22 Jul McCall’s 7543
After seeing so many cute renditions of McCalls 7543, I could not let another summer day pass without sewing my own.
An off-the-shoulder top with gathered shoulders and elastic pulled tight across the chest and back gives the appearance of nice clean lines, which I wear better than a full gather.
The nice tight pull across the chest also prevents gaping.
After finishing the experimental embroidered denim jacket I was ready to embroider for real 😉 The printed fabric from EmmaOneSock is a lightweight linen with a nice background for an embroidery design.
I settled on a floral motif the Pfaff Embroidery book…
…stitching it twice on the front and once one the front sleeves.
I selected Coats and Clark Embroidery Thread in TANGO and used a water soluble stabilizer.
To embroider the front I marked the center with a Frixion pen and placed the top stitch of the image just under the elastic casing.
I flipped and repeated the image for symmetry, but outsmarted myself … for had I not flipped the image I could have embroidered the front from top to bottom. Now I’m considering shortening the top….
To embroider the sleeves, I also chose the same starting point just underneath the elastic casing, and I’m loving the pattern’s two-piece tied sleeves!
I removed 2″ from the fullest part of the bodice to avoid bulkiness in this fabric, but I will leave the pattern as is if I sew it in a lightweight knit, voile or silk.
Since the South has reached its 95+° average daily temperature, I’m ready to sew this well-designed pattern again, but now……….. would you believe me if I told you next up are six garments for my neighbor’s daughter who is joining a convent?
Best wishes for a great weekend 🙂
Pat Leonardi
Posted at 09:06h, 22 JulyThat is really cute.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:39h, 25 JulyThank you, Pat!
Pat Leonardi
Posted at 09:07h, 22 JulyThat is really cute. Keep up the. embroidery.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:39h, 25 July……will do 🙂
Barabara O
Posted at 09:16h, 22 JulySo pretty!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:40h, 25 JulyThank you, Barbara!
Gerhild Turner
Posted at 09:20h, 22 JulyBeautiful!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:40h, 25 JulyThank you, Gerhild 🙂
Joyce Love
Posted at 09:31h, 22 JulyI love it! Don’t shorten it, I think it’s perfect! (But if you do, please show us the result – your instincts are most likely more correct than mine!). 🙂
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:42h, 25 JulyMany thanks, Joyce! If I shorten it I’ll show the result 😉
Becky Riddle
Posted at 09:31h, 22 JulyAnd what pray tell, do you sew to wear in a convent? You can’t leave me there, Sarah! This is really a cute top on you, and I love the embroidery. I am jealous of your machine!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:43h, 25 JulyThank you, Becky! I’ll do a post on the clothes I’m making for her. Never dreamed there would be so much interest about this 😉
Connie Turner
Posted at 09:41h, 22 JulyYou certainly have a good eye for design. I too am wondering what do you need for wearing in a convent? I didn’t think people still did that.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:44h, 25 JulyMany thanks, Connie. She will be a novice so her clothes will be simple. I’m going to write a post when I’m done. 😉
MaryEllen
Posted at 09:51h, 22 JulyThis is a gorgeous top ! You have a great eye for how to up the game by adding tasteful, beautiful Embroidery without overdoing it !!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:46h, 25 JulyThank you, Mary Ellen! I’m learning 😉
Doreen
Posted at 09:53h, 22 JulyHow about shortening it a bit but making the front shorter than the back?? I can see some movement “issues” with the existing length (not too bad but ‘there’). A convent?? Guess I’m still back in the “dark ages” of that type of thing and have to remind myself of “today’s” attire for nuns….a great deal different for sure!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:48h, 25 JulyThat’s a good idea, Doreen! It moves fine but gets gathered wrinkled and I think the embroidery would be better proportioned were it shorter. Thanks so much for the suggestion!
Caroline Beckenhaupt
Posted at 10:11h, 22 JulyBeautiful work! You’re tempting me to embroider . Will you share the convent garments? The curious among us are interested. Thank you for sharing.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:50h, 25 JulyThank you, Caroline! Since there is such interest, I’ll write a post on the six garments 😉
Maggie ecger
Posted at 10:50h, 22 JulyOMG. I love it! One of my favorites. A Maggie
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:23h, 25 JulyThank you, Maggie!!
Cissie Wellons
Posted at 11:03h, 22 JulyReally cute top! I’m so impressed with how quickly and fearlessly you have embraced your embroidery module. But I stopped dead in my tracks when I got to the convent sewing part. Please keep us posted as I cannot imagine what this would be!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:25h, 25 JulyHi Cissie!
All I can say is that it’s just plain fun to embroider on this machine! With so much interest in my next sewing project, I’ve decided to do a post. The garments are extremely simple 😉
Julie Culshaw
Posted at 11:26h, 22 JulyCurious about the convent sewing. I have a daughter who became a Franciscan nun 10 years ago, and a local designer drafted their habit. I know that the habit has about 5-6 yards of fabric in it. So please tell us more.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:27h, 25 JulyJulie,
I will not be sewing a habit as this young woman will be a novice. Also I’m not Catholic so I barely know what I’m talking about, but with so much interest from readers, I do plan to write a post on the garments. 😉
Joan
Posted at 11:51h, 22 JulyGreat pattern and interpretation of the design!
