Easy Cardigan Making: McCalls 6996 Pattern Review

Well, despite it being February, it feels almost out of season to be showing a wintery sewing project right now.  I'm going for it anyway because this may be the coldest it'll be until next Fall at this rate.  Mainly because of the crazy warm springtime weather we've been experiencing.  It's been in the 60s & sunny, despite the normal temps for this time of year being about 30 on a good day and with a foot of snow on the ground.  I feel like I'm somehow behind on my Spring sewing...It's weird....

Anyway, I made this little number for myself and am trying to get a few wears in before it's time to break out the tank tops in March (I'm only half kidding).  I really like that it's comfy like a robe, but looks pulled together to wear out.  I also like that it's the perfect length to wear with pants or leggings.  It seems really hard to find tops that meet that target, so I figured it was worth sharing.

I used McCalls 6996, view D.  I'd tried view A first but that ended up in the donate bin because the fit was so bad.  Like unfixable bad.  I think using a less floppy fabric for D made a difference, as well as the fact that I made an XS instead of M.  McCalls sizing is whack and, in my experience, should be ignored.  I've noticed this with several of their women's patterns.  They say my measurements are a Medium and it's always MASSIVELY big.  Like I was a kid trying on mom's clothes.  I made this one in the XS and it was perfect, so moral of the story is go with what letter size you normally are and forget their numbers.  

This was made from sweater fleece - basically sweater knit with a fleece wrong side.  It's very forgiving to sew and feels cosy, so good for top layers like this cardigan.      

While I love that it's not boxy & bulky like a lot of similar shapes, making the belt is key.  It's got a flared shape so it'll make hips look larger if just worn open.  Dear McCalls, most women aren't looking for clothes to make hips look wider.

I liked that this was an easy sew - just an afternoon.  The neckband/collar was fairly simple to do and has a ruching at the nape so that it lies just right.  

The medium/heavy weight of the fabric really works with the style.  Anything lighter would tend to bunch or cling to whatever is layered underneath, but this doesn't.  

I bought the pattern on sale for 99 cents and as it doesn't take a lot of fabric, it made it pretty economical.  I think the fabric was on sale too so it cost less than $15 total.  Definitely worth making.  

Free Pattern Finds: Women's Blank Slate Blank T-Shirt Pattern

To celebrate the start of summer, I'm kicking off a new feature here at Sew Can Do that I'm pretty excited about.  I'm calling it my Free Pattern Finds.  It's a simple concept - I share details on free patterns I've found in my internet travels and add my experience trying them out.  No sponsored or biased reviews, no blog tour addition that's really just an advertorial to buy a pattern.  No secret agenda, just stuff to share.  Some will be recent releases I've discovered, like today's, others will be oldies, but goodies.  Either way these are patterns that don't cost a thing, so you can go grab 'em yourself for FREE!    

Today's inaugural freebie pattern find is the Blank Slate Blank T-Shirt Pattern.  When news of it pop up in my email a couple months back, I jumped on downloading it.  I've tried a lot of knit women's shirt patterns and had mixed results, but this one looked pretty flattering.  And heaven knows I needed to thin out my knit fabric stash - why not on something I could actually use?  

Feeling like a superstar for finally using this fabric for something I'll actually wear.

I must confess, a while ago I was kind of addicted to buying knit fabric.  It got to the point where I had loads piled up, but no idea was to make with it.  So my new focus has been making things to wear to use up my knit fabric hoard.  I've been really good about not buying a bunch more patterns or fabric too.  I almost don't recognize this sensible woman who's not binging at the craft supply store on a regular basis!

Pattern details:  It's just two pieces to sew together and finishing (or not) on the edges.  It's good for jersey & interlock, as well as heavier stretch fabrics like French terry, sweatshirt and sweater knit.  Sizes XXS-3X.  It's super simple to make, which is a big plus for the busy sewing ladies out there.  30 minutes - even for a beginner.

I used this multi-hued Famous Maker Chevron Knit Olive fabric I'd bought at JoAnn Stores last year.  It was inexpensive and a fairly lightweight, drape-y jersey.  I thought the scale of the print was perfect for a top, but I'd been procrastinating cutting into it.  Waiting for the "right" pattern.  I think it totally works with the Blank T-Shirt pattern - it's airy, but still has a feminine silhouette.  It looks more stylish than a typical t-shirt.  Can be casual or dressy depending on the fabric & accessories, which is nice. 

