DIY Red Gingham Top McCalls 7687

This top was on my list of things to make and then one of my Facebook groups had this pattern as a monthly challenge.  These challenges are great to help you sharpen your skills and they also help you step outside of your comfort zone.  I call this my picnic table top, the gingham and the red, yeah!  I made this thing work and I really like it after I put it on and styled it.  Princess seams are sometimes avoided but this top is really cool because they are in the back and the front which is great for getting a good fit.  I’m not in Kansas, but I am gonna wear my top!

A fellow sewist Katherine from the Sew Much Talent Facebook group told me how on trend I was, this was news to me!  It’s funny how the things you like, line up with the fashion elite, maybe not, but I’ll share what she showed me.  I don’t really follow fashion (it moves too fast) but I do go to the stores and browse, I have an idea of what’s out there, but at this point in my life, I sew what I like.   She showed me a number of red gingham tops and I was like wow, these are on trend lol!   I saved about $350 from the inspiration pic, thanks for sharing Katherine!

Inspiration:

Pattern Description:

 
Fitted tops have front and back princess seams, back button closure, and sleeve variations. C: Elasticized sleeve openings.

SEWING LEVEL: (Confident beginner, princess seams, button holes)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

 
Yes
Were the instructions easy to follow?

 
Yes, I think they were straight forward no complicated bits.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

 
I like the front and back princess seams, they are great for fitting.  I like all the different views and the sleeve variations, I really like view A very vintage.  No real dislikes.
Fabric Used:
Cotton gingham
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

 
I lowered the princess seam, I did one inch FBA, I made view F with View C’s sleeve. I lowered the neckline 1/2 inch and did a hollow chest tuck to center front.  I graded up to 24 at waist and hip.  I did a shoulder alterations called fleshy shoulder adjustment from the book Fast Fit, it didn’t work for me but I wanted to try the adjustment since I usually do a sloping shoulder/round back adjustment. 
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes,  I want to make view A and try some of the other sleeve variations.  I’ve already fitted the princess seam so it only makes sense to make it again.


Are you on to the gingham trend bandwagon?