This is my very first contest entry with patternreview.com (PR). This one had my name written all over it, and the timing finally worked out. Even though I've just started rehearsals and things have picked up at work, and I'm sewing a dress for the show, I managed to fit in a little top made from one of my recent vintage pattern purchases.
McCall's 4236
Pattern Description:
From1974. Pullover dress or top has scoop neck and gathered sleeve cap. Dress B with optional belt, or top C has collar included in front neck and shoulder seams. I made the top with collar, view C.
Pattern Sizing:
My pattern came as a size 10 and I graded up to a 12 using a diagram in "Fit for Real People"
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. It's a basic top with a couple of order-of-assembly differences I had to pay attention to because of the drape.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I love how vintage patterns have the seam allowances marked. It makes it much easier to fit. I also really liked the rows of gathering stitches. They were a nice design detail. The gathered sleeve isn't something I normally go for, but they are cute and not too exaggerated for it being a 70's pattern.
Fabric Used:A teal green cotton jersey I found at the second hand store. There was so much of it, I was able to make a muslin out of it as well.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I made my usual broad upper back alteration. In my test version, I tried to use binding instead of the facing, but opted for the facing because in the end, it was going to be tacked down in 4 places so it doesn't flip around at all. Plus, my binding application skills really need some work.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I don't think I'd sew this version again, but I can see using the base of this pattern to work off of. I'd like to try a peter pan collar with a cap sleeve. I'd also like to try the basic shape and work applying binding to the neck hole that doesn't look like crap. The dress version (in a shorter length) might come in handy too some day.
Conclusion:
I like this one. It is a bit cumbersome when playing with my infant nephew—the drape in the front kept swinging around and getting in the way, but it really is perfect for work—especially under a blazer. Even in a solid colour it has some interest.
On fake me:
On fake me:
On real me:
Close up of the gathering stitches:
