Category: McCalls

McCall’s 7477 Misses’ Hooded, Collared or Collarless Capes, and Belt

I was glad that Sewyourview over on Instagram picked this pattern for the #sewyourview for the November pattern. There is a monthly pattern pick, so check them out over on Instagram. So many great versions of all patterns selected.

I picked this fabric for this cape, as I was undecided on two other options and I was glad I went with this one. This fabric was purchased at Joann Fabrics here. It’s a Perfectly Plaid Acrylic fabric that had just the right amount of design for it not to be plain. I paired it again with my favorite white leggings, I need a new pair of jeans, LOL!!! Jeans are on my list of makes so let’s see what I can come up with next.

I cut the medium on this one, but usually I would have cut a small, but I wanted it to have flow to it. It flows perfectly. I had no issues with this cape, the only issue was getting photos of myself in the cape. It finally worked out.

M7477

Although these photos have the top of my head slightly cut off, they were the best one’s I could get before my foot surgery, which I am currently recovering from as I write this post. I love that I was able to get some close ups of the cape and lots of me smiling, It’s hard to catch me in a photo with a smile, but I am working on that too. I am a pretty happy person, but rarely smile in photos. I think it makes my face look chubby.

Pattern Description: Misses’ Hooded, Collared or Collarless Capes

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

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked that the instructions were easy to follow and it turned out how the envelope looked.

Fabric Used: Perfectly Plaid Acrylic fabric

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None on this one. I did cut the Medium, usually I would cut a small, but I wanted more flow in the body of the cape.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I would sew this again, in a solid color, like a bold blue or a hot red.

Conclusion: I love this cape and it will last me all throughout and I can dress it up or down.

Bye for now, time to go Sew Something!!!

McCall’s 7482 Misses’ Asymmetrical Zip-Jacket and Seamed Leggings

I really LOVE this jacket. The Asymmetrical Zip, the option to color block or use a solid and fun print as I have, has me wanting more jackets like this. Brianna, my dress form, is not the right “person” to model garments with hoods. I constructed both of these pieces as part of the Make Nine for 2019, from Instagram and the Pattern Review Activewear 2019 Challenge.

The side seam of the pants was a little difficult and had me second guessing if I wanted to complete the pants at all. I put in one leg following the instructions and it didn’t come out like it was supposed, so to the good ole seam ripper I went. I took it apart, laid it on the cutting table, re-pinned it with a thousand and one pins, really, to get it to stay in place as I sewed it back together. That worked, pants leg number one was done. Woohoo!

Pattern Description: Misses’ Asymmetrical Zip-Jacket and Seamed Leggings

Pattern Sizing: 6-14

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes exactly like the pattern. I as pleasantly surprised it looked so much like the pattern.

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were easy to follow, with the exception of the side panels. Placing them in the lower seam was a little intension.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I loved the Asymmetrical Zip on the Jacket. It was the first time I have installed a zipper in the diagonal and on the first try.

Fabric Used: I used 2 activewear knit fabrics purchased from the San Francisco Fabric Outlet, San Francisco, CA.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I didn’t add pocket on the sleeve. My arms are a little on the bigger side at the bicep level, so I don’t like anything extra on the arm.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I would definitely sew the jacket again, not so sure about the pants. One pair of the fancy pants are enough for me. They are a great sew for anyone looking for activewear pants.

Conclusion:  I am in love with this Jacket.

Thanks to my hubby for taking my photos. He gets credit for these photos, we are both still learning how to use our camera.

My Make Nine for 2019

I am so excited to be continuing on with my sewing for 2019. I have lots of plans to try new things and to bring back some of my favorite makes from the past 4 years.

To start 2019 I have selected 9 patterns to make that are garments I haven’t made in the past. These items will be made throughout the year along with others, but I wanted to showcase these as the ones that are on my list. Below you will find my list, they are not in any special order, but I have started the activewear pattern as part of the Activewear Challenge on the pattern review website, details can be found here.

The Jacket is almost complete, just need to add the sleeves and the zipper. The zipper frightens me, but it is one of the things on my list of challenges that I must conquer. The pants are a little tricky with the side pieces, but I think I have it figured out. I installed the side pieces by way of the Pattern instructions and it didn’t turn out like it should have, so I am going to take it out and do it again. Practice makes perfect, right?

Look for a blog post in the upcoming week for the finished garments for pattern #M7482.

I am most excited about making the underwear. These patterns have been on my list for the last 2 years or more and I keep adding them to the list and taking them off, adding them, taking them off. This time they stay, I will never know what skills I don’t have if I don’t at least try.

