Wednesday, May 13, 2015

McCalls M6885 Only Shorter

Hello, Friends!  If you follow me on Instagram you know that I have been gah gah over this fabric from Joann.  It is a 100% cotton floral jacquard that was hiding in the shirting fabrics.  It is lightweight much like voile or lawn, and though slightly see through, I was able to make it in to a tunic with no need for a lining.  It is the perfect lightweight fabric for Summer, and just look at that color!

McCalls M6885

When I was trying to figure out a pattern to use for this fabric, I was trying to decide between M6885 or self drafting something.  Debbie from over at Stitches and Seams talked me out of drafting something from scratch, and I am so glad that she did.  I still had to tweak M6885, because M6885 is actually a dress pattern.

Line Drawings for M6885 from McCallpattern.mccall.com

I first made M6885 back in September of last year just before Labor Day, for a beach trip we were taking.  Even though I added four inches of length to view B, the side slit came up so far that I was flashing my Spanx and that is not a good look!  You can read about that version here.


M6885

For this new version, I cut the pattern down to tunic length.  I am a tunic kind of gal, in case you haven't noticed.  Another change that I made was to remove the full collar and to only use the collar stand as the collar.  I thought at first that this would end up being a Mandarin style collar, but once I finished the tunic, I decided that I liked it better as a small turned down collar.


M6885

My edge stitching is a little wonky.  I think my machine needs a tune up, because some of the stitches are walking around lately.  Also, I should note that my button holes have been on point lately.  The thread is a perfect match so I am not sure why it looks so much darker here.


M6885
Here you can see the different textures in this fabric.  It is really such a great fabric for Summer.  I can see it made in to maxi dresses, beach cover ups, the list goes on.  I chose plain white buttons because this floral print has a lot going on.  I love how they more or less blend in from a distance.

M6885

Here is a shot of the back of the tunic.  I made the shirt tail a little longer than the front of the shirt.  I chose to make the armholes nice and fitted so that my bra doesn't peak out from under the shirt.  I think that I need to cut the armholes deeper in the back next time to keep keep it from pulling in at the under arm.

What you can't see here is that I used French seams on the inside.  I didn't want to serge off this thin fabric, so a French seam was the natural choice for keeping fraying to a minimum and not having to bind every seam.  I used a rolled hem.  I think I am in love with rolled hems right now.  White bias tape was used to bind the armscye.

I am loving this tunic and I see more hacked up M6885 tunics in my future.

Friends, what are you sewing right now?  Are their any fabrics out there that you are totally in love with?

12 comments:

  1. This is lovely. You can't beat a good tunic. Love the fabric and the colour is great on you. Got some fab vintage stuff but nothing new. I haven't been round the shops for ages to see what the new stock is. Must get some Summer fabric soon. Wish we had a Joann. Xx

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    1. Thanks, Mother. Tunics really are the best for hiding all the jiggly bits! ;) The vintage fabrics around here seemed to have dried up lately so I am glad someone is finding some good stuff.

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  2. Lovely tunic, it looks wonderful. I'm sewing warmer items here its getting very chilly downunder.

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    1. Thanks, Mandy! I can't wait to see some of your cold weather makes. I still love the black and white checks with the striped black and white pants that you made.

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  3. Oh Alicia! How summery and gorgeous you look! I love that fabric and the tunic length is perfect for you. <3 Love it! :D :D Now I am craving pina coladas. ;)

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    1. Thanks, Andie! Yes, I found myself crazing a good Summery drink last night. Settled for sweet tea instead.

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  4. Seeing your beautiful finished tunic top, I almost can't believe you thought about NOT sewing that pattern. :-) Such a pretty fabric. The color is so nice on you. I think how you modified the collar is perfect for summer.

    And I'm loving those Jackie O shades.

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    1. Thanks, Debbie! Those are my new prescription sunglasses...wah wah wahhhhhhh. Getting tired of wearing contacts all Summer. Also, thanks for pushing me in the right direction!

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    2. Prescription sunglasses rock! I love mine (esp. cuz I live in Florida!). I used to wear contacts all the time, since age 13. Then got old and my eyes dried out or something and I haven't worn them for about 10 years. But then you get older and nearsightedness reverses itself and so basically I can never see a thing anymore. Hahaha.

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  5. I like the modified collar too. Perfect for casual summer wearing.

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    1. Thank you, Kathy! The collar is so much better than having a full collar up around my neck in the heat. Happy belated Birthday, btw! Can't wait to see your butterfly print tank all made up.

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  6. What a lovely fresh summer top. Very sweet and cool looking.

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