Mccalls 7912

Hello everyone!

I cannot tell you how good it feels to be back today!  A few days of rest, healing and recuperation has done so GOOD! My hives have subsided, things are moving along with the renovation of our kitchen, and I am slowly finding a routine and rhythm for my family and me. 

Better yet, today is the day I can show you Mccalls 7912 and give you a review!

I absolutely love this vest version!!! Don't get me wrong, I think all the versions for this pattern are winners, yet I think I really needed this vest.  I didn't know I needed it, but the final results proved me wrong.  I am surely grateful to add this piece to my wardrobe!

I made View B in a size S, and graded to the M at the hipline.  I also lengthened the vest 1" for my longer torso, and did a 3/8" forward shoulder adjustment.  For fabric, I used a mystery woven in my stash that I purchased from Boho Fabrics about a month or two ago.  It came as a part of a mystery woven bundle, so I have no idea what the fabric content is, except that it is probably mid-heavy weight with a basketweave texture.  The color is a lovely cream blush that I thought would lend a classic feel to the vest.

My choice of fabric did become a little problematic as I was assembling the vest, since there was a lot of bulkiness to deal with when it came to the facings.  I serged the inside seams, and tried to eliminate bulkiness wherever I could.  I am happy with the end result of my affectionately named "coat vest."  

I really like the way the inside front facing and hem finish off for the vest.  I was able to handsew the hem to a mostly invisible stitch on the right side, so I was proud of that!  

The facings are hand sewn into the shoulder seam, and I somehow ended up with pieces that were a little short.  I was really maneuvering my pattern pieces around when I cut them out, so I think that had something to do with it.  So, I serged the edges to prevent raveling and then hand sewed the facing in.  

The self fabric belt is such a necessity, and I almost thought it would not happen.  I usually order all of my fabric cuts as 2 yards because I can mostly make a garment of that amount unless the project is more intensive.  So when I need to use more than that amount, I start by changing my pattern layout and that usually works.  I think this vest required 2 1/8 yard with the tie belt, and I squeezed the whole thing out of 2 yards.  I am not sure I will make this common practice because it doesn't leave much room for error (actually no room for error), but since I didn't have access to any more of this fabric, I went for it!!

My final touches for this vest involved a few well placed tacks near the front so that my facing would not fly open.  Overall, this was a wonderful project, and I am so glad I made it!

I will be back Friday with my wrap-up of February, and some sewing plans for March.  

*In case you are looking for Mccalls' sewing patterns, Hobby Lobby has them on sale for $1.99 this week.  

Stay sew-filled!