Pattern Review: McCall’s 7573

Hi there, I’m so excited to share with you McCalls 7573! This is the year of the sleeve, and I really love this sleeve! I’m channeling my inner Texan with the mix of boots and denim. I love this light weight gauze, it makes this top so feminine and cool. I was concerned that all the layers on this top would be heavy and hot, but it was nice and cool. I don’t usually show off my shoulders, but this is the year of the sleeve and the shoulder. Cold shoulder patterns have been trending lately and I really like the romantic mix of cold shoulder and dramatic sleeves!

Pattern Name: McCalls 7573

Size Range: 14-22 (Bust 44″, Waist 37″, Hip 46″)

What size did you make? 22, View B

What are your…

Measurements: 46-38-49

Body Shape: Rectangle/ figure 8

Height: 5’9”

Bra Size: 40DDD

What adjustments did you make and how long did they take:

Because of the ease in the pattern, it didn’t take long to make my adjustments in about 30 minutes after cutting it out.  I made the adjustments on the pattern tissue after doing flat pattern measurements and tissue fitting the pattern.

*This pattern has 6.5″ of ease in the bust, so for my 46″ full bust I didn’t need a FBA.

*My flounce is almost two inches shorter than the pattern piece, don’t ask me what I did there.

*I did add .5″ to the side seam, just in case, for my sleeve, but I didn’t need it.

*I added 2″ to the length as is customary for my 5’9″ frame.

*I took in about 1″ at each side seam from waist to hem to reduce some of the width at the hem, as the width at bottom edge was 72″.

*I finished all of the seams because gauze does shed.

*I finished the sleeve and hem with my serger and then sewed a 5/8 ” hem. I didn’t want to fuss with a narrow him, but I did do the narrow hem for the flounce.

What was the construction process like? Did the instructions make sense to you?

Yes, construction was standard, easy enough for a beginner to understand, each step took you through construction and I found no errors in the pattern or instructions. You have to pay attention to markings, and to the right and wrong side of the fabric.

How did you like the pattern’s fit?  Do you think that the design works well for your body shape?

I think so, in terms of the silhouette, however, I feel the pattern doesn’t have enough length in the front, although it has tons of ease, if you have a large bust. I would add length to the front next time. Although this time I added 2″, in the future, I will add more like 4″.

Will you make this pattern again? If so, what changes will you make?

*  This was my wearable muslin and I need add a little more length next time.

* I will also add a little to the sleeve, it was a bit snug, but just a smidgen.

* Next time I may grade to a size 20 or 18 at waist and hip, the width at lower edge was 72″.

* I would like to make this in a challis.

Do you have any advice on this pattern for other curvy sewers? Are there any resources or materials that helped you sew this piece up?

I would suggest transferring all your markings to ensure your tabs for the straps are lined up in the front and back.  This view is off the shoulder with no elastic at the neckline/shoulder; it make require some fitting if you wanted it to sit snug on your shoulders.

Pattern Rating (1-5, with 5 being the highest):

Size Range:  4
Instructions: 4
Construction Process: 4
Final Fit: 3.5
Overall Rating: 4

I really like this pattern, it’s a trendy well balanced pattern that’s simple and chic. The tiered flounce is different and can lend itself to color blocking, trims and a wide variety of fabrics. The flounce is a nice alternative to sleeves without being too restrictive.