For the love of McCall 6841

I first saw McCall 6841 when Myra posted it on her blog. 

The minute I saw her version I ran, or better yet broke speed limits to get to Joann's to buy the pattern.  I knew that it would be perfect and versatile enough to work for various occasions, like gigging, going out for the night, or even wear to work.  On Thursday I had the pleasure of having a snow day (SNOW is the new four letter by the way), so I decided to work it up as I played out with the guys last night.  This is a Palmer Pletsch pattern, and lets just say, they are making sure they keep it interesting for us.  I would not say that it is easy, but if you're looking for something with drape, this baby has it tenfold.  This pattern had me from start to finish and made sure at the same time I kept my skills sharp.

 I hope you enjoy the review.

Pattern Description:

Loose-fitting, pullover tops have draped front, and back collar. Wrong side may show. A: self-lined back and very narrow hem for front hemline. B and C: front pleated drape and narrow hem.

Pattern Sizing:

(XSmall-Small-Medium), (Large-XLarge-XXLarge)  I made the Medium.

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?

Yes they were.  But if you plan on making this blouse, you have to follow the directions exactly in order to accomplish this blouse.  The outcome depends on it.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I had no dislikes about this pattern at all.  If you enjoy construction garments or the intricacy of it, then this pattern is for you.  It had me from start to finish.

Fabric Used:

I think it's a Rayon Poly knit.  I purchased it from Fabric Warehouse sometime ago.  There is nothing like the feeling of stash busting.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

As said before in previous reviews, this baby is a little low cut for me so I sew the cleavage up about 1 to an 1 1/2 inches more.  I'm not bit about showing off the girls too much. 

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Definitely.  I've been thinking about that all weekend.  I just want to find the right fabric.

Conclusion:

This one is a winner.  It hide all of my unflattering girlie parts.  I love the drape and the construction was very interesting and cool.  If you are a sewer and really like construction, then this one is for you.  In the end you get your ah hah moment.  It keeps you guessing from beginning to end because you don't see the end result until it is finally finished.  It's one of those that if you don't pin it together at the beginning, you just have to go by blind faith until it's finished.  I LOVED IT.  This is not a top to sleep on.  If you haven't purchased it, you should.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.  I know I'm going to try to.

McCall 6796

Well, I received a text message this morning letting me know I had a snow day from work today due to this.

I'm happy about it because I'm trying to recover from a nasty sinus infection that has now moved to my upper chest area.  I feel like crap but at least I have some pretty good drugs. 


I purchased McCall 6796 when it came out at the end of summer.

I love anything turtleneck or cowl neck, and thought this would be a nice addition to my wardrobe.  I didn't make it right away because I wanted to make the right fabric choice.  The pattern calls for Jersey, Cotton Knit or sweater knit, but in reading some of the reviews on Pattern Review I noticed that in making fabric choices for this pattern, I wanted to stay away from the more thinner knits because the collar looks a little flimsy.  I decided to use a cream and burgundy speckled ribbed sweater knit that I purchased from London Textiles over the summer. 

I only had a little over a yard of fabric to work with so I had to get creative.  The sweater and the collar are cut on the grain, but the sleeves are cut against the grain because I didn't have enough fabric.  They are also short sleeved.

Since I went against the stretch for the sleeve, I had to make sure I had enough arm room for movement in the sleeve so I cut it a little big.  As an added detail, I added pleats in the upper sleeve and I thought it was a nice added design feature.

My review of this sweater is below.

Pattern Description:

Close-fitting, pullover tops have collar variations and narrow hem. C and D: button trim.  I made View C.

Pattern Sizing:

(6-8-10-12-14), (14-16-18-20-22)  I sew size 14.

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

Yes it did. 

Were the instructions easy to follow?

The directions were very easy to follow.  As long as you use the right fabric with this project, the finished garment should be what you are expecting.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

There are no dislikes at all.  If you are looking for a change to your turtleneck or cowl neck collection, this is it.  I am a big fan of turtlenecks and cowl neck sweaters.  This is a welcome addition.

Fabric Used:

A ribbed sweater knit I picked up at London Textiles in Cherry Hill, NJ during the summer.  I think it's Donna Karen. but not sure.  I know it's a designer knit.  The buttons used are ones that I had in my stash that I purchased from Jomar a few years ago.  I only had three of these buttons left which was perfect as I only needed three buttons for this project.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I didn't have enough fabric to cut out all the pieces right so the sleeves were cut against the 1-way stretch, or as they say, against the grain.  When I did that, I cut the sleeves a little wider to insure that I had enough arm room. I also made the sleeve cap a little wider.  This enabled me to add a little detail to the sleeve and I added two pleats at the sleeve cap area.  This changed the look up a little, and I was able to jazz the sleeve up a little.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Yes, but not too many of them as the top is very distinctive.  I would highly recommend this top to others. 

