SNL and McCalls 6241 Review

I recently went on a sewing binge that included about 5 or 6 pieces. This may not seem like a lot to you regularly prolific sewers out there, but for me, it's gotta be a record. What precipitated such a vast outpouring of makery? I won tickets to Saturday Night Live!!

Apparently there's only a 5% chance of winning their lottery—every August, you can email (one per household) NBC and they draw the audience for the entire season. If you win, you get an email with the date you were chosen for. So, if you don't live near NYC, you have to make a decision of if it's worth it. People, I am here to tell you that it's worth it! 

I've been a long-time fan of the show, and I admit that I nearly cried a few times when sitting in the audience not believing I was actually there. On previous trips to NY, we went to David Letterman and Conan O'brian, and I wasn't truly impressed. This was an entirely different experience. Our tickets were for the dress rehearsal, so we got to see about a half an hour more content than what makes it to television. We saw the Daniel Craig/Muse episode on Canadian Thanksgiving weekend. Big Bird even made an appearance, with which I was delighted! SNL, and a childhood icon in one night!??? So happy we went. 

Anyways, back to sewing. McCalls 2641 was one of my makes before the trip, and I ended up wearing it, and my Minoru jacket to SNL. No, I don't have any pics of this, because B and I are notoriously bad picture-takers. Mostly, we just can't be bothered at the time. I think we have 4 or 5 photos from this entire trip. Boooo on us.

McCalls 6241 Review: 

Pattern Description: 

Pullover tunics A, B, C have extended shoulders with pleats at one shoulder and side, machine-stitched hems and asymmetrical lower edge; tunic A has cap sleeves; tunics B, C have long sleeves.

I made view B. It took me a while to figure out what the difference was between view B and C (C is slightly longer). It's a useless variation in my opinion. They are almost identical.

Pattern Sizing:

8-16. After reading reviews, I made the smallest size, even though my measurements work out to a 12. I still took 1-2 inches off the sides seams.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

yes? I hesitate, because the line drawings make it look quite a bit more structured than it actually is, and then in the photo, the model looks a bit like she's being swallowed by red fabric. The uneven hem doesn't really show up in the finished garment either.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yes. It is very easy to put together. As per usual, I mostly followed the pictures instead of reading anything.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I like the drapiness of it. Before I took it in on the sides, It looked like I was going to need to pinch another drape/gather at the waist on the opposite side of the shoulder tucks, but once a total of 4 inches were taken off the side, I was happy with how it was falling. This would be a great pattern for a maternity top. I also really liked the cowl at the neck. There was no facing at the neck, but it naturally turns in on itself so you don't have to worry about the wrong side of your fabric showing. Because the top is so loose fitting, the cowl/neckline shifts around quite a bit, so be aware that it won't sit like it does like the pics on the envelope. I usually use a twin needle to hem knits, but used a zig zag on this one. I was very happy with the finish.

Fabric Used:

I believe it is a cotton-lycra blend. It's one of those really drapey knits that stretches A LOT but has great recovery.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I took in about 2 inches on either side pretty much from bottom hem to sleeve hem. This may have been partly due to the amount of stretch in my fabric, but seriously... 4 inches total??? And I was already making it 2 sizes smaller than what I usually make??

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I may make it again if I find a fabric that inspires me. The top is incredibly comfortable. It's stretchy and slinky, but not clingy. It will work very well as a maternity top too.

Conclusion:

After the fit issues were corrected, I am very happy with this top. It is super comfortable and easy to wear. I recommend it as long as you're aware that you are most likely going to be taking it in a lot. on the sides.