McCalls M5640-Top A, Shorts E

[gingerberrycc]

I made the shorts E and I thought that they were a really easy pattern. Great for someone new to sewing clothes. I'm not usually one for elastic-waist, but it the top is long enough to cover the waistband, then I don't really care. They worked up really quickly.

The top I had a bit more difficulty with. I think it is because I was using a slippery fabric that frayed horribly. I might try it again with a different fabric. This pattern requires a bit more technique than the shorts, as it uses gathering and bias tape. This was my first time really working with bias tape and I thought that it was a really easy way to finish the underarm area of the top. But I got frustrated making the gathers even (perhaps due to the fraying).

I hope this review helps! I'm really proud of myself for completing these and am working on another shirt pattern now. I may post pics when I finish all of my projects.

[Psycho Sue]

I made the top also, I used cotton and it took me twice to get the gathers right, so it's not just you! Also the arm holes were drafted a little too small. But it is a very cute pattern.