1. McCall’s 7482 – Misses’ Asymmetrical-Zip Jacket and Seamed Leggings

2. McCall’s 7547 – Misses’ Flared Jeans and Overalls, Skinny Jeans, and Shortalls

3. McCall’s 6841 – Misses’ Cowl-Neck Tops (this Pattern is Out of Print)

4. Simplicity 8701 – Misses’ Pants with Options for Design Hacking

5. Simplicity 8791 – Misses’ Wrap Tops

6. Vogue 9285 – Misses’ Top with Sleeve and Cuff Variations

7. Simplicity 8700 – Misses’ Jacket with Options for Design Hacking

8. Simplicity 8436 – Misses’ Plunge Bra and Panties – Once completed these items  will be modeled by my dress form, Brianna. I wouldn’t want an inappropriate blog post. 🙂

9. Simplicity 8229 – Misses’ Underwire Bras and Panties – Once completed these items  will be modeled by my dress form, Brianna. I wouldn’t want an inappropriate blog post. 🙂

Well I am off to go start of the process of installing in the zipper and the sleeves on the jacket. The weather is raining and extremely windy tonight, so I think it is safe for me to stay behind the sewing machine.

Bye for now, time to go Sew Something!!!!

McCall’s 7846 Misses’ Ponchos

This Misses’ Poncho is great for the cold weather we have been experiencing in California. Finally it is cold enough to wear Ponchos, Capes, and Sweaters, and I absolutely love it. I choose view B as my option for this Poncho. It is a loose fitting poncho that has 4 different front variations. I liked the neckline on this one, as it isn’t a full turtleneck neckline and it can be worn dressed up or dressed down. I like versatility in the clothing that I make. I need everyday and work wear clothing in my line up.


The fabric choice for this Poncho was a Perfectly Plaid Acrylic Fabric – Black and Red from Joann Fabric. I feel in love with this fabric when I saw it in the store. It was the best choice for this project, although I love how it turned out. The pattern recommended a fabric with a moderate stretch, a knit with 35 % Cross Grain stretch and this Acrylic lacked that stretch. Without the stretch it restricts movement just a little bit. I let out the darts just a tiny bit and that fixed the issue. 

This Poncho will get lots of wearing time this year. I can see it with a black pencil, long sleeve black top, and a red pair of boots or booties. I have all these items in my closet already, oh wait did I just find an outfit to wear to a possible Holiday Party , a Girls’ Night Out, or a date night with the hubby. It can also be worn as I have styled it here, knee high boots, black leggings, and long sleeve black top. Cute and comfortable. This poncho is giving me some serious Holiday Season Vibes. 

McCall’s Misses’ Ponchos M7846

McCall’s 7836 Misses’ Top with Sleeve Variations

I have needed tops in my wardrobe line up for sometime. With me still doing the Ready to Wear Challenge, I couldn’t purchase any as part of the Challenge. I had already picked this top to make, when Leslie Bentley, Master Teacher over at  The Sewcial Place on Facebook, announced that she was doing  a free Sew-Along for a limited time. The tutorial can now be purchased if interested in making this top under her fabulous direction.


McCall's 7836
McCall’s 7836 Misses’ Tops

Please excuse the writing on the pattern, as I write on them, so I don’t forget which view I am making or if I made alterations to the view. In this case I didn’t use the sleeve on View D.  I wanted this top for the Fall/Winter weather.I went with the Bodice on View B and Sleeve on View C.  I am not a fan of the close up neck on tops. I have really short hair and  it just looks weird on me when wearing a mock or turtleneck top. In case I actually like this one.


I used a knit fabric, that looks like denim, it is super soft and I absolutely love how it feels. It is not to heavy or too light and can be worn with or without a sweater. The one thing that I didn’t like about the top was the flair at the bottom. I probably could have gotten away with cutting a smaller size. I cut the size 10. To avoid the top looking too big for me, I tucked only the front into my pants.  I think its cute. I thought how could I style this top for a cute everyday or a casual Friday outfit for work. I styled it with a pair of Sam Edelman riding style boots from last season and  a pair of white leggings, that are lined and perfect for winter that I purchased from Nordstrom 


I haven’t decided if it is one I’ll make again, now that it’s finished. It’s possible it could be a one time make. I think it came out very well, but I am not in love with it, as I am with some of the other pieces I have made in the past. Tops are definitely on my to do list and there will be more coming soon.

Bye for now, time to go Sew Something!!!