Tag Archives: Pattern review

Butterick 6244: The Sleeveless Jacket I Can’t Live Without

I’m the kind of girl that always has a million plans and dreams on my To-Do List and never enough time. I’m a type 1 perfectionist on the enneagram.  I’m one of those people with stacks of self-help books that have been read, highlighted, and dog-eared in the appropriate places. I plan trips months in advance.  I have been known to make itineraries for our house guests that are planned down to the minute.  Yep.  You read that right. The minute. 

So deciding to take on a sewing project the day before a trip I haven’t fully planned yet is basically a thing that would never happen to me. 

Except it just did. 

Our lives have gotten so much busier this past year. I still marvel that I’m a homeschool mom that never seems to be home. The perfectionist in me has had troubles adjusting to a busier lifestyle that isn’t planned down to the minute,  but out of necessity, I’ve made it work. (Did you hear all my fellow perfectionists just gasp in horror?) 

So even though I’ve known our family was flying to Los Angeles for months, I never got around to fine-tuning our plans.  Now, before you think I’ve lost myself in the middle of our busy lives, please know the following:

Yes, I have a list of things we must do in Los Angeles. 

Yes, I have pre-researched restaurants and the weather.  

Yes, I’ve researched parking for various locations and made note of the best time to find parking at top destinations. 

I just haven’t planned a daily trip itinerary. It, honestly, kind of kills me to even type that.  Someone, get me a counselor!

So imagine my surprise when I decided I was sewing myself a sleeveless jacket instead of meticulously packing for our trip. 

Sneak peak at the sleeveless jacket I sewed when I should have been packing.

I still can’t get over my sudden reckless abandon. 

Here I am. The Amy who now suddenly lives with reckless abandon.

My husband basically thought I was insane, and so did my kids.  Every time my foot touched the presser foot, all eyes darted in my direction.  While everyone else was doing last minute packing, I was doing last minute sewing before throwing a little last minute packing into the mix too. 

I literally HATE the term “YOLO”.  My teenage boys sometimes say it to me as a joke because they know how much it pains me to hear it.  But the new Amy filled with reckless abandon had a YOLO moment and she isn’t sorry.

Here’s the thing. 

Butterick 6244 is magical.  This pattern is easy-as-pie to sew and the fit and style of this unlined jacket is beautiful. Included in the pattern are instructions for flat-fell seams which make the inside of this garment just as lovely as the outside.  I’m one of those people that can’t stand the thought of an unlined jacket, but this Butterick pattern is changing my mind.  When the interior seams are pretty, an unlined jacket is something I can get behind!

Butterick 6244 making its debut on Rodeo Drive cause that’s how I roll.

This fabric I used is a camel-colored knit that entered my stash before my daughter could even read. Originally purchased from JoAnn Fabrics, it is a remnant from a previous project that I never loved. I almost never sew knit, but I love the way this particular fabric drapes.  

It’s so flowy, you guys!

There are a million ways you could style this and because of the color, it matches just about everything too. 

I’m so smitten with it, that I plan to make a replica in black as soon as we get back from our trip.   I’m also thinking I want to make a version and include the sleeves. Because who are the monsters repeatedly making jackets and omitting the sleeves?!! 

For my version, I chose to add the darts and flat-fell seams as the pattern suggested. However, I decided not to hem any of the edges, including the arm hole. This gives it a clean crisp look and I love the little extra bit of style those raw edges add to this piece. 

I’ve never left raw edges on anything before but I’m loving them on this make.

You’re going to see me everywhere in this.  And I beam with joy when I think of it because this make is the project none of us ever saw coming. Sometimes a little change does a person good. (Cancel that appointments and tell that counselor I’m gonna be ok, after all.)

Sure, I’m a little wrinkly but I’m wearing my masterpiece on Rodeo Drive. WHAT?!?!?!

Now for my official pattern review…

Butterick 6244 Pattern Review

Describe this pattern.

