DIY Bow Front Top and Wide Leg Pants: McCalls 7601 and Greenstyle Chelsea Pants

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I think it may finally be safe to say fall is arriving in Colorado. Yesterday the temps stayed in the 70s and the rest of the week doesn’t have any days forecasted to be in the 90s. This is a welcome change as this summer weather has been holding on through September this year. With the change of seasons I feel it is also time to start closing my red, white and blue collection. I have a few pieces cut that I may try to wrap up quickly but the time to wear them is most likely passed and I am anxious to start fall clothes! So depending on the success of the final pieces, this may be one of my last looks for the collection. I had so much fun sewing this top and pants. They each have some things I love and things I need to work on in the future. Read on to see my review for the McCalls Tie front top and Wide Leg Pants.

McCalls 7601: Pullover Top Pattern Review

PATTERN DESCRIPTION:

Semi-fitted pullover tops have front or back slit opening and hem variations. Some views include a tie front which I used to complete my top. Other views include flounce variations.

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PATTERN SIZING:

6-22, I graded sizes on this pattern and am very happy with the overall fit. I cut a size 8 through the bust/armscye and graded to a 10 through the hips. I feel the arms and bust fit well. It is not baggy or gaping and feels comfortable around the armhole. The hip area still remains flowy and plenty wide around the body. While grading may not be necessary due to the volume on the pattern, I wanted to make sure the shape and intended loose fit was maintained.

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

MCalls 7601, drapey fabric (I wish I could tell you the content of my fabric but this beautiful royal blue was found at a thrift store. It is soft and drapey and I absolutely love the feel of it. It was easy to sew with too…so not knowing exactly what I have here is sad as I don’t know exactly what to look for again. I am guessing it is a rayon blend of some sort.) thread, sewing machine, scissors.

DID IT LOOK LIKE THE PHOTO/DRAWING ON THE PATTERN ENVELOPE ONCE YOU WERE DONE SEWING?

Yes, I created view A. This is a simple pullover top with a front slit and tie front bow. It is loose through the hip.

WERE THE INSTRUCTIONS EASY TO FOLLOW?

Yes, this top is fabulously simple. No hard construction details, not too fussy to get a good fit and overall a quick sew. There is minimal hand stitching around the back neckline and tacking down the armhole facings. It took me a couple hours to cut and sew this project. It also does not require a lot of fabric.

WHAT DID YOU PARTICULARLY LIKE OR DISLIKE ABOUT THE PATTERN?

I love that bow in front. If this is not a look you love, there are several other views to choose from. I did not realize the front slit was quite so low. I will shorten that slit in future tops. I loved the flowy fit of the top and that it was not fitted through the waist/hip area. I also like the length of this top. It is just the right length to leave untucked, but can easily be tucked in to pants/skirts if desired.

WOULD YOU SEW IT AGAIN? WOULD YOU RECOMMEND IT TO OTHERS?

For sure. This top is so fast and easy that I plan to sew a few, possibly with some others views,although I do love that bow. I feel this is a piece that can be transitioned in to fall with the addition of a cardigan or blazer and I would love to see more in my closet.

CONCLUSION:

This top is quick and cute. I love the classic look of the bow front and the ease at which it comes together. If you don’t like to deal with major fitting or you are a new sewist that would like to take on sewing clothing, this may be a great woven top pattern for you. The directions are simple and there are no real hurdles to overcome when stitching this together. Watch for the slit length and make sure you like how low it comes down. And use the pattern’s finished measurements to help you decide on what size to cut out.

Greenstyle Chelsea Pants Pattern Review:

I have written a pattern review on the Chelsea Pants before here. For this particular pair I used this Cotton Stretch Twill from Joann Fabrics.

Although I cut the same size as my previous pair, these pants are a bit too snug. I love how they look in most pictures, but when I am wearing them I feel a bit restricted as I worry they may split if I sit down…LOL. I am hoping the fabric gives a bit over time. Just keep in mind when making these pants, that for all the things I do love about them, the fabric you choose may make or break your happiness with them. I also had to use a ponte and cotton lycra (lining) waistband as I could not pull the stretch twill/ponte waistband on.

Thank you for reading my latest pattern review. If you missed any of the other looks in my red white and blue collection, you can find them all below.

Wiggle Dress and Statement Sleeve Jacket Vogue 1102