Monday, March 11, 2019

Sew Your View - McCalls 7912

I've followed the monthly "Sew Your View" sew-alongs on Instagram almost from the beginning. Every month I see the new pattern chosen and while I love the finished garments, the pattern doesn't appeal to me for one reason or another.


For February, they chose McCalls 7912 and I thought finally a pattern that fits my lifestyle!


After thinking about it, I pulled a denim and faux leather combo from my fabric collection to make my version. So I'm already ahead because I used fabric from the collection! Yes!!!


Supplies ~
Denim from the collection
Faux leather purchased from Emmaonesock December 2015 (you can find other faux leathers here)
Denim bias binding from Pacific Trimmings

Pattern Alterations ~
I didn't have to make a lot of alterations to the pattern.  The finished hip measurement was 57" and this would close on me standing up but pull on me sitting.  So I added some space from the waistline down. 

- added 1/2" to the front side seam
- pivot and slide to back piece to add 3" at the hipline
- then added 1/4" to the back side seam.

This gave me a finished hip measurement of 65" which is more than enough room.

Construction ~
The construction changes I made were:
1. I used bias tape on the armholes instead of turning under and stitching down as the pattern instructs.

2. I added bias binding to the side seams and hong kong finished them.

3. Bias binding was also added to the hemline.

4. Topstitching was put in a lot of places to add some interest. The only thing is that I topstitched in navy thread because I didn't want to take away from the faux leather accents.

5. The faux leather accents were used on the pockets and upper collar.

6. I used the teflon foot for my sewing machine when sewing the faux leather to the denim.

Sequins are currently the rage in the online sewing community. Sequins are right up there with ruffles for me, not my thing. But give me a good faux leather and I'm a happy sewist! So my vest is a faux leather, denim and lace thing because I added the pinstriped lace shirt I made in 2017...which is so my jam!

A few sewing tips for sewing with faux leather ~
- I used a teflon foot to sew the pleather to the denim pieces. The teflon foot glided over the fabric so easily.

- Also I used pins all the way through. If a pin leaves a hole, I just smooth it out by hand. 

- And I use a steam iron to press the seams open and flat. However, I do use my organza press cloth folded over several times so that I don't melt the faux leather...but the steam does make the faux leather pliable so I can manipulate if if need be.

- The clapper was my friend. Again used the organza press cloth to protect the faux leather when using the clapper on the lapel.

A Few More Pictures ~





It took me awhile to take photos of this make because while I thought the crud was gone, I was still coughing and feeling lousy. Also as you will see in my next post, I've been crocheting my life away.

Finally, I'm not sure about this make.  One, I hate belts on me. I know others probably have a different take but this is my personal view. Alongwith that I didn't make the belt from the pattern. I've taken the belt from my denim coat because I'm not sure about the belt.

Two, I'm not sure I really like this style. I'm more a set in sleeves girl and the sleeve flanges kinda irk me. I will probably wear it and with another shirt because I think there's just too much going on in these pictures. But this vest won't be a favorite. It was fun, however, to work with the faux leather, which I have ALOT of in the collection.

So next up on the blog is my discussion of how I've spent the last three months crocheting...

...as always more later!





35 comments:

  1. Sorry this is not your favorite but I think it is great and looks great on you!

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  2. It turned out really fantastic!!

    I like that sort of dropped shoulder/flange thing too, in theory, but less so on my body.

    Faux leather is always fun to add!!!

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  3. I, like you, am a set in sleeve girl but I don't hate this look. As for the belt I like it because it really accents your waist. I was just telling a friend of mine that I used to be considered a brick house...not I'm just the brick!

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  4. I agree with @knitmachunequeen, I really love how the belt accents the "snatchness" of your waist.However, I totally understabd when something we'be made isn't our favorite!

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    Replies
    1. Candice - no one and I mean no one would use the word “snatchiness” to describe my waistline! LOL! But I soooooo appreciate the compliment!

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    2. Well, I did and meant ever word! You look great,Carolyn.

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  5. I like the drop-shouldered look on me, but it is not for everyone. Did you try it with shoulder pads? It can change the way it falls on you.

    Belts are a personal thing. If you don't like it, don't wear it.

    In the picture where your arms are down and the belt is off, I can see the flange thing you referred to.

    I like the faux leather. The embossed pattern is so cute. Do you have more? The denim and leather look is so cool, maybe you can sew something in at TNT cut that you know you will like and wear.

