Tuesday, September 17, 2013

McCalls 6513 in Girl Charlee knit makes me smile

Girl Charlee fabrics are my new obsession.  I look at their website all the time but have only ordered 2 fabrics, so far. Truth be told even though I like to make tailored jackets, use challenging fabrics and create fancy dresses I am really more of a beach dress and bikini kind of girl. Cute cotton t-shirts, denim skirts, this is my actual everyday style. I know I have mentioned before that if it were summer 12 months of the year I would be very very happy. So Girl Charlee suits me perfectly as they have lots of great knit prints in bright colors. My latest knit top is McCalls 6513, shown with the best skirt pattern ever (V1247 blogged here and here). The color is a bit washed out due to the light in this photo, the colors are more accurate in the dress form photo below.

Mc6513 knit top
This is a Palmer and Pletsch pattern, with lots of built in fitting adjustment and instruction. I was impressed with this pattern as I am with all their info (Palmer and Pletsch fitting books are invaluable). The pattern has the lines already drawn in for an FBA and some other adjustments so it really is a great way to learn how to do the FBA and then you can apply it to other garment patterns. Although now thinking about it, is it a bit odd to do a regular FBA on a princess seamed pattern? I suppose it depends on the size and individual measurements. In any case, the adjustment I did was to narrow the shoulders and also tighten up the shoulder seams by about a half inch. 
Pattern envelope and illustration:

    Mc6513 patternMc6513 top pattern illustration
The long sleeve version is very similar to New Look 6150 pattern which I made in four different versions last winter. When this winter comes I may try this McCalls version out as the New Look was strangely big for me in the shoulders. I think in a sweater knit it would work nicely.
On the dress form. Ok this fabric is a bit wacky but it a tropical print, has my two favorite colors (coral and turquoise) and was on sale...how could I resist?
Mc6513 top

One more view, my photographer said "look relaxed, don't stare at the camera". Not sure that is working.  By the way the other top I made with Girl Charlee fabric was my 4th of July top which I wear all the time. I saw that fabric in black/white ponte on their website but I can't think what to make with it. A dress but I am trying to maintain my dress moratorium. So readers indulge me, one of you order it :)
Mc6513 knit top close up
That is all for my frivolous pre-vacation sewing, I will get back to my intended posts soon (Marfy dress and denim jacket).  
Here is today's SunnyGal garden photo, a red hibiscus. A friend gave my mom this houseplant and then it went through a bad period, lost all its blooms and looked done for. I took it home and gave it some TLC, really benign neglect but plenty of water and it has revived nicely. Now I just have to find a spot where it can survive the winter chill. 
Happy sewing, Beth

red hibiscus

20 comments:

  1. This is a beautiful top! The fabric is very pretty, you're shining in it. I love it on you very much.

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  2. Cute top! Like you I really prefer sewing all kinds of jackets but tend to wear knit tops and slim jeans now that I'm retired. To keep myself happy I'm now sewing more casual jackets and vests-many without linings. I think doing a FBA on princess seams is very acceptable and appropriate. I do it all the time on myself and clients.

    Karen

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  3. You look great, Beth! It's a very flattering top. And, yes, it's entirely odd to do a regular FBA on a princess seam pattern. You do a princess seam FBA on a princess seam pattern. I learned how to do a basic princess seam FBA from the Palmer Pletsch fitting book. :)

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  4. No wonder you like this fabric so much.It's really pretty.That top looks a perfect fit on you .I have to get it. Hope it'snot OOP!

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  5. No wonder you like this fabric so much.It's really pretty.That top looks a perfect fit on you .I have to get it. Hope it'snot OOP!

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  6. great top, lovely print. I've bought your fourth of July fabric in navy and white - it's lovely, but I don't know what to make with it. I would love to hear ideas. g

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  7. Super cute top. I have been eyeing some of those knits too. And their prices are just awesome.

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  8. What stunning fabric! I adore the sharp clear colours, and they suit you to a tee... pun intended :)

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  9. Lovely top and what a great fabric choice. Off to check out the website for colorful, cheerful knits.

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  10. Great top -- love the fabric! I can't believe you revived the hibiscus -- I should have brought mine to you for a new lease on life!

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  11. Very cute and very flattering. Wish we had something like Girl Charlee in the UK!

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  12. I love the colours and print in your top! Very flattering. It is so summery and fun. So, yes, I like your top :D

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  13. Love it - such gorgeous, vibrant colours (they're among my favourites too) and the top is a lovely shape...

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  14. What a fun top! I'm with you - looovvveee Girl Charlee knits. Such good quality and wonderful prices. And they are such nice folks!

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  15. I think you were the first person I read who talked about Girl Charlee knits. They have some fabulous stuff! I peruse their site periodically but haven't bought anything...yet.

    Enjoy Paradise (With a capital P!)

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  16. Great top! I love GirlCharlee. They have gotten a lot of my money in the past couple years.

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  17. Beth, love the top and thank you for the shout out too!

    - Heather
    Girl Charlee Fabrics

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  18. This is a great top. The print is perfect. I can see why you love it. That hibiscus is my favourite colour.

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  19. I have resisted this pattern because I have so many similar to it, but I think you have just pushed me over the edge. It looks so flattering and the fit is excellent. I like the "relaxed" shot!

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  20. Wow, this is one good looking top! I love the fabrics that you have selected. I was so tempted to buy this pattern today. I may need to go back and buy this one!

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