Pattern Review: M6963 + S8389= Super cute short set.

I’d have to admit, I was not ready to make pants or shorts but, I’m happy I did! Don’t I look cute? Summer is around the corner and why not, why not wear shorts? I believe plus sized women and men can wear shorts. I follow so many great sewist on Instagram and there’s a sewalong for the newer Simplicity pants pattern. I like the sewalongs/challenges because there purpose is to push us and encourage us to step outside our comfort zones, mission accomplished!

For a while, I didn’t wear shorts,
thunder and lightning love to eat my shorts and well, I didn’t want to be
bothered.  It’s a new day and there has
to be a way to wear shorts that are not form fitting with constantly tugging at
them. 

The top pattern was one that I’ve
made recently (but haven’t blogged about) and since I worked out the bugs in it
as well, I figured I’d make one in a plain fabric to go with my “busy”
shorts.  I do so much work on these
patterns, fitting and fiddling, I’m going to start making more than one; it
seems like such a waste to make one of a basic pattern and file it away.

Pattern Description:  
Mcalls 6963–Close-fitting, pullover tops have draped front neckline
variations, narrow hem on back neckline, and stitched hems. A:
Sleeveless and armhole bands. B: Short sleeves. C:
Three-quarter length sleeves. D: Long sleeves.

Simplicity 8389– Easy-to-sew Misses’ pants with length variations are
roomier at the top, making them the perfect pants to add to your summer
wardrobe. Pattern includes long pants with a wide or narrow leg, a cropped wide
leg pant, and shorts. All views have an elasticized waistband ending at the hip
bone and finished off with a flat panel at front where you can add your choice
of drawstring cord, tassels or a fabric-tie belt.

Pattern Sizing:  
16-24 (Top); 14-22 (shorts)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were
done sewing with it?  
Yes, the top I sewed view b.  The
Shorts, I sewed view c & View D modified.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  
Yes, both were easy enough for a beginner. 
I found no errors in the instruction, however, on the top pattern, I sewed
the sleeve in flat.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  

Fabric Used:
For the top, I used an ITY, I’ve made this before rib knit with a good drape
and it didn’t tug across the front, I think it’s the fabric.
For the shorts, I used an African/Kente fabric from Joann’s fabric and a
Rayon Challis from Joanns.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  
Top:
-For the top I cut a size 22 shoulder and did a forward shoulder adjustment
-I graded up the bust and side seams to a 24.
-I did a swayback adjustment
-I did a bicep adjustment

Shorts:
-I added three inches to the length
-I eliminated the pleats (3cm) and took it off the side seams.
-I did a 2.5 inch full butt adjustment.
For View C, I pegged the leg a bit so it wouldn’t be so boxy since I was
using a cotton, in View D, I took the pants pattern and made them into shorts.

Would you sew it again? 
Yes! 
I made a muslin and then two pairs of shorts so I’ve put the work in on
the pattern, I will use it again.  

Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I would say look at the
finished measurements on the pants/shorts pattern, size 22 had six inches of
ease, which is plenty, my normal 49” hip falls outside the 24 size range and
this was sufficient.
The top is a basic layering piece,
it comes with good instructions and alteration info on the pattern piece which
is great for a beginner learning to fit patterns.
  
Tip/Technique- Full butt adjustment tutorial here/ video here.

Conclusion: