I finished M7902 today and I think it’s really pretty. It has the same elasticized sleeve and button up front as the original Tudor pdf pattern blouse but that’s where the similarities end. It comes with a variety of feminine and statement sleeves that you can choose from. Isn’t it pretty? I made version B.
I wanted to compare the two because of the construction of the sleeves and I was right to focus on this feature. As much as they are similar with the elastic at the top of the sleeve, the construction on the Tudor blouse is alot smoother. Yep, I said it…the pdf is better for construction. It comes together so easily and the sleeve was really stable on the Tudor. As for the McCalls pattern, as per my usual comment about PDF vs. paper patterns, the design is much more complex. The little details really add to the femininity of the blouse. I really like the little skirt, looped buttons and the fact that the top is fully lined (Tudor has facings).
Now for the downside of the McCalls pattern….the sleeves do not stay up. I think the elastic measurement should have been tighter in the pattern. I added lingerie straps to mine so it attached to my bra or camisole to fix this problem. Problem number two was the closure, there is a bit of peak a boo in the front where the front comes together. If you look at the pattern image, this is how it is supposed to come together but I am a bit shy about showing my bra. Therefore I recommend a camisole underneath. Or you may want to put a placket on one side of the bodice so you can’t see behind the loops. One other thing which was an issue in my version was the self lined top with my printed fabric, my print showed through so I used silky ivory lining instead. Without further adieu…
A final note on cost of project because you know I like to keep sewing costs down (yeesh expensive hobby!). For this pattern I spent $12 on the fabric, $5 on the pattern, 75 cents on the buttons and the lining and interfacing I already had from prior projects. Total cost under $20, not bad for an original top.
There you have it….Tudor wins but the trick in this review is I actually like the McCalls blouse better. If I were to sew it again, I would use some of the construction instructions in the Tudor and the elastic measurement from that pattern. I would also add a placket on one side of the bodice so I wouldn’t have to wear a camisole underneath. This is going to be a favourite blouse come summer.
Style Sewciety 