current state, I become one with my zodiacal sign; the crab.


What does that have to do with the apparent simplicity of this particular project? Actually nothing, but I didn't say I wasn't prone to tangents. This top was truly deliberately plain; my train of thought was to make a better compliment to my corsets and waist belts, to kind of soften them up for casual wear. Something elongated, had a little something to it, but wasn't overly froofy. The hi-low hem was the sell point...


I tried making lettuce hems on this via pull and stretch method, but I didn't quite succeed; the weft and warp of the flounces were both cooperative and uncooperative, leaving me with a half assed look. In order to cut down on the costume factor of my focus material, I sewed the silver foil down, so that the webs were not as in your face in person.
I cut out a size 16, because I wanted a little bagginess to the top itself-- I'm split as to whether or not I like the silhouette it casts, but it is supremely comfy. Especially when I put on the accessories it was intended for.


I made zero attempts to modify the pattern, and I wish I had because I don't think I like the neck band either. Seems a little big, even for a size 16-- next time I think I'll just overlock and understitch, seems like that might give it a much better finish. I am also kicking myself for not going with my initial gut feeling of just cutting out the half sleeve instead of the full sleeve... way too much sleeve for this style of top. I'll have to go back and redo that.

Overall I think I would give this pattern a C. The neckband turns an otherwise nice top into something borderline juvenile. I would remove it or thin it out by about half the thickness. The long sleeves are not flattering in the least on a pear shape or hourglass, best to halve them regardless of the view-- the long sleeves bring way too much attention down where there is already some due to the placement of the gussests and flounces. Having them at the elbow helps to create a visual balance.

A nice evening project, I would say-- to remove yourself from a creative funk. Gets those juices back to a flowing state... so now I have to continue tackling the knitting of that Doctor Who scarf... almost done...


12 comments:

  1. I've felt inspired to start sewing again, I can't quite find the right pattern I am after. I do like that one you have used. I am looking forward to next month when I can start sewing again at my class.

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    1. You'll find it... and when you do, get ready for a rush! Hehe, it was like letting loose a floodgate.

      A class?! Ack, I am jealous... I ache to attend a sewing class-- if only to surround myself in the calming whirr of machines under busy hands.

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  2. I'm glad to see you got your sewjo back. The top is pretty cute on you and I love the spiderweb print. The bustle effect is nice. I've been thinking about making some long tops for fall to wear over leggings so I might give this pattern a go. :)

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    Replies
    1. Sewjo?! That's a brilliant term! I like =D

      I have a thing for these tunic like tops lately-- they're just so easy and comfy, and look great with leggings.

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  3. So cute! I love the spiderweb bustle! Creative slums can be horrible. I'm only starting to get out of my knitting slum and I haven't sewn anything in over a year. BOO!

    Yes, you're right: there's something off about the long sleeves. A nice 3/4 or cap sleeve should solve the problem.

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    Replies
    1. Oh it was terrible-- it's cold and lonely with no art or crafts. A me without it is no me at all really.
      If I had a surplus of this mojo and time to spare, I'd package it right up and send it to you!... Matter of fact... hmm...

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  4. You are absolutely right, the top looks nice and relaxed on it's own, but amazing with the harness!

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    1. Thank you!
      Yeah, my favorite accessories don't get a lot of shine time under my regular attire. I'm trying to create a part of my wardrobe rolling so that these pieces can really pop.

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  5. That is amazing!! It's so feminine, and the spider web print looks so cute on it.

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    1. Thank you!
      I wish I had more of this... I have absolutely no idea why I didn't bag more... it's so very unlike me.

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  6. I need to get back to sewing, I started, but pattern problems kicked me back into a slump. Must. go. retrace....

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  7. I love the shape of the top! Good call on sewing the spiderweb fabric inside out, I think it looks nice that way.

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