Pati writes about making this McCall’s Jacket and Pant Easy Wardrobe pattern twice in very different fabrics:

I wanted to design an outfit that I call edgy classic. Jackets and vests worn open give you a slimming vertical line. The jacket/vest in our Knit Wardrobe pattern M7260 is an easy classic lapel style in two lengths. It is straight and just comes to the center front with no buttons. The sleeveless top has an asymmetrical hemline and the pants have a cuff. Of course, you could sew this simple pull-on pant without a cuff if you’d prefer.

I sewed TWO very different looking outfits from this same pattern. Simple lines with few details allow the fabrics to make the statement.

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THE FABRICS FOR McCall’s Jacket and Pant Easy Knit Wardrobe:

The black jacket fabric is beautiful! The blond color in the print helps make it work on me because it ties in with my hair color. I will wear it on New Years.

The black pull-on pants are made from two layers of Sheer polyester Georgette with a cotton rib cuff. Georgette is so easy to sew. I didn’t have enough black in my stash, so the inside layer is navy. I made them reversible so I could wear the navy side with the navy top in the other outfit.

The asymmetrical top is made from a black polyester jersey.

 

I love to combine colors that are not often combined like gray and brown. The caramel coat is a wool flannel. The gray pants are silk and wool. I also like to combine textures. The top is a navy mesh knit made double layer and lined to the edges at neck and armholes. My friend Helen made a double-layer mesh top and you couldn’t see through it at all! Mine didn’t quite work out. You could see everything. I have a navy camisole that I wear under it. There are side seam pockets. This style jacket is my new favorite. Simple lines, unlined, easy to sew!

The guide sheet includes tips for fitting the tissue. Since the top is a full front and back pattern piece, we added this tip:

The alterations for the top are the same as for the vest/jacket. However, you are working with a full front and full back. Cut the top pattern pieces apart on the venter front and center back lines. Pin back and front together and tissue fit. After fitting one half, do the same alterations to the other half; tape back together for cutting. 

Also, since this is a sleeveless top, if you need to do a full bust adjustment, first check to see if the tissue lower front armhole is covering your “fluff.” If it’s not, use the Y-Bust alteration. First read about it here. When you understand how to determine the amount needed at that spot, then you can alter.

When finished altering both sides of the full front and back sections, tape the center front and backs together. There may be spacing on the center back. Fill those in and you are ready to cut!

I like this tip for the vest. This is one good reason to fit-as-you sew!

We like the look of a narrower shoulder on a vest. Before pinning facings to armhole, try on the vest. If you’d like the shoulder seams to be narrower, decide how much. You will then sew the facing to the armhole deeper at the shoulder tapering back to the regular seam at the notches. 

 

The leg bands or cuffs can be made from self-fabric with elastic added or from ribbing. The pattern includes instructions for both.

 

1. Stitch seam in LEG BAND (17), matching notches. Press seam allowances open.
2. With wrong sides together, fold leg band along fold line. Press lightly. Pin raw edges together.
3. Pin leg band to lower edge of pants, matching notches, squares to side seams and seam to inseam, stretching leg band to fit. Baste.

 

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I used PerfectFuse Medium on the front facing and under collar on the carmel wool and PerfectFuse Light on the upper collar. I used bias strips of Light on the hem allowances. I used PerfectFuse Light on the facing and under collar of the tapestry jacket. The fabric was heavy so I didn’t put anything on the upper collar.

 

FUSING TIP:

Before you fuse to the facings, place the pattern on each piece and move the fabric to fit the pattern. Then fuse. This tip is from Jackets for Real People.

 

The under collar is bias, which makes it easy to scoot back to the shape of the tissue before fusing.

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FINISHING TOUCHES: ACCESSORIES

I may look for a scarf with caramel, navy and gray in it. Wouldn’t that be the find of the year? I feel the outfit needs something.

I had this necklace for the black outfit. Perfect for a night out!