Stripes and Eyelet Top Review: McCalls 7570

Wow! It's been a while since I've blogged! I'm still sewing but have been essentially posting my makes on Instagram. Toward the end of the year 2016, I've been productive and will eventually do a blog post on what I sewed. 

Homeschool life has taken a new turn for us since my older two joined a local Speech Club and started competitive speech. While it's a demanding activity, we're enjoying the road trips and attending various tournaments across the state. I also made a couple of tournament dresses for my middle one. 

I really look forward to summer so I can finally get some me time.

Here's the latest addition to my me-made striped tops. A few months ago, I discovered Sea, a new-to-me designer and fell in love with their fun and creative clothing line. They take eyelet fabric to the next level by mixing it up with different fabrics such as knits, French Terry, denim, lace, etc... My favorite one is the striped top with eyelet cuffs and a lace up back over an eyelet insert.

I was going to alter an existing top pattern when McCalls came up with the perfect pattern in their early summer collection: the McCalls 7570. It definitely saved me some drafting time. 

I then set out to find a light blue striped knit and some blue embroidered eyelet fabric. I scoured the internet to no avail until I had a light bulb moment while shopping at Old Navy. 

I found the perfect light blue medium weight striped knit dress and a buttery soft off-the-shoulder blue embroidered Tencel dress that I could just upcycle. They were both on sale so I grabbed the biggest size I could find. Total cost: $40. Not bad compared to the $300 price tag for the Sea top at Intermix or Shopbop.

The pattern fits right out the envelope with minor adjustments. I cut a size 12 and reduced the length by almost 4 inches due to my short torso and where I wanted the hem to fall. My other usual alteration is to reduce the sleeve cap by 1 inch. The back insert is gathered which makes the back neck seam bulky when attaching the back facing. Had I used a lighter fabric, the result would have been different. The front bodice has a binding.

This pattern calls for buttonholes on the back band where the ties lace up the back. I used grommets instead and had fun setting them in. I can't wait for my next project with grommets. 

I really like the fit of this pattern. It's very flattering!

I love this last picture! I debated over adding the pleated cuffs or not and finally decided they were a nice touch. After all, it is the Year of the Sleeve!

Until next time!