Ashley E Horne McCall’s 7686 is my something new this year. I plan to sew 2 -3 garments a month and this one is the first on my list. My goal is to use the fabric that I have been hoarding in my bookshelves and learn from my mistakes so I can get better. I didn’t want to go at it alone, so I joined a sewing group on Facebook.
There are a ton of groups out there so take your time to find the one that fits your personality. I joined one because I signed up for a sewing fashion show for Mimi G a few years ago. I hadn’t sown anything in years but wanted to put myself out there. Novice over here. At the last minute, I told the coordinator that I couldn’t walk with one of the garments I made. I couldn’t fit it. EEK!
I didn’t know anything about fitting garments and didn’t want to split my shorts walking down the runway. Well, I got to the venue for the show and she asked me if I was sure that I didn’t want to walk in it because I was around family and should walk down with what I made. Ms. Kelly was so sincere and supportive that I walked down the aisle and after that day I never forgot what she did for me. I was determined to learn how to fit clothes properly, which brings me to now. That support is the reason why I made the shirt I’m reviewing today.
In my sewing group, we have sew-along challenges each month and usually, I don’t participate, but like I said this is a new year. The group submits suggestions for sewing patterns for the next month and then the ones with the most likes are put in a poll where everyone can vote. We have East Coast and West Coast options since the weather is different. I voted for McCall’s Pattern 7686 and decided to sew view D because I have never been a fan of one-shoulder looks. Plus, I needed more shirts that weren’t just t-shirts.
The fabric was a grey/greenish jersey knit that I bought from Hobby Lobby in their clearance section it only cost $2.99/yard. I highly suggest always going to the clearance section first if you are looking to sew something and don’t want to break the bank. That’s where I have found some amazing fabric that way. I used a walking foot for most of the project to avoid my fabric getting stuck in the machine, trust me it will save you some time.
The Sewing Challenge for McCall’s 7686
Pattern Description: Misses’ Tops
Pattern Sizing: I cut a size 14
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing it? Yes
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes for the most part. The only part that I thought was extra work was how they finished the sleeves. I opted to use a double needle instead.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the pattern, which surprised me because I always think off-the-shoulder shirts are hard to keep off the shoulder, but the way this was designed I don’t have to worry about it going all the way up to my collarbone.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I adjusted the waistline and let it out a little bit. Mama’s got a food belly, so I had to make room for it, lol.
Would you sew it again? Most definitely. I may try to make a dress out of it next time.
How long did it take? About 1 1/2 hours with the cutting and adjustments made.
Until next time…
