Review: Simplicity 1366 & McCall's 6757 | A Crop Top & A Metallic Pencil Skirt!
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So, I've already begun to sew with fall in mind. And a crop top and metallic pencil skirt are great wardrobe additions for this upcoming season.
So let's start with the top, Simplicity 1366.
For my version of a crop top, I chose this length. Contrary to belief, crop tops do NOT have to be tight, knit or midriff-baring. And for a daytime-appropriate crop top, I'm choosing to wear mine loose-fitting with a high-waisted fitted skirt. The sight of a sliver-of-skin is completely unnecessary to get this look across. My goal is to look chic and hip without looking like I'm heading to the beach.
This top is a great basic to have in your wardrobe as a simple pullover woven. The size 14, sews perfectly out of the envelope without any alterations. I used this rayon (which is possibly a challis) that's the perfect weight for a blouse.
My skirt is McCall's 6757.
For this skirt, I cut the size 14 and I added 3 inches to the length. This pattern started out so promising until I got to the pockets. Welt pockets can be daunting, but these instructions were overcomplicated and even the illustration in step 13, is backwards. I had to figure that out the hard way. My seam ripper was working overtime for this project. But I made it work. In case you choose to make this skirt, here is a quick tutorial on the welt pockets:
As instructed, interface the welt area on the wrong side and transfer the markings.
Interface the welt pattern pieces as well. And create them by folding the welt in half, lengthwise and pressing. And stitch along the raw edge.
Prepare the pocket facings.
Now, here is where things got fickly. The instructions would have you sew the facings on the opposite sides of where they should be. But when you match your markings, this is how it should look. I know it may look strange, but it will make sense shortly when you turn your work to the other side.
This is how the opposite side looks at this point.
Slash your welt line and clip at the diagonal corners. BE CAREFUL and DON'T cut the pocket or welt. And turn the pocket facing to the inside.
And once the pocket is finished, this is how it looks.
Yes, it was pretty daunting, but the results were great!
My fabric was pretty cool as well. As soon as I saw this gold foil denim on the bolt in Hancock, I knew it would be a skirt. The fabric sews like a regular denim. The only thing is I wish it had at least a little bit of stretch. And it creases a lot from sitting. One day, I shall learn to levitate to prevent that!
And I used a gold exposed zipper.
And per usual with any pencil skirt pattern I use, I peg the hem. I just don't like when pencil skirts flare at the bottom. Is it a pencil skirt or an a-line skirt? I do this by taking in the bottom 4 inches less than the widest point of the hip. Even with the welt pocket hiccup, I think this is a cute skirt.
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56 comments
I love your outfit, the skirt especially is just so fashion forward and would look fabulous paired with black for the winter. Your look is very luxe. Fabulous! Xx
ReplyDeleteI definitely plan to wear this with a black cashmere turtleneck sweater this fall! Thanks Mother of Reinvention!
DeleteA lovely outfit - the McCalls pattern makes up nicely, although I agree, for a more pencil line, pegging is the way to go. The cropped top does give a sporty, chic look.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sarah Liz!
DeleteLove this outfit - great sewing, and thanks for sharing the welt pocket info too :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Claire!
DeleteCute outfit! Very trendy and chic!
ReplyDeleteThanks Carolyn!
DeleteGreat look Erica - obvious results from all that gym time you are clocking! You look better than ever!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sheri!!!
DeleteI'm also starting to think about sewing for fall. I didn't get to all the projects on my summer sewing list, but the ones I'm working on how are very transitional. I love this outfit. You look fantastic! That wall is a great backdrop as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks Grace! The wall is an old Pepsi mural in Downtown Birmingham.
DeleteThis is a beautiful and chic outfit. Thanks for the tutorial on the welt pockets.
ReplyDeleteThanks Graca!
DeleteWow! That skirt is just so cool! Love the outfit!
ReplyDeleteI love this look! That gold denim would make a great pair of pants also!
ReplyDeleteI think so too! Thanks M. Inez!
DeleteOooooooh. This is my kinda look Erica!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mrs. Smith!
DeleteLove it! I also made a barely-revealing crop top recently, and really like it:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.cashmerette.com/2014/08/the-one-in-which-i-wear-crop-top.html
Jenny, that's a great crop top and your skirt is FABULOUS! Thanks!
DeleteBeautiful I love it!
ReplyDeleteexcellent craftsmanship!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.fashionablyspeakn.com/2014/08/meet-cast-stylish-comfort.html
Alela, that's great styling for a crop top! Thanks for giving me even more styling ideas!
DeleteNever knew I would even want a gold pencil skirt until now. I will have one!
ReplyDeleteAnd you should have one! Thanks Nik!
DeleteReally nice! Love the colour combination and the effect of the metallic fabric!
ReplyDeleteThanks Virginie!
DeleteSo glad you showed a non-skin baring crop top. This is something I wouldn't even consider (at my age) as an option unless there was coverage. Great outfit. And I love the skirt!
ReplyDeleteYou don't have to be almost naked to carryout the look! Thanks Denise!
DeleteLove the gold skirt! Thanks for the welt pocket explanation, too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Angela!
DeleteJust awesome
ReplyDeleteThanks Melanie!
DeleteLovely!!! Haven't you lost a lot of weight, you look fab. Not that you didn't before but you get my gist. Looove the skirt.
ReplyDeleteI have! I've lost around 25+ pounds. Thanks Sassy T!
DeleteYou are amazing, and look amazing, love it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Candice!
DeleteBeautiful ensemble. I have the same fabric (skirt) in denim blue but couldn't think of what to make with it.... now I do :-) Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks Naan!
DeleteOh so chic! I love the outfit.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kelroc!
DeleteThat. is a denim skirt???? Not your casual Friday denim skirt, no way. This baby's got sass!!!
ReplyDeleteJJ
www.dressupnotdown.blogspot.com
It does put a new spin on the denim skirt! Thanks JJ!
DeleteBest outfit I've seen in months. Absolute perfection. I only hope Hancock's doesn't sell out before payday. If they do, they need to send you a commission.
ReplyDeleteThanks Julie! I hope you find some and love it as much as I do!
DeleteSuch a cool outfit<3
ReplyDeletewww.shallwesasa.com
Thanks Sasa!
DeleteGorgeous! Yes, you indeed look hip and chic and tastefully so. Beautiful pockets. Love the whole outfit on you. Fabulous!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tomasa!
DeleteClassy chic! Like the shoes as well!
ReplyDeleteThanks Angie!
DeleteI love this outfit. It's the perfect combination. I've been dreaming about a gold pencil skirt for a while, but I'm not sure I can't pull it out as well as you!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful makes! And great styling as usual!
ReplyDeleteI am madly in love with this skirt! I also love your tutorial photos!
ReplyDeleteLove the skirt and the whole outfit! Am curious about the wrinkling when you sit. Do the wrinkles fall out eventually, or do you have to live with them all day? And are you Ok with the way the skirt looks with the wrinkles? Thanks for the constant inspiration!
ReplyDelete