Thursday, April 8, 2010

McCall's 5522

Hallelujah!!  I just made a blouse straight out of the envelope with NO alterations and it FITS!!!  I can see why this is such a popular pattern.  I'm going to make about 16 more of them.
I've been sewing a size 12 (which is one size smaller than my measurements), and adding an FBA.  The last two tops that I've made have been a bit of a disappointment fit-wise.  For this one I decided to just bite the bullet and sew the size 10.  Since this is a "Made for You" pattern with cup sizes, I didn't do an FBA, just used the D cup pattern pieces.  I cannot believe how well it fits.  I was nervous about it, and sewed it with 1 inch side seams (which meant I totally ignored the pattern instructions, but whatever).  I didn't need the extra space.  The fit is amazing.  I didn't like the giant puff sleeves though, so I just used the plain long sleeve from the pattern and shortened it to a cap.  There is a ginormous amount of ease in the sleeve cap, and rather then fight with it, I just made it a puffed sleeve.  Yes, there is that much ease.  But I like it.
If I was the nit-picky type, I'd probably point out the slight bit of extra room in the back, suggesting that maybe a sway back adjustment would have been appropriate.  But I'm not.  This time.  The only change I will make (besides the wee pinch in the back) would be to lengthen it, but that is just my personal preference.  I'm wearing it with my low-rise Jalie jeans, and as you can see, it covers the topic.
I LOVE THIS PATTERN!!

Check my top out on Make it Wear It at The Train to Crazy
make it wear it