McCall's 6570, Knomes and Long Forgotten Bathing Suits

I've been sewing quite a bit and have fallen behind on posting. Since this is a long weekend, perhaps I'll get caught up. 

First things first: a pattern review.

McCalls 6570
It's listed as a "Carefree pattern", which may have been true if I didn't find myself making things more complicated than they needed to be by trying to put my own stamp on everything only to have it backfire.

Once again this is a vintage pattern I got for $.50 at the second hand store.

Pattern Description:
Misses' Two-Piece Dress: Buttoned top A, B gathered into neckband has tie belt; top A has elbow length kimono sleeves gathered into bands; top B has extended shoulder line. Four-gore skirt has side zipper.

Pattern Sizing: 8-10-12. I made the 12

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
I changed it at the front closure, and it didn't look as narrow as the drawing, so not really.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
What I used of them, yes



What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I liked the lines of the pattern, and it was a simple design (not many pieces). The arm bands were the perfect size so they slid over my elbows and back without restricting my bicep.As with many pattern illustrations, the final garment did not look as streamlined as shown, but generally, everything on the pattern fit together and nothing was missed. I wouldn't discourage anyone from trying it.

Fabric Used:
Cotton crinkly plaid found at second hand store.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I changed the front button-down to a short button placket using a men's polo pattern I have to work out the changes. I tried lengthening it about 4 inches so I could wear it with leggings, but it ended up looking like a victorian night shirt, so I curved in the sides about an inch at the waist and cut the bottom off at the original cut line. I started to add a 2" bias band to the bottom, but it was not looking good so I just hemmed it normally. I also added fusible interfacing to the sleeve bands which the pattern didn't call for. I cut the bands on the bias, so I felt they needed some stability.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I don't know if I'll sew it again (right away anyway). I'd like to try the short sleeved version in a smaller size in a finer fabric with the buttons all the way down. I'll wait until I spot something that inspires me, otherwise, it's on to my many other patterns.

Conclusion:
This is a well drafted pattern. As with all generously flowing designs, I think you have to have more curves to pull them off ie: larger waist to boob ratio. It would probably help to have a belt on it too. I'm curious to try it in a lighter fabric with more drape, but not now, I have other things to try!

Yikes! Horrendous panty-line.










































Trying some outdoor shots since it's so nice out today...

Also showing the world how awkwardly and unflatteringly I can stand for a photograph. Super job Erin!

I'm jealous of all the bloggers out there who take action shots, so I'm going to start taking my own ridiculous action shots.

Not the best light, but if you look carefully, you may notice my little friend standing behind me.

He looks sad



Probably because he has dirt in his mouth. Or maybe he's jealous that he doesn't have a large unflattering billowy shirt of his very own.
Really, he's sad because he's been looking at the grass jungle that is our front lawn for the last two months (our mower is broken).

Just so you don't all think less of us (specifically B), he borrowed my parent's mower a few hours later and the lawn is now cut.










I've also pledged to finish some UFOs, first up, my long forgotten bathing suit copy.
Here's where it was at yesterday morning:

It has been in this state for over a year. The blue is the old and the green is the new. I love this suit. It fit perfectly. The bum was becoming see-through though, so I decided to take the plunge and try to copy it. I did some work on it yesterday and almost finished the top part, but ran out of thread, so after today's work out, I'm running over to the fabric store and picking up more so I can finish it off this long weekend.