Athleisure Stripe Set: McCalls 8447
This Brandi Joan pattern is a very versatile set…dress it up or down.
Overview:
I grabbed this pattern as soon as it was released because I loved the set. However it was released in Early Spring 2024 and it was quickly to warm to wear here in Atlanta. It’s still to warm to wear, but I’m loving this make.
Skill Level: ★★
Sewing Time: I sewed both in a day, about 5 hours.
Pattern Rating: ★★★★
Pattern:
Carmen, of Black Sewing Network, is the only reason this was sewn this past week. McCalls 8447 was the Sunday service pattern and I joined Carmen, Riesha and Auntie Carol in whipping up the pants, View B. The live started at 3pm and we were off promptly at 5:30. So the pants were sewn in approximately 2 hours, well by three of us (IYKYK), so it comes together quickly.
It’s hard to see on mine but the pants features a pintuck on the front, slant pockets, tapered legs and an elastic waist. I sewed a XL which is for a 44-46” hip (according to the body measurements) and has a finished measurement of 48-1/2”. They fit fine in the hip and waist but aren’t quite as tapered as they seem to be on Brandi. In a more stable knit, like a ponte I think it would look more like the pattern envelope.
Also at 5’5” the pants fall a little longer than I imagined. They should be ankle length and mine fall about an inch to an inch and a half lower. I don’t mind the length, but just an observation. If you’re shorter than me definitely shorten the pattern pieces.
Since I was already in the sewing zone I went ahead and whipped up the top after we logged off. Thankfully I had already cut view A out while I was prepping for the live. I’d say it took me less than 2 hours, but I took a break so that’s a guesstimate.
I’ve sewn this top before in a stretchy sweater knit. I sewed and XL and it felt too boxy so I sized down this time. When I sew it again I think I’ll cut and XL front and a L back. Tip: you can do that! This should allow a bit more room for the “girls” without adding room to the back.
The top is a cropped length and the pants sit above the waist so you can have the choice to show some skin or not. Adding elastic to the hemband of the top would keep it up even better, if you know that’s the look you prefer.
Fabric:
I guess I’m doing the Whole 30 challenge now. So these are my first 3 yards. This grey and white striped, french terry knit is from the now closed Melanated Fabrics. I have several more yards so don’t be surprised if you see it again. It has a smooth hand front and looped back and is a great choice of fabric for this casual set.
I love stripes just see my last few makes here and here, but I hate myself when it’s time to cut striped fabric. Still I keep buying and sewing stripes because it’s so worth it. I love play with the direction on. On the top I swapped the grain from the upper sleeve so that half of the sleeve would have horizontal stripes and the under sleeve would have vertical stripes
For the pants I cut the pants front and back on the cross grain because I wanted vertical stripes to lengthen my legs. This works because this knit has stretch in both directions. I keep the pockets and waistband along the selvage grain because I wanted some contrast. I also wanted the bands of the top and bottoms to match.
Modifications:
I eliminated the grommets and drawstring from the waistband and well as the faux fly stitching for a more casual, less sporty look.
I changed the grain of some pieces to play with the stripe direction.
Lessons Learned:
Shorten the leg if you 5’5” or shorter and desire ankle length.
Possibly size down depending on fabric and desired style. Definitely rely on the finished bust and hip measurement.
Personally I’ll be eliminating the faux fly extension and stitching.
Summary:
Pattern: Brandi Joan McCalls 8447
Pattern Description: Oversized sweats by Brandi Joan. Knit top has drop shoulder, long sleeves with topstitching and sleeve and hem bands. Pull on drawstring pants have side pockets and pintuck center front.
Sizing: XS-XL I cut a L top and XL pants
Does it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope? Yes
Were the instructions easy to follow: I didn’t really follow them.
Would I recommend it to others? Yes