Friday, January 28, 2011

Love and Hate (Mostly LOVE)

Love:
-The fabrics both came from Gorgeous Fabrics and were wonderful to work with.  Exactly the right weight for each pattern!  It looks like both sold out, but I'm sure Ann has others that are equally awesome!
B5555
Butterick 5555
-The style and fit of the top.  The neckline "bib" (especially with the plaid on the bias) has a great shape, and the gathers underneath are just the right amount.  It's got the right amount of roominess for a tunic, but without the "maternity" look.  (Although, if you're pregnant, this top would totally work for you!)
-The sleeves are a great length, and again... just the right amount of gathers, so as to not be too "poofy". I'm also happy with my decision to place the cuffs on the bias, which a small (but cute) detail.
-The idea of leggings (and the comfort), but I'm not sure yet where I'm going to wear these...
-This is such a nicer alternative to jeans and a t-shirt! Whether worn with my boots...

or my booties...

I'm feeling very trendy and youthful in this outfit!

I matched the plaid at the side seam!
Hate: (Such a strong word... how about "dislike"?)
-The squareness of the hem on the shirt is really bugging me.  With leggings, it just seems so "blocky" to me.  I was going to gather the bottom 2-3" of the side hem to give it some shape, but DH said it looked fine the way it was.  I trust his opinion, so I left it alone.
-The pattern instructions on the application of the collar were very weird.  Not that I needed them, but I always check them out. It showed a finished neck edge, but if you're applying a collar, why bother? I don't get it... but I did it my way and it was just fine.
M6173
McCall's 6173
-The leggings pattern runs so BIG (and long)! The envelope said that my measurements were a "Large", but holy moly...  Um, pattern makers?  Leggings are supposed to be tight.  No ease.  I took them in again, and again, and again.  If any of you want this pattern, I cut it on the "L" lines, and I think it would fit a RTW 14/16 just right, even if you're a "Tall" (I took 6" off the length)! If I can get a smaller size on sale this weekend, I will put this one up for grabs!

All in all, I'm very happy with the entire outfit, and am ready to make more like it!  I'd love to find a nice stretchy denim looking knit to see if I could knock-off some "jeggings". Jean-leggings? Jeggings.  I didn't make it up, it's already out there, I swear!

15 comments:

Beangirl said...

ack. just because you didn't make it up, doesn't make it ok. ;-)

I love that top, it looks great. The leggings look ok too, so you must have taken them in the right amount. I wear a RTW 14 and I'd take the pattern, but I'm not a person who should wear leggings. Trust me.

I think the hem looks fine. I shirttail hem would be cute too, but this looks perfectly ok.

Kathy said...

Just wanted to let you know we like your version of B5555 so much we posted a link from the Butterick facebook page. Great job!

Maryissewfast said...

Great outfit! I found the leggings pattern to be a little off on the proportions too...I ended up taking them in as well and the length was long on me (and at 5'10", I'm a tall girl!)

Irene said...

You look wonderful! (But you must have been freezing while taking the picture!) That is a great-looking top.

Bonnie O. said...

You look great in this outfit!

JoanneM said...

You ARE cute and youthful.

Karon said...

The whole outfit was very flattering. The square tail shirt made it look more finished.

Loved the plaid.

Gail said...

You are in great shape, so well done! I love this tunic and think the leggings look fine on you. I've wear this with ballet slippers when the weather warms up.

Lori said...

I think your outfit looks fantastic. Great job.

Myra said...

You should feel trendy & youthful in this outfit... It is all that! Very cute & the look is all you! I really like your bias treatments, nice touch! Paired with both the boots & the booties are FABULOUS!

HeathersSphere said...

I adore this look on you! Very nice work with the top and leggings!

Summerset said...

Fun, cute and youthful!

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

This is a really cute top on you! I love how you've styled it and the bias pieces really give it something extra.

West Coast Boomer said...

I am loving this on you. Great look. I would really dig some more color - like a turquoise or coraly red in a great necklace. Legging look marvy as well!

Audrey said...

Great looking tunic, I have this pattern so I was excited to see how nice it looks. You are rockin' the leggings.