In the last year, I haven’t been sewing as much as I want. This has been mostly due to my motivation (or lack thereof), but also because I renovated my sewing room, I was feeling indecisive, and life happens. To bring back some inspiration, I started following more sewing sites, reading pattern reviews, and visiting the fabric store.
In the last two weeks, I have made a dress, and this shirt!
McCalls 7360 is a loose-fitting, pullover top with a neck band, half-placket and back pleated into a self-lined yoke with forward folder seams. I read reviews that this was more of an advanced pattern, so I made it mostly to challenge myself. I consider myself an advanced beginner sewer- I had never sewn a yoke correctly, nor had I ever sewn cuffs. It also gave me a chance to use the button hole feature on my new sewing machine, which was lovely.
I used a light, soft flannel. The fabric reminded me of Christmas pajamas, and since it’s the holiday season, I thought this was perfect. By pattern measurements I fit a size 10, but I cut a size 8, because I wanted it to be a little fitted. In my experience sewing for myself, I have more fitting success if I go a size down. I really enjoyed putting this together. The instructions were easy to follow, even if some of it was new to me. I did look up attaching a neckband online! Using a plaid fabric wasn’t that difficult either. I made sure I stayed on the grain, and didn’t worry too much if the plaids matched up.It’s so comfortable, fits me well, and can be dressed up or down. I love that I can roll the sleeves up or keep them down. The neckline is a little deep, but it’s easy to fix or put a cami under.
I’m definitely making this again in other fabrics. I really love wearing this style of shirt and have always thought it was flattering for my body.