Can you please elaborate on your comment about removing 2″ from the bodice measurement — in the F&B side seams tapering to your waist measurement?
Re. the nearly novitiate neighbor (bad humor): I am really surprised at the idea that one must provide their own garments prior to entering a convent; is that what you mean?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:29h, 25 JulyJoan,
I removed two inches from the side seams tapering from my waist where I took out the most.
Yes, they must provide their own garments…… more soon 😉
Lucy
Posted at 12:03h, 22 JulySuper cute top! What a perfect use of embroidery as well as great design choice. I just cut this top out for my weekend sewing project.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:30h, 25 JulyThank you so much, Lucy! Can’t wait to see your top 🙂
Mary Lynn
Posted at 12:13h, 22 JulyYou’re doing so incredibly well with your embroidery. I’ve really struggled since I bought mine….. Most of the problem which I think will, hopefully, soon be resolved is that I have a Mac and their program is designed for PCs. I bought a special program for Macs, but not user friendly. Just learned they’re coming out with a new program for both Macs and PCs. Hurrah! If not, my sweet grandchildren (now have a 2 1/2 yr old girl and a 7 week old boy 🙂 will be in college and granny – if still alive – will be eating mush
somewhere! Hope to also move on to smocking and my little grandson’s needlepoint Christmas stocking! Now that I’m through “yacking” were those special clips on your hoop? They looked like they would be a help.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:32h, 25 JulyMary Lynn,
First of all, congratulations on the new grandson!!
I have not tried to connect my computer or use software for the machine yet. I am strictly using what’s in the machine and learning the technique. You’re already light years ahead of me!!!!!!
The clips came with the machine and are a huge help 😉
Jo Stengel
Posted at 12:19h, 22 JulyYou couldn’t buy that at Newman Marcus!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:36h, 25 JulyI’m taking that as a compliment, Jo – many thanks!
Bernadette O'Brien
Posted at 13:15h, 22 JulyLovely top. I too would like to know more about the clothing you are sewing for the woman entering the convent. How nice of you to help out.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:36h, 25 JulyWith all the interest, I’ll be writing a post on the garments, Bernadette 😉
Lisbeth Dambrowski
Posted at 13:16h, 22 JulyYes, please give us more information on the convent garments. Certainly interesting!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:37h, 25 JulyWill do, Lisbeth!
Wendy S
Posted at 13:21h, 22 JulyI love the way this turned out! That color looks wonderful on you. I have this pattern tucked away somewhere, I think I need to dig it out.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:37h, 25 JulyOh definitely dig it out while the weather is hot, Wendy!
Gayle
Posted at 13:26h, 22 JulyBeautiful top Sarah. Wonderful style and sewing as usual. I also am curious about the convent outfits. please tell us thank you
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:38h, 25 JulyThank you, Gayle! I’ve decided to write a post about the garments. They’re very simple 😉
Alice Elliot
Posted at 13:36h, 22 JulyBeautiful! You are sure having fun with your new toy!! Will you be sewing a nun’s habit of some sort for your neighbor?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:39h, 25 JulyThank you, Alice! It is definitely a fun ‘toy’ 🙂
No habit for the novice but I will publish a post on the garments.
gerri Haumschild
Posted at 13:46h, 22 Julyplease post pics of garments for the girl going into the convent. Interesting.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:40h, 25 JulyWill do, Gerri!
peggy leah
Posted at 14:00h, 22 JulyThat top is completely and absolutely adorable! Aren’t you
glad you said goodbye to Valentino? Look what YOU
can do!
peggy
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:41h, 25 JulyYes, I’m glad I said bye bye to Valentino though I barely said hello to him 😉 I’t far more fun to sew than shop in frustration ~ Many thanks for the comment, Peggy!
Tomasa
Posted at 15:43h, 22 JulyLove the embroidery on this top. Well done!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:42h, 25 JulyThank you, Tomasa!!
Sheila Codd
Posted at 16:24h, 22 JulyBeautiful top, great embroidery. Note you secured fabric for embroidery with clips , not hooping. Is this a Pfaff way or your way? Please post
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:45h, 25 JulyMany thanks, Sheila 🙂
I attached water soluble stabilizer to the hoop and attached the fabric to the stabilizer with a temporary adhesive – GUNOLD KK100. Then I clipped the fabric just to be safe. The clips came with the machine.
Rhonda Preece
Posted at 16:50h, 22 JulyLove the embroidery on an already patterned fabric, without being over the top!. Great idea!
Marysia Paling
Posted at 19:39h, 22 JulyHi
Lovely top with the additional embroidery. I made it in plain cream linen. May I ask how you tied your sleeves; have you tucked away the ends of the ties? It looks neat and I will try that too if I may.
In terms of the young lady entering the convent, will you be making nightwear for her? You have us all intrigued.
Karen Helm
Posted at 21:23h, 22 JulySuch a perfect pairing of pattern and fabric. If I were you, I would not shorten the top – the embroidery looks just right as is.
