McCalls 6128 Alligators!

I was drawn to McCalls 6128, because I wanted a good racerback tank top pattern that could become a tnt.  I also like that panties are included so that you can make a cute set, which I did!  The minute I saw the alligator fabric, a cotton lycra jersey, from Sewzanne's I knew I had found the perfect match for this pattern.   When I finished my jumper from the last post I wasted no time making my muslins.  The extra effort was worth it.  I did have to make some adjustments both to the tank top and to the panties from View E.

I cut out a size 10 for both pieces.  On the tank top I ended up folding out 1.5" on the front straps.  Otherwise it would have been way too low, both under the arms and on the front neckline.  I imagine if you have a large bust you may not have to do this.  I also found out that the back arm openings were cut in too far to cover my racerback bra straps, so I had to add some fabric to the curve on the back of the armholes.  For pj's this wouldn't be a problem, but I also plan to use this pattern for tank tops that I will wear out and about.  I also needed to take the waist in by 2.5" and take the bustline in by 1.5".  The tank top is quite long as well, and I shortened it by 2".  Here are my pattern pieces now:

Oh my goodness, the panties(view E) were indecently low when I made up my muslin.  So I added about 1.25" to the height of the waistband.  I also had to add a little bit of extra coverage to the backside as well.  Instead of using a 5/8" seam on the side, I used a 3/8" seam.  View E panties are to be finished with fabric binding on the waist and leg openings according to the instructions.  But I was given a sample of fold over elastic (foe) when Sewzanne's shipped my fabric, so I decided to try using that.  I only had enough to finish the leg openings, so I used 1/4" elastic for the waist and folded it down and topstitched it in place.  I like this product (foe), and would like to get more of it for future projects.

I did all of the topstitching on this set with my coverstitch machine.  On the tank top the arm openings and neckline were turned in 5/8", the curves were clipped half-way, then I topstitched, and finally I trimmed the excess fabric.  I didn't try to do a narrow hem as the instructions recommend.
   
The pj bottoms were made using my favorite knit pants pattern Burda 7890, previously blogged about here.  They have a drawstring in the waistband. 

I finished the set just in time to enjoy wearing them tonight!  I'm not through with this pattern yet.  I plan to blend the tank top into an A-line skirt to make a cute, sporty, summer dress, which will also be perfect for a swimsuit cover up. 

Ah...time to relax!

Wouldn't this make the cutest gift set?!

Whatever you are working on this weekend...I hope you are having great success, and thanks for stopping by to visit!