McCall 4304 Kimono top

Reviewed by:	Ann Smith	About Ann Smith CA USA Member since: 8/24/02 Reviews written: 155 Sewing skills:Advanced Favored by: 186 people patterns reviewed: 152 Bio: I love to sew for fashion, especially unusual designs. I own way too many patterns and fabric! I hav...full profile
Posted on:	9/7/04 1:50 AM
Last Updated:	9/7/04 11:07 AM
Pattern Size:	Regular
Project Photo:
Pattern Photo:	Pattern Information provided by Ann Smith
Pattern Rating:	Recommended, but with modifications
Pattern Description: A kimono style wrap top, loose fitting with dropped shoulders, tie ends and sleeve variations. View B has a contrasting neckband. I sort of made view B in that I embroidered the neckband on one side and applied it to the outside as view B does. Pattern Sizing: 2 size combinations, X-small/Small/Med and Lg/Xlg. I would usually make a Small with a FBA but this time choose to made the Medium as I intend to wear this as a jacket. It was plenty big. In fact, if I were to make this as a blouse I believe I could make the Small without FBA (even though my measurements are in the Medium range). Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Well, not really as I made many changes. Were the instructions easy to follow? OK I think except for the part describing the end of the front facing near the hemline. That was quite vague. Also the underarm situation was tricky and not described clearly. What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like that it says "2 Hour Top". With all the changes I made and the troubles I ran into, it became one of those epic projects that never seem to end.....maybe 20 or 30 hours (that includes at least 3 hours searching the internet for a design narrow enough for the front band). Perhaps if you did the top just as described with no seam finishes it could be a 2 hour top. Fabric Used: I used a light weight denim from my stash (yippee) and a contrast lining. The pattern doesn't call for lining as it is supposed to be a blouse. Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: In addition to the lining, I embroidered the back with a dragon and the front band. I changed the tie which is supposed to go under the front, out a slit in the right side seam, around the back to tie. I knew I wouldn't want to do that if I were putting this on as a jacket so I moved the left tie to the left side seam so it could be easily tied on the outside. I shortened the top from the view A length about 1 1'2". Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I think I would make this again as a top. The problems I had were all involved with the embroidery, the lining method I used, red fuzz from the lining getting all over, and a few stupid moves. Conclusion Now that it is finally done, I'm happy.