Hello Readers,
It’s not often that I will start a post with a rear view, but that’s where its at with this top! This is McCalls 6899, made up in a fine, floaty polycotton jersey from my sponsor, Click Fabrics, which has a horizontal weave, almost like a slub, to it. It’s perfect for a soft top like this with it’s pleated details, and will be fabulous during the warmer weather as well as wearing right now layered with a light cardigan or jacket.
This top might not appeal to everyone because of the amount of ease which it has. It is huge! But you just have to embrace that fact before you make it, if you do, and appreciate this is not a form fitting top. I love the pleated detail at the back. Another look:
I originally cut the long sleeves for this top, but after I attached one and tried it on, I looked like I was drowning in it, so I cut the sleeve off, and attached the sleeve bands instead.
Pattern Review:
Pattern Description:
Very loose-fitting tops and tunic have dropped shoulders, yoke and pleat variations, narrow hem and front button closing. A and B: collar extends into tie ends, mock front band, back yoke, forward shoulder seams, and no shoulder seams. A and C: armhole bands. D: tie ends. Shaped hemline B and rolled sleeves D: wrong side shows. C and D: collar/front bands and button tabs.
I made view C.
Pattern Sizing:
XS – XXL
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?
Yes, except for I didn’t conceal the ends of the centre front band the way they described because I found that it was distorting the shape of the front of the tunic, so I just turned my ends under and top stitched.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like the pleating at the back. I love the comfort. Being as I made it in white it will go with everything and be the perfect piece to layer now or wear alone later. It looks good worn loose as well as tucked in. It is very generous in it’s cut, which may not be for everyone. It is rated as an easy sew….it was quite fiddly sewing the front bands. I did it ok using steam a seam as help. I think a complete beginner may find the bands harder to sew.
Fabric Used:
Very light weight polycotton jersey.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Aside from shortening the top by 2 inches, nothing else.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I might sew it again. I think there is a lot you could do with this pattern to customise it. Lace yoke at the back, make it in chiffon, silk or crepe, make a dress out of it, contrast front bands/ collar and sleeve backs, and of course there is the option of the tie collar etc. Yes, I would recommend.
Conclusion:
If you are looking for an oversize tunic top with some nice details check it out.
See you soon friends!
Ooooh, this is so cute! I loved how you styled this top, the bag, everything is gorgeous!
Thanks candice.
Lovely!
Thanks rose.
It looks really good on you. Great with skinny jeans!
Thanks Roberta.
Beautiful job! So pretty – love those pleats!
Thanks Sheenagh. Yep I love the pleats too.
I love this too! And love the haircut, by the way. I wouldn’t have looked twice at that pattern before seeing your beautiful version – now it is going on to my shopping list!
Thank you Lara.
Great looking top!
Thanks Levone.
The 1st picture of the back was enough for me…I HAD to get that pattern! Scrolled to the front…oh yes…for sure…loved everything about the pattern and the fabric you used was perfect. Then I scrolled to the patterns line drawings. That is one of the last patterns I bought!!! I already have it. LOL!!! I hope mine turns out half as nice as yours!!!
Ha ha judi. I am sure yours will come out great. It’s an easy sew all in all…just watch out for the front placket.
Super cute! I was just considering this pattern but didn’t know whether there was going to be too much ease or not. Yours looks great ($ comfortable!) and will go with everything!
Thanks carrie. It is loose fitting so you may want to size down or just embrace the ease 🙂
this is really sharp- casual but stylish, I love it!
Thanks anne.
I have never done this before – but after seeing this I immediately went and bought the pattern online. Love this top & beautiful job!
Why thank you Jen. Hope you’re pleased with yours.
It looks really pretty with all that pleating at the back 🙂
Thanks Carolyn.
Im a pleat girl so I adore this, ADORE!! You are on fire :)x
Thanks ange.
Wow! I LOVE this top! I agree, sometimes ease and comfort are a good thing, and I think in this case it’s super stylish. You absolutely did the right thing with the sleeves, and the dark (leopard!!) jeans are perfect. You are looking super swish in this photos!
Thanks msMcCall.
I love this! What a great job. And I really enjoy to detail in your posts, I love a good pattern review and find them immensely helpful.
Jenny xox
I know this is an old post but I’ve got a question for you. How much ease was there between your actual full bust and the finished garment? I’m struggling with the fact that the pattern just says there’s a lot of ease but doesn’t give finished bust measurements. I’m measuring at an XXL but I’m considering making an XL to keep it less voluminous. Thanks!
I would say you could size down – I think! It’s quite loose on me so I don’t think it will be tight.
Thanks! I think I may go down 2 sizes but cut the size measured for or one size down in the back yoke.