                                ( I have a new photographer at work.  I'm still working out the kinks.)

 Conclusion:

I love how this top came out.  I'd like another one long sleeved though.  If you don't have this one and you like turtlenecks, you need to add this one to your collection.

Oh, I wanted to share with you one of my new likes.  Instead of a candy bar I just started eating these. 

They are a nice alternative and you still get your chocolate fix.  Have a good one.  If you're in weather like mine, please stay safe and warm.

McCall 6168

The very first time I saw McCall 6168 was when Mimi G. first posted her version of the pattern back in 2012.

I knew then that I wanted to make my own version of this pattern and drove over to Joanns during their next McCall pattern sale only to find out that the pattern was out of print.  I patiently waited for the out of print patterns to go on sale online and as they say, patience is a virtue.  They eventually did and I purchased the pattern only for it to sit in my stash for 2 years.  During this time I thought about how I wanted my version to look.  I knew that I wanted some leather involved.  Below is my review of this timeless and I mean timeless cardigan.  In doing my research on the pattern, it looks like it was first released in 2010.  It is now 2014 and it hasn't gone out of style yet.  Mr. D says I look a little like a Star Wars character with the leather pants added in.

Pattern Description:

Cardigans A, B, C have long sleeves, stitched hems and shaped lower edges; cardigan A has front pockets that do not lay flat; cardigans A, B have front button closures; cardigan C has optional button closure, wrong side of fabric will show; purchased tops, bottoms and optional belts.

I made view C - Size 16 because I wanted to wear this more like a coat.

Pattern Sizing:

(8-10-13-14-16)

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

Yes it most certainly did.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

I did not follow them as the pattern pieces fit together nicely. And I might add that at the time I couldn't find the directions only to learn later that they were in the bag that I carry to work.  I guess I put it in there for some light reading during my break time and forgot to take it out.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I have no dislikes about this pattern at all.  It first came out in 2010 and is still in style now.  That alone should say something.

Fabric Used:

Sweatshirt fabric purchased from my very first visit to Metro Textiles.  I used the inside of the sweatshirt fabric because I loved the way it looked.  The texture of it was very pretty to me.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I lengthened the cardigan by about 2 to 3 inches.  I also added pockets in the side seam.  I'm learning now that I like to sometimes have a pocket to throw a set of keys in or to carry my phone or tissues. 

Instead of doing a regular sleeve.  I chose to do my sleeves in leather for a funkier look to the cardigan.  I also added an obi belt made out of the same material I cut the sleeves out of.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Yes most definitely.  I'd like to make a few more in a sweater knit and rayon or cotton knit for warmer days.

Conclusion:

I love this cardigan.  If you happen to come across this pattern because it is an OOP now, pick it up.  It's a nice way of dressing up an outfit.  I can wear this cardigan as a sweater or a coat.  It's nice to have this option as I'm dreaming of warmer days or the beginning of Spring.

Where is Dr. Who?

January was the month of yarn as I did a little bit of knitting and crocheting.  My girlfriend is a major and I mean MAJOR Dr. Who fan.  She asked me to make her a Dr. Who scarf and I cringed the whole time while making it because the scarf is so long and can probably be worn by 3 or more people at the same time.  There are so many color changes to this scarf it's crazy.

As I told her, she is very lucky I love her so much or she would not have gotten this scarf.  I'm glad I didn't have to make it as long as the original and she only requested that it reach a little past her knees after wrapping it around her neck one time.  Here is the scarf.  I was able to get a quick picture before I gave it to her.

I haven't gotten a picture of her in it yet, but I'll try to get one soon.  The yarn used on this project was Lion Brand Wool-ease.

My next project after that was a mini infinity scarf I crocheted from some yarn that I had hanging around from last year.  The yarn is Red Heart Boutique Treasure.  I normally like the more expensive yarns from yarn shops, but when I saw this yarn, I had to buy it.  I have to say, a lot of the commercial yarn companies have stepped up their game.

It's always nice to do a crochet project because they work up much quicker than knitted projects   Lola decided to take a turn wearing it so this is what it looks like on.

The last project I started working on last month was the Still Light Tunic by Veera Valmaki.

So far this tunic is knitting up pretty nicely.  The yarn I'm using on this project is Bernat Baby Soft.  This pattern is an easy knit.  I don't have to pay too much attention as the design is not intricate.

 Plus, it's great for movie watching.  I've just caught on to the Downton Abbey craze.  I'm on Season Two right now and loving it.  The fashion is amazing and Dame Maggie Smith is AMAZING!!!!  I've also been watching the series Bomb Girls on Netflix.  This show isn't bad either.  If this tunic turns out the way I think it will, I'll be knitting another one in black.  These will be great for casual Fridays on the job accessorized with an infinity scarf or great jewelry, this pattern is definitely a winner.