I hemmed mine with a twin needle, but I like that you could leave the sleeves and hem unfinished if using a knit that doesn't curl much.  I also like that the neckline hits at the right spot.  So often they're too wide, show bra straps, or gape/look weird.  

My only issue, if you could even call it an issue, is finishing the neckline.  This is always my picky spot of sewing tops for myself - often that's the giveaway that it's homemade because it doesn't lay right.  This pattern has two options: the usual fold edge under or using bias tape then folding that under, then stitch down.  I used the second method and the firmness of the woven tape made it stick straight up, away from the body.  I softened it by pressing it on a tailor's ham to give it more of an inward curve.  Hopefully that'll hold after it's washed again or I'll just have to press it that way before wearing.  I think next time I'd just fold the edge under and stitch or even consider making some bias tape with knit fabric to use instead.

All in all, I think this is a good pattern and love that it sews up quick.  Even though I have the skills to sew more intricate stuff, I'm just not into fiddly sewing these days.  The Blank T-Shirt pattern definitely gets a thumbs up in my book.  Got a freebie pattern find you love? Share it in the comments so we can all try it out!


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Sew Into Spring With New Seamingly Smitten Patterns

Are you itching to update your wardrobe for Spring?  There are loads of easy PDF patterns that'll get you sewing up stylin' new outfits in no time over at Seamingly Smitten Patterns. 

Here's the newest pattern release: the Woman's Cowl Neck Tunic Pattern.  This ultra flattering pattern is sure to become a year-round favorite! It's design is super versatile - you create a top, tunic or dress in a look that YOU LOVE by letting you CHOOSE your own style! 

You can make it with 3 necklines (cowl, drawstring cowl or boat neck), 3 sleeve lengths (short, three quarter length or long sleeves), 

There's also optional drop waist bottom panel, a kangaroo pocket and sleeve tabs for more detailing.

You can use double knit, interlock jersey, lightweight to medium weight knit, as well as activewear, sweater, ponte or light weight terry fleece. It's also a great way to easily mix multiple prints & solids. 

If you want to get a jump start on that Easter or Spring dress, there's the Sazerac Dress Pattern.  It's got 3 sleeve options as well as choice of scoop or v-neckline.  It also works with both wovens or knits:

For everyday looks, there's the Women's Hooded Raglan Pattern, with a banded waist and cuff details:

as well as the Women's Raglan Top Pattern, which has rounded and split neck options. 

          

Why Try Seamingly Smitten Patterns:

• Fast sewing!  These patterns are designed to be simple to cut and assemble.  Ideal for beginners.
• Tons of detailed photos.
• Easy-to-follow, step-by-step directions.
• Photos for each step (no more guessing what the wording actually means!).
• Tutorial-style directions & extra tips to save time.
• Sizing charts to get the right fit - including petite & tall.
• Instant downloads so you can start sewing right away.

Whether you're just learning to sew or have years of experience, these patterns are easy to use and a great way to make new things in no time. Just what's needed to add a touch of Spring to the wardrobe!



Seamingly Smitten is a paying featured advertiser at Sew Can Do.  The opinions are completely my own, based on my honest experiences using & purchasing patterns from this shop. For my complete disclosure policy, click here. 

Terra's Treasures Telluride Top Pattern Review

I'm making this year all about working through my fabric stash and sewing things that I want to wear.  No more spending ages on a project only to relegate it to the back of the closet because it didn't fit quite right or was trickier to sew than expected and not worth making again. Time for sewing wins and multiple use patterns!  This new top is now on my Pattern Joy list.

The pattern is the Telluride Top by Terra's Treasures. It offers both top and hoodie options and there are loads of feature choices like scoop neck, henley, faux henley, puffed sleeves, fitted sleeves, short sleeves, shirt hem, banded hem, high-low hem, and tunic length.  Plus, the added bonus of no serger required!  

I've made a number of things with Terra's Treasures patterns in the past (each used many times), but always for the kids. I was ready to try one for me this time!

Provincial Top, Monkey Pants, Offbeat Oxford Shirt & Andover Pullover Top.

I had one of those instant "I want that!" swoons when I saw this pattern for the first time. When Terra offered to let me choose a pattern to review from her recent releases I knew this had to be it. One pattern, but tons of looks is a huge draw for me. Seeing all the different photos and different body types looking cute in it was very encouraging too.

