Hi all – I love a good challenge and so I couldn’t resist the #Tops that Pop challenge, created by the talented Faye of Faye’s Sewing Adventures. What a brilliant theme! Who doesn’t want to sew a top?
I’ve been wanting a kimono sleeved wrap top for the longest time, so I was thrilled to find McCall’s 7627 on sale at Joann’s.
When I first looked at it, I didn’t think it was the pattern of my dreams, primarily because I was focussed on the statement sleeves that went with view B. Yes, those sleeves are interesting and very fashion forward, but I can tell you, they are just too much for me :). So I combined the sleeve in view D with the short wrap bodice of version of View B.
Fitting Challenges: Because I’m short-waisted, fitting a wrap dress/top is a bit tricky. On this dress, after a paper fitting, I could see the waist was way too long, so I shortened the bodice by a full inch. My other fitting dilemma on wrap dresses is that I usually get a front gap at the neck because I have narrow shoulders. To prevent this, I took out a 5/8″ in the back shoulders. This helped tremendously.
Fabric: McCall’s suggests crisp fabrics for this top. I chose a softer rayon (Fabric Depot) because I wanted it to look drape-y. I love this rayon – it’s so soft and comfortable and was a dream to sew.
The pattern was pretty well designed and the instructions were clear. I’m not wild about the darts at the shoulder though….not sure why they’re necessary since they aren’t very flattering.
All in all, I do think this pattern is a keeper. I may make the dress version at some point, and may take out the shoulder pleats. But there are so many patterns and so little time, so who knows if I’ll make it back to this one again.
Thanks to Faye for creating this fun challenge. She’s posting all of the #Tops that Pop on her blog, and there’s lots of inspiration there.
Happy sewing, and thanks for stopping by!
Very cute top!
Thank-you! Might try the dress too…
That’s very nice! Love the print and the color.
Thanks, Star! I know I will wear this alot once the weather turns warm.
Linda this is absolutely beautiful! Thank you so much for joining in on the sewalong!!!
Thanks, Faye! It’s such a fun sew along, and I love seeing everyone’s makes – – you are so clever to have thought the whole thing up!
The fabric works so well with that pattern! Definitely agree on your choice of sleeves.
Thanks so much! Perhaps as a petite, you’ve had the same experience I’ve had…that big sleeves overwhelm!
I think you worked out your fit adjustments really well. It’s a really lovely top! Regarding those shoulder pleats…I wonder if they are there for a better fit at the bust? Next time you make this pattern perhaps you could make them as a long dart instead? Just thinking out loud and trying to work out what I might do with them…
Thanks, Diane! I love the idea of darts at the shoulders…they might be there for bust fit, although clearly not necessary for me. Darts would remove the excess fabric and leave a smooth finish…thanks for the idea! Next time…
Wow!! It’s amazing! I love your kimono wrap top! The chosen fabric is perfect! 🙂
Thank-you!! The fabric was a great find – it drapes so nicely!
Wow that is a really pretty top and it looks like it was a lot of work. I bet it would look fabulous with a pair of white denim jeans.
Thanks, Carmen..it wasn’t that hard actually, no buttons or buttonholes:) you would look great in this style, and yes, I think a pair of white ginger jeans are in my future!
Again you found a great fabric! I love it!
Thanks!