Navy Leaf Outfit: McCalls 7757
As soon as I saw M7757 in McCalls Spring release I regretted not hitting the gym and eating right this winter. LOL! I absolutely adore this retro 70's vibe crop top and wide leg pants outfit. I definitely feel like my mid-section is not "summer ready". But I'm working on loving myself where I am while working towards where I want to be, so I went ahead and sewed it up.
This polyester blouse weight fabric was a Fabric Mart buy. I grabbed 5yds while it was on sale for just $2/y with no plans. Once it arrived I felt it would be the perfect fabric for this set as it was a nice print and had nice drape.
I knew some other sewists (like Dressmaking Debacles) had reported that the pattern runs large. I had purchased the L/XL and considered swapping it for the XS-M. Currently my hips are about 44" and the finished hip measurement for the Medium is exactly 44" so I decided to just stick with the large (finished hip 48") and adjust the top to fit.
Thankfully the tops is basically a series of rectangles so grading down was not difficult. I simply redrew the fold line 1" inside of the size L fold line (removing 2") on the front and back bodice and ruffle pieces. The back is still a tad wide and I feel I could have moved it 1-1/2" over (a total of 3" total from the width of the back pieces). To cover as much of the midriff as possible I added 2" to length of the bodice. I'm about 5'5" and that still left a few inches of skin. I never use the elastic guides when sewing for myself, instead I wrap the elastic around my body to find a comfortable fit. I do know it was several inches shorter than the guide.
The pants were incredibly simple, just 2 pieces. Most importantly they included pockets! The only changes I made were sewing a 2" hem and adding about 1/2" to the back crotch. I used the "wrap around my body method" to measure my waist elastic as well.
Though I'd still like to wear a size (or two) smaller I'm going to wear this outfit this summer. I'd like to thank a lady who walked with her dog by me while I was taking photos. I mentioned I was "sucking it in" and she simply said "don't bother!" with a smile. Often we are our own worse critics.
Pattern: McCalls 7757Description: Very loose fitting off the shoulder tops have elasticized neckline and waist and sleeve variations. A, B: Ruffles. Loose fitting pull-on pants have elasticized waist and pockets.Sizing: XS-M, L-XLDifficulty: 1/beginner - 2/easy depending the viewFabric Used: Polyester Leaf Print Crepe Blouse Weight WovenDoes it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope? YesWere the instructions easy to follow? VeryLikes: The wide pull on pant. The off the shoulder neckline, 70s vibe.Dislikes: None but I did need slight adjustments.Pattern alterations or any design changes made: I moved the center line 1: inward on all uppe body pieces and added about 1/2″ to the back crotch.Would I sew it again? Yes, maybe single ruffle.Would I recommend it to others? Definitely, great beginners project.Conclusion: Easy, stylish spring pattern