You sound like a wonderful neighbor!
Patricia R Moore
Posted at 00:18h, 23 JulyBeautiful as always. I have a Babylock but have never had the nerve to try and use the embroidery on it. You are so fearless! Talented too❣️
Lisa G
Posted at 08:33h, 23 JulyIt’s beautiful! I like it as is, but can also envision it shorter. The sleeves are an awesome detail! I am also curious about the convent clothes – and somewhat surprised to hear someone is joining a convent, although I did see a group of nuns in their habits not too long ago. I am thinking maybe her clothes have to meet certain modesty standards? Anyhow, I wish her the best of luck and hope you will be able to do a post on the wardrobe!
Julie Culshaw
Posted at 12:54h, 23 JulyThe women who are joining convents now are insistent upon wearing a habit. If you think about it,the decline in the number of sisters corresponds with the removal of habits. Women entering now are very serious and they don’t wish to look just like all other women. The habit is a visual witness to the world of your values, so the new orders are bringing back traditional habits. My daughter wears a grey tunic over a white t-shirt, there is a tabbard over that, and she wears a black veil that fully covers her hair.
Sharon kane
Posted at 09:17h, 23 JulyOk, where do I start – the pattern, fabric, color, embroidery? The pattern, your version is beautiful. I like how you pointed out that it doesn’t gap when bending over, so important when picking up yor darling granddaughter. The fabric and color is so summery and perfect for hot temps. Not knowing that you did embroidery thinking it was part of the fabric print, I thought how perfectly placed the print was. Great job all around.
Sharon
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:48h, 25 JulyMany thanks for your comment, Sharon! It is a good pattern – I avoid off the shoulder tops because I fear a wardrobe malfunction could happen at any moment, but after seeing so many cute versions I couldn’t resist and am glad I did 😉
Sally Scott
Posted at 15:32h, 23 JulyAs always, beautiful inspiring work. I really like this!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:48h, 25 JulyThank you so much, Sally!
Teri Stich
Posted at 06:16h, 24 JulyI love your style, this as so many others is perfect on you. You are doing an amazing job learning your embroidery machine..
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:49h, 25 JulyThank you, Teri! The machine is so much fun that I’m having trouble doing anything else 😉
PsychicSewerKathleen
Posted at 09:57h, 24 JulyYou were so right that this fabric was ideal for just the right embroidery design – it’s gorgeous! The colour and shape is lovely and so nice and cool for a hot summer day but still providing such an artistic coverage. I can’t imagine what this top would set you back in a boutique!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:51h, 25 JulyAhh……. that’s such a nice comment, Kathleen 🙂 I think it’s a great summer top for sure!
Carolyn
Posted at 10:24h, 24 JulyThe fabric is lovely and the embroidery really enhances it. It’s a great top and whether you chose to shorten it or keep it as is, I’m sure it wears wonderful in the heatwave we’re currently experiencing.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:53h, 25 JulyMany thanks, Carolyn! The top has been perfect for our recent heatwave for sure 😉 …………. shortening the length will reduce the wrinkles too, so I’m going for it.
Lisa Lacy
Posted at 18:46h, 24 JulyI have been trying to find a similar pattern but one not worn off the shoulders. Wonder if I could use this one and just adjust the neckline? Love this on you!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:55h, 25 JulyLisa,
I believe this pattern will sit off the shoulders no matter what, but if you’re adept at alterations, then go for it!
Many thanks for your comment 🙂
celeste
Posted at 16:30h, 25 JulyWhat a young woman wears when entering the religious life totally depends upon the order (type of convent) she is joining. Some orders ask only for modest, simple clothing, while others have more requirements. My aunt and cousin are both Franciscans (but different orders within Franciscans); my aunt (age 85) wears clothing that very much resembles an older woman dressing for comfort and low cost while my cousin (age 60) wears a long full gray dress tied at the waist with a cord and a small black veil that covers only a small part of her hair. They both have necklaces that denote their order which they wear at all time. My aunt used to wear the full black habit with white collar but opted for the simpler style when change came in the 60’s. My cousin is a college professor in Italy and wears her habit to teach and also to work the farm on which she lives. I am really interested in hearing what this young woman’s novitiate requires.
I love the orange top and the gorgeous embroidery. It suits you perfectly. May I ask if you can wear a bra underneath or what do you do about situation? I know the young ‘uns can carry this off, but I have always wondered about this style with anyone over 35. You do it perfectly!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:58h, 25 JulyCeleste,
I am not a Catholic and find your comment so interesting! I will write a post on the garments (all very simple) due to the interest from readers.
Oh yes, I wear a strapless underneath the top. Can’t imagine going without 😉
De Angeles
Posted at 17:31h, 08 SeptemberGreat job, great color combination looks great on you!
De Angeles
Posted at 17:32h, 08 SeptemberGreat job and color combination. Looks great on you!
Nicki
Posted at 15:29h, 14 MarchHi Sarah,
I love your top, it inspires me to make my own! I’m getting an embroidery machine shortly and am very excited! I wonder if you do the embroidery before or after you cut out the pattern pieces or after the garment is made?
Thanks!