Friday, April 11, 2008

McCall's 3404 Kimono top and SW Plaza pant

I found this wonderful 4 ply silk with Kodiak designs at the recent PR LA weekend. I was very pleased to discover that the 4 ply black silk that I've had for years in my stash coordinated with the new silk. So what to make? I definitely wanted an Asian influence in the top and I had planned to make Sewing Workshops Plaza pants ever since I heard Linda Lee rave about how much she loved wearing her 4 ply black silk Plaza pants. Here are my reviews:






Project Photo:photo
Pattern Photo:

Pattern Info provided by Ann Smith

Pattern :Easy & Great for Beginners
Pattern Description: This is designed as a loose fitting wrap top with dropped shoulders, tie ends and sleeve variations. You can choose standard or traditional kimono type sleeves.

Pattern Sizing: Two combinations: Y which includes Xsmall through Medium or Z which includes Large and XLarge.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes although I would not use the description "loose fitting" as they did. It looks fitted in the drawings and is fitted on me.

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions are basic and fine

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I wanted an Asian looking top that did not pullover my head. This was one of the few in my stash that fit that description. I chose the traditional kimono sleeve to emphasize the Asian look. I think the ties are a bit too short and would lengthen them if I made it again.

Fabric Used: A 4 ply silk with Zodiak designs. 4 ply is a wonderful fabric to use as it usually handles well and drapes beautifully. I had some trouble as I started with silk thread because I was out of my regular black thread. My machine really did not like it and puckered all the seams and darts. I changed needles with no improvement. Eventually I got a hold of some regular cotton wrapped poly thread and redid all the stitching. No problem with that. I don't know if my machine needs an adjustment or what the cause of this problem. Silk thread should have been fine.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I shortened the length by 1 1/2 inches. Also I changed the tie to go around the back underneath the garment. To do this you leave the seam opening on the left instead off the right. I like the garment to fall loosely down the back.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I made this once before but it was quite altered as I lined it to be a jacket. I like it better this way as a blouse. I definitely recommend this to you.

Conclusion: A simple but effective top with that Asian influence I like.

Project Photo:photo
Pattern Photo:

Pattern Info provided by Ann Smith

Pattern Rating:Highly Recommend

Current Tags What is a Tag:
Pattern Description: This is Sewing Workshop's wonderful Plaza Jacket & Pant pattern. I have made the jacket several times and the pants once before. It is a very loose-fitting unlined jacket with dropped shoulders, one piece sleeves. The pants are semi-fitted with straight legs and a flat front waistband with back elastic. The pants have a tucked front seam detail. No side seams on the pants.

Pattern Sizing: Sizes XS through XXL in one envelope. I made the medium with no alterations except for length.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes indeed. Here's the back.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Excellent instructions. Sewing Workshop does a great job with their instructions including interior finishing.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? These are basically a one seam pant that has the added tuck down the front. This is created with a seam but you could eliminate that and have a regular one seam pant. I love the slimming effect of the tuck.

Fabric Used: 4 ply silk. Years ago I heard Linda Lee of Sewing Workshop rave about her 4 ply silk pants from this pattern. She wore them several times a week. So I have intended to make a pair myself. I finally got to it when I realized the black 4 ply silk that I had in my stash coordinated with my new Zodiak silk from the recent LA PR weekend adventure.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: None

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I will sew this again for sure. Highly recommend.

1 comment:

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