Semi-fitted, unlined coat (wrong side shows) has front extending into draped collar, flat-fell seams, narrow hem, and shaped front hemline longer than back. Lined dress has contrast shoulder yokes, short sleeves, fitted bodice with princess seams, and invisible back zipper.

What is the difficulty level for Butterick 6244?

This pattern is easy. There are no buttons or zippers involved so this is a great pattern for a beginner seamstress.

What type of fabric would be best for this pattern?

This pattern was designed for light-weight to medium-weight woven fabrics. I used a knit from my stash, and it worked perfectly.

Are the pattern directions easy to follow?

Yes.

What did you like about this pattern?

I love that this pattern is easy and includes instructions to keep the inside nice and pretty, just like the outside.

What did you dislike about this pattern?

I loved everything about this pattern.

Did you make any alterations to this pattern?

I omitted the sleeves and did not hem the armholes or bottom of garment bc I used a knit fabric and I felt this gave it a cleaner look.

Do you recommend this pattern? Would you sew it again?

This is a great pattern for the beginner seamstress. The fit is great, the instructions are easy to understand, and this pattern can easily translate to every season by omitting/adding/modifying sleeves and fabric.

McCall’s 7756 – The Versatile Pattern That Takes You From Day to Night

I love a pattern that can be made over and over! I’m know some people can’t stand the thought of making up a pattern more than once (My mom was like this.), but I am ALL OVER making a pattern multiple times if it’s one I love.

McCall’s 7756 is one of those patterns for me. I’ve made it twice and have already been planning to make it at least one more time. I blame it on the gorgeous silky burgundy fabric in my stash that keeps taunting me.

My first make of this was the shorts version. I made it to wear with cowboy booties to an outdoor concert with my husband, and it remains one of my favorite concert outfits because it was so comfortable. I originally only decided to make this so that I could showcase my body chain, but as it turns out, I love this romper with or without the body chain.

I’ve also worn this shorts version with sandals and with my Gucci sneakers. It’s a great casual little romper that is perfect for shopping and beach trips.

My second make of this was the pants version with sleeves from McCall’s 7723. I’ve worn this version to church, a casual event, and a date night at a friend’s house. The pants version is not only classy but comfortable.

This pattern is not a new release, but it is still in print. So you’re in luck if you want to whip this up for yourself.

Before you get sewing, here is my review of this pattern.

McCall’s 7756 Pattern Review

Describe this pattern.

Loose fitting jumpsuits and romper have front that extends into tie, elasticized waist, pockets, sleeve variations, and leg length variations.

What is the difficulty level for McCall’s 7756?

This pattern is easy. There are no buttons or zippers involved so this is a great pattern for a beginner seamstress.

What type of fabric would be best for this pattern?

Both times I sewed this pattern, I used “silky solids” from JoAnn’s. The fabrics are amazing because not only is there an array of solids and prints to choose from, but they do not wrinkle! Holla!

Are the pattern directions easy to follow?

Yes.

What did you like about this pattern?

I love that this pattern is easy and versatile. Depending on the chosen fabric, there is potential to create a variety of looks. I also love the option to create shorts or pants.

What did you dislike about this pattern?

I loved everything about this pattern.

Did you make any alterations to this pattern?

Both times I made this, I created an internal elastic waistband because I did not want stitching at the waist on the outside of the garment. To do this, I utilized my French seam which joined the top and bottom pieces as a casing for my elastic. Because of the cutout in the front of this garment, I was able to pop the elastic through my French seam casing. After firmly stitching the elastic down on both sides of the front, I also tacked it down on the side and back seams. I can’t give you an exact reason why I decided to do this, but I love the way it looks and fits so I will continue with my weird waistband preference every time I make this. The second time I made this pattern, I used the sleeves from McCall’s 7723. I chose to use the top and middle flounce from View B.

Do you recommend this pattern? Would you sew it again?

This is a great pattern for the beginner seamstress. The fit is great and forgiving, the instructions are easy to understand, and this pattern can easily translate to every season.

If you haven’t made this up yet, I hope you’ll give this pattern a try. You won’t regret it.

Until next time!

XOXO, Amy