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  6. And here I was thinking how nice it is to look so good in belts....

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    Replies
    1. Jane - it’s soooooo subjective cause I know I no longer have a waist and I’m at peace with that! LOL!

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  7. I think the vest looks terrific! Great combination of fabrics, and the belt and sleeve flanges are a neat look. YAY for you on shopping your stash! Hope you feel better soon.

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  8. I have been seeing this jacket/vest all over the place. I thought I wanted to try this pattern but I think it would be overwhelming on me with those drop shoulders. I think I am drawn more to the pattern because I love the stripe fabric. I think your vest looks good and do like the denim/faux leather look. I am still getting over this crud and the cough seems to never go away. Now DH has it. So we have a honking house going on!

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  9. Personally I think you look great in this vest but I understand your misgivings on the drop shoulder and belt. Would you consider sewing this with a natural shoulder line? Karen

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    Replies
    1. Karen,

      So Yes on a natural shoulder line! And I could alter this to reflect that which would make me like it better! Oh now I have one more thing to add to my sewing list to do!

      Delete
  10. My first thought, wow she used a belt! It looks good because you do have a waist. I like this style and the way you designed it with the leather accents.

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  11. I like the whole outfit combo and it looks great belted. Although I find belts fussy to wear. And I'm currently making a jacket with a belt. why.......? :)

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    Replies
    1. Beth - belts look great in pictures...but in real life?! Not so much. How do I style it when I sit, where does the extra hang? So many fussy details and I don't like fussy in my everyday clothes.

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  12. I think you really put your stamp on this vest even though it is not your favorite! The denim and faux leather combo makes a winning look!

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  13. I like edgy/funky/kewl look of the pleather and denim, and the wrap with the belt. I also am not a fan of vests/sleeveless jackets. It's hard to see close up...and I'm sure you've thought it through...maybe add tapered sleeves? I've lost my waistline years ago too--a little bit of cinching by sewing a short piece of elastic across the middle of the back and on the sides is helpful for me because belts are not my friend (anymore-lol).

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  14. Love it! The mix of fabrics is great.

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  15. Wow, I love this look on you. AND the belt is super cool and hip. I want to try this now that I have seen yours. As always, you are my inspiration.

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  16. This is an apology comment. The other day I left a comment that, in retrospect, was less than kind. I did not mean to be mean -- it was meant as an honest complement about how you look in what you make. I find you amazing, and I truly apologize if I offended you.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you but since you didn't sign your name to this comment I really don't know who I'm thanking!

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  17. I wouldn't like the flange in the jacket version, but I do like it here. It gives you a nice silhouette, especially with the belt on. I love, love the faux leather. I remember when she had it and I kicked myself for not buying it immediately, since I remember it disappeared quickly. Yes, it needs a different blouse under it. I also wonder if you have jeans that match, since I really think this would be very current with matching jeans. I want that faux leather!

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    Replies
    1. Nancy - I have some slim leg jeans that coordinate - I really just through this together and took some pictures. The smoother jersey pants just feel more comfortable right now if you know what I mean. I will probably take pictures of this again when I change the armhole.

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  18. Love this jacket on you! You inspire me to sew again. I will be looking to buy that pattern soon. Hopefully it looks good on me,as it looks on you.

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  19. This is why we sew...custom garments with cool features that fit well and inspire! You could never find such a neat top anywhere!Using up some stash is also a bonus!

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  20. I adore the vest!!! May I ask did you sew the blouse also ... FIESTA :)

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    Replies
    1. Monica - yes I made the blouse and I linked to it in the post.

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  21. I would find those sleeve flanges irritating to wear, also. They DO give the vest a balanced hourglass shape. Lovely work, too. At least you enjoyed the production; I'm like that with knitting, myself. I want the product, but the knitting itself is a reward, too

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  22. Love the combo of denim and faux leather. And this vest looks great on you. Maybe styled with a different top, you will like it more than you do now.

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  23. Love the choices you've made, looks great on you, with and without the belt. I find the shirt you paired it with to be unexpected but in a pleasing eye catching way, I find it conveys an original personal style. You're an inspiration for my sewing for sure.

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  24. I think you look great in the vest! I also don't care for belts so I understand what you are saying. Do you think you could add buttons or some other fasteners to it? I think one of your floral button up shirts would look great under it.

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  25. I love that you say outright “this won’t be a favorite.” You tried it, you learned something and then moved on. That is so freeing.

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  26. Love your outfit here. Thank you for sharing.

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