When this McCalls 7542 landed in my postbox early January, it was instant jubilation. Those sleeves just scream { SEW ME }. I went about cutting & sewing her up within a day or two but my excitement ended abruptly when I tried her on & realised she didn’t fit so well.
I was initially quite excited about this pattern as it boasts various cup sizes A-D. I had not fitted a pattern with optional cup sizes so I figured cutting my cup size would give me a good fit. Was I wrong. The bust darts sat horribly high & the whole bodice just felt too boxy & tight.
I finished her anyway & even wore her a few times but my heart just didnt connect.
Last week I took her out while I was sorting out my wardrobe & I figured since I dont wear her, I should just donate it but even though my heart didn’t connect to the fit, it beat to the fabric { SO LOUD } so donating just wasn’t an option. The fabric, btw, I purchased last year from Empire Textiles and its a Mitex Holland Wax Print.
I set about unpicking the areas that gave me issues. I started with the side seams to release those bust darts & I moved the darts down (at least an inch & a half) to give my bewbs more room & to co-incide with my real bust apex. Sorted! Next up I released the sleeve seams a little as I found the original seam made the sleeve just a bit too snug. I also stole a little space from the back seam & sewing up the final side seams I managed to steal some space here too.
All of those changes resulted in a much better fitting top, one that I now just want to wear every single day. Its still boxy & short but summer is coming so woo-ha!
So I learnt two good things while sewing this top :
- Make more muslins!!!
- My body really has changed so much since having a baby. I lost so much weight post-partum & gained so much again since I stopped nursing that I really do need to admit that my bewbs just aren’t up north & perky no more! 🙂
So, Is there another M7542 in my future ? Why yes, certainly. Its a basic boxy bodice with some lovely sleeve options so why not.
Till soon,
Ange x
b l a c k l a b e l 
I’m glad I’m not the only one who lost a bunch of weight and then gained it back again (plus a few pounds, in my case). Glad you could save this, I really like the end result, and that fabric is amazing!
Yeah, I just wish I hadnt taken the weight loss for granted. Im feeling every single gram since gaining again…uuurgh! Thanks yes, its a great little summer top this. Im glad I saved it from the donation bin.
Those sleeves are awesome. And fitting is always a bane! Here’s to muslins!!
I am the same: Lost lots after giving birth then gained a load after that! Love the fabric and I hope you get to wear this one lots. I wore mine the other day and it was fine but it’s just a shame the fit on this particular pattern is just not great.