Hi Everyone,

Today I am sharing details of one pattern, done two ways. This is McCalls 7977, made in a white cotton broderie anglaise and also in a black net fabric with large scale spots. Both of these fabrics were purchased from the eBay seller, fabricmarket.

Full review below, but here are some details of the separate versions, starting with the white version. I love both versions, and I love their versatility. With the white version I added a centre back seam and simply turned and hemmed a slit opening in the back. I also omitted the neck facing included in the pattern and used a bias finish to bind the neckline. The binding, and the cuffs, were cut from some plain white poplin scraps I had in my stash.

On both the black and white versions I stabilised the V-point using some silk organza scraps.

The black version seemed to take me a long time to sew! And it did take me longer because, aside from the front yoke seam, I french seamed all the seams. And I also made the black Ogden camisole I am wearing underneath. I used a viscose georgette for the camisole, but did a full length lining inside. You can read my thoughts on the Ogden here. For this version I added 0.5 inches to the outer shoulder area and to the width of the straps.

With the black version I cut the back on the fold so as not to have a seam interrupting the sheer fabric. I omitted the neck facing again, but this time I used a bias facing to finish the neckline, turning the self made bias tape to the inside to finish the neckline, rather than binding the neckline like I did with the white version. I made a keyhole opening which I also finished using the self made bias tape (made from the georgette I used for the camisole). The black version is also 0.5 inches longer than the white version.

Pattern Review

Pattern Description:

Loose-fitting, pullover tops have long or above elbow length sleeves, sheer or non sheer yoke, back neck key-hole with button and thread loop. A, B: Sleeve cuffs. A, C: Elasticized waist. C, D: Elasticized sleeve.

I made view B with the sleeves from A/B

Pattern Sizing:

6 – 22

I cut a size 18 and graded out at the waist.

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, although I made some changes to suit me.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

Love the finished pattern and it feels comfortable. Nothing to dislike.

Fabric Used:

A white cotton broderie anglaise for the first version, and a sheer black net version with large spots on it for the second version.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

• I did a 5/8ths inch FBA and moved the bust darts down by 0.5 inches
• I did a 5/8ths inch full bicep adjustment and took the extra width through the sleeve hem
• I added 1 inch length to the sleeve
• I added 0.5 inches length to the body and a further 0.5 inches to the body of the black version
• I did a 0.5 inch forward shoulder adjustment
• I lowered the front neckline by 5/8ths inch
• I stabilised the V-point with a scrap of silk organza
• I made a narrow 0.5 inch hem
• I finished sleeves using a band
• For the white version I added a centre back seam and turned and sewed the back slit opening. I also finished the neckline using a bias binding finish, rather than the facing from the pattern
• For the black version I cut the back on the fold and did a keyhole opening, finished with bias tape. I also used the bias tape as a facing, to finish the neckline, rather than binding it

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

Not sure I will sew this again, but it is a great pattern, and I do recommend.

Conclusion:

Love both versions! Not your boring blouse.

See you all soon!