Last week, I had the pleasure of singing at a holiday event in the beautifully decorated Pittock mansion here in Portland. It put me in a holiday mood, so much so, one of my requirements of any sewing project this month is, ‘can it go to a party?’ I can happily answer ‘yes’ for this make. This top meets all of the requirements.
First, we have statement sleeves, always a conversation starter, if nothing else!
Second – – we have a stretchy knit! One can eat and drink as the mood strikes, without a second thought!
Third, the top can be dressed up and worn with black pants or a lacy skirt.
I love this new pattern; McCall’s 7660.
It has lots of versions, but I chose the statement sleeve version for both makes. And, as luck would have it, the sleeves were the trickest part of this make. There is alot of fabric in the balloon on these sleeves. It must be gathered together at the bottom, then sewn into the cuff. So much fabric in the balloon and a very small cuff…need I say more? I had to unpick one of the sleeves to get it right (not fun when you’re working with knit). I love the final result though. This task would be less challenging with a lighter weight knit, but I wanted a heavy, cozy knit, so it’s my own fault…
The top is designed to be loosefitting so the fit is easy. It’s a pullover top too, so a very stretchy knit is required to get that raised collar over your head. Both of my fabrics are from Fabric Depot. The fit of this pattern was really spot on for me. I cut the smallest size and it fit perfectly, no adjustments in the shoulders or neck.
I love both tops, and the fit and design of this pattern. I think the striped version is probably my favorite, because I love the color and texture of the knit, but I do like the bigger bell on the white version…I think it looks dressier. Opinions welcome!
The Holiday season is off to a roaring start here, and I’m glad to have a couple of cute, comfy tops to wear to informal gatherings of friends. Happy sewing and thanks for stopping by!
Elle Gee Makes 
Love the white one – it’s a real beauty. Ooh, I see blue tartan one below the comments – that’s lovely too. X
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Thanks! Both were really fun to make, a must after finishing my coat!
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I bought that pattern for the V neck and didn’t like those sleeves – until I saw your versions! I love them both! Yay!
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Me too!! There will be many more versions in my future! That v neck is fabulous. I’m sure that it will great.
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Your sleeves are gorgeous!
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Thanks, Faye!
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The white one is a perfect holiday top! I never even noticed the sleeves in the drawing. It looks much better made up! I like your blue one too. The sleeves are more noticeable with the different colours. Lovely!
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Thanks, Linda! The sleeves make me feel dressed up and I’m glad I persevered when the going got tough. I’m wearing the white one to an event this weekend, finished it just in time.
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Divine 😇i love the white one for the WOW factor and navy for cuddly warm chic vibe. Great makes!
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Thank-you! I’m wearing the white with some black skinny pants on Friday… hoping I don’t spill wine or something on it first time out. I’ve done that before, yet I still seem drawn to sewing with winter white! Go figure…
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I love BOTH your versions too! I love those sleeves – I haven’t bought this pattern (uh oh…YET!) but seeing yours I think I’ll take a gander over to McCalls…
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Thanks! Yes, this pattern does have lots of possibilities. Let me know how yours turns out!
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