Thursday, September 05, 2013

Review: McCall's 6651 | The Draped-front Wrap-effect Blouse!

Look at me being a "Fashion Rebel".  Just flying all up in the face of the archaic fashion faux pas!  When the temperature is still in the high 80s and low 90s, it's kind of hard to abide by that rule... even if it wasn't a dumb one to begin.
So next up on my Fall sewing list is a great white blouse.  Check out my inspiration:
Instead of making a classic collared button-down (which I will eventually make), I decided to partake in the one of these.  I've been noticing this style and the highest and lowest ends of fashion and decided that my fall wardrobe needed to have one.  I decided to use McCall's 6651 as my "base pattern".  I'm calling it a base because I needed to modify it to get the look that I really would be happy with.
I started with view C.  And here are the modifications I made:
  • Added 1" of length the body.
  • On the front, I needed to create knife pleats at the shoulders that would extend to the bottom
  • I added 2 - 1/2" pleats at the should seam by adding 2" to the width of the front piece.

  • On the back, I created a 2-piece 3" wide yoke.
  • I added 1" pleats at the shoulder blades to each side by adding 2" of width.
I used this poly crepe fabric "Peachskin" that I found at Joanns.  This is one of those occasions that I truly appreciate having a poly fabric.  This one is white, which means it'll be constantly washed and dried.  But I won't have to worry about having to press all of those pleats back in place!  Win-win...

And I added an inch to the sleeve lengths and kept the cuffs that would provided with the pattern.
All in all, this is a great pattern to own.  The draped wrap-effect style is as universally flattering as a wrap dress.  And since there is some volume on top, I'll probably always pair this blouse with sleek pants, skinny jeans and a pencil skirt.
Wearing:  top: DIY (similar here); jeans: NYDJ; shoes: Shoemint.com; clutch: The Limited (old, but I like this one too).

48 comments:

  1. I just purchased this pattern on the last McCalls sale. I love the modifications you made to it!

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  2. You make it look so easy! Just gorgeous + seriously my inspiration!!

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  3. Very nice, looks great!

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  4. Well done Erica ;)

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  5. Ma'am? You did that! White hotNESS! The hair goes perfectly with this fit. STRUT!

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  6. I'm loving this White ensemble!...I've been modifying the patterns I've been using lately too...I'm getting better and every single time I see something cool my favorites make (you are one of my favorites) I know I'm doing something right!....Thanks for sharing and struttin' your stuff! lol ;)

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  7. Love the way you re-designed that pattern. Nice Outfit.

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  8. Very nice outfit. I really admire the details on this blouse. You did a great job.

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  9. FABULOUS. (Sorry for the caps lock, however, it was completely necessary.)

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    1. Not a problem! Thanks FlyingPurpleHippos.com!

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  10. way to rock the outfit. your sewing skills never cease to amaze me. who says you cant wear white after labor day. wear what you want girl! it looks awesome on you

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  11. LOVE IT!!!! I will have go out and get that pattern now. And I will shamelessly copy all of your alterations!

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  12. Lovely! This outfit looks ACE on you. Thank you for pointing me in the direction of that pattern - it is pretty much what I've been thinking of making for the top part of a dress to wear to a wedding. Was going to self-draft, but now no need - bonus!

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    1. Goody for you! I love less work for the same results. Thanks craftytraveller!

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  13. This top looks beautiful on you Erica - I think you have to have height and great curves in pants to carry this off well. I'm a petite little thing, so not the trend for me, I'd get lost in it :)

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  14. It takes quite a bit of vision and creativity to turn that McCall's pattern into your designer inspired blouse, but you nailed it, it's gorgeous.

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  15. I agree with Allison, you truly nailed this look! The blouse looks better than RTW, it's more like "high end" boutique quality!

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  16. Anonymous8:30 AM

    This entire look is so sleek and pulled together. I absolutely love it.
    I also agree with Allison. Fabulous!

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  17. So gorgeous! I love your modifications!

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  18. Anonymous5:41 PM

    that outfit is to die for. My sister's went to two "white" parties so it seems like everyone is flying in the face of archaic rules. I always love you all white looks. I typically hate white because of the wardrobe mishap potential but you are leading me toward the white side :)

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    1. I'm always filthy by the end of the day after wearing white! But I love it! Thanks peacockchic!

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  19. Love your modifications. Very chic top.

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  20. Ok, you are just fabulous. My mom sews and I keep saying I'm going to learn but you are really inspiring me. I have the machine, the table, and the time. I have to learn cause I want to make clothes like this!

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  21. Anonymous2:12 PM

    I LOVE this top!! I have a version on my list for fall as well but I was going to use a pattern I saw in Manniquin but this might be better. I also have a black and white striped version on my pinterest. This simply elegant white is perfect! I may just skip the tracing and use this pattern!! Thanks

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    1. Thanks DD! And good luck with yours!

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  22. Superbly slimming!

    Enjoying your blog as a new follower! Great stuff, Erica!

    Kelley~

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