I had bought this knit key print fabric years ago, but could never figure out what to do with it. Combining it with some black rib knit had made it the perfect top:

I really love the neckline of this style, with a nice banded edge, and it's a lot easier to do that you'd expect:

I also made another version using some quilted sweatshirt fabric and heather grey ribbing:

On this one I did standard cuffs and a high low hem.  

It's very cosy and perfect with leggings.  

Terra's instructions are really easy to follow.  This was a pretty quick sew and I didn't have to make any adjustments to get the fit right.  That is a major plus for me when it comes to patterns.

I also like that this pieced look makes solid color fabrics much more interesting and easy to use leftover scraps of prints for the accents too.  This photo from Terra's shop really shows how the shape & details made a basic blue look interesting & professionally made:  

Plus, it's a good year-round pattern.  Using the puffed short sleeve option, this makes a great top for spring or summer:

I can't wait for warmer days to make some in a few of the summery knits I've got.  Stash busting for myself just got more fun!



I received this pattern to review from Terra's Treasures, a paying advertiser on Sew Can Do. The opinions are completely my own, based on my experiences.  For my complete disclosure policy, see HERE.

New Fashion Patterns & 50% Off from Seamingly Smitten

The costume making season is winding down and that means one thing: more time for selfish sewing!!! I have been missing it big time, so today I'm sharing a few new patterns that are a great for whipping up stylish women's fashions in next to no time, so we can sew for ourselves a bit.  I already bought one of these and am sharing my results with it below.  And I've got a code for saving 50% off ALL pattern purchases at:

Looking for a top pattern that is ultra flattering and beyond easy to make?  Check out the new Dolman Sweater pattern.  It's asymmetrical, oversized collar gives it a stylish shape that looks great on any body type.  It's an item that can easily be worn with leggings, jeans or skirts, so it's a good go-to wardrobe addition. I L-O-V-E it!!

It's also a great way to sew up medium or heavy weight knits, pontes or sweater knits that are extra comfy.  Added bonus - there's just one pattern piece to cut out (the sleeves are built in), so this is a super quick sew!!

I couldn't resist this pattern - it seemed ideal.  Uses lots of fabrics, easy to make and looks shop made.  Usually loose fit tops look ultra baggy and shapeless on me, but this has a great fit in all the right places.  I bought & made myself one in the very same day.  I used some nubby sweatshirt fleece I had in my stash.  This looks way nicer than the boring sweatpants I'd planned to make with this fabric:  

I totally love how put-together it looks (yet it's crazy comfortable) as well as how unbelievably quick it was to make.  I made the small and only needed 1.5yds of fabric.  Despite me being a slow sewer, it only took me 90 minutes from print to finish.  I'm totally making more of these!!

And there's the Pleated Swing Dress pattern.  It features a pleated neckline, modest coverage racer back and simple straps for a flowy silhouette.  Perfect on its own in warm weather or paired up with a jacket, leggings and boots for cooler climates.  

Since you can use either drapey wovens like voile or knits like matte jersey, cotton lycra, jersey silk, peach skin or stretch lace, there are lots of fabric options.

       

Why Try Seamingly Smitten Patterns:

• Tons of detailed photos
• Easy-to-follow, step-by-step directions
• Photos for each step (no more guessing what the wording actually means!)
• Tutorial-style directions & extra tips to save time
• Sizing charts to get the right fit - including petite & tall
• Instant downloads so you can start sewing right away

For the next week you can save 50% on all Seamingly Smitten patterns by using the code SAVE50.  

It's a perfect time to stock up on some classic styles:

            

Drop Shoulder Top pattern

Yoga Pants

Or something for the kiddies:

               

Maddie Peplum Top

Belted Cargo Pants

I find I wear items I'e made with Seamingly Smitten patterns over and over, which is sign that their good additions to my pattern library. And they're always quick to sew up, which is critical when you don't get a lot of time to sew (which applies to most of us!).  Whether you're just learning to sew or have years of experience, these patterns are fun & easy to use. Check out Seamingly Smitten today and get yourself sewing for you!

I purchased the Dolman Sweater pattern myself.  Seamingly Smitten is a paying featured advertiser at Sew Can Do.  The opinions are completely my own, based on my honest experiences using & purchasing patterns from this shop. For my complete disclosure policy, click here.