Perfect Te Redesign {McCall's 4261}

Pattern:  McCall's 4231
Version:  View B
Sizing: medium
Fabric:  2 yrds cotton stretch so basically cotton/polyester mix
Notions: none
Cost:  $8.00
Assembly time:  2 hrs
Instructions:  fine, make it once and no directions needed
Modification:  shortened and added skirt
Recommend:  yes

Originally, I made a knit shirt using this same pattern and loved the fit.  It really fit me perfectly.  So, when I wanted to try a shirt with a ruffled edge, I decided to see if modification would result in the same positive outcome.  For the most part it did. 


It was a sheer coincidence that the same color was used for both shirts. I picked the fabric out because it seemed a bit more stable than regular knit and would support the ruffles without sagging.  On the upside, it had stretch when the stripes ran vertically, so it still would be comfy. 

I cut the sleeves and, for the most part, the bodice as prescribed.  The only difference is I shorten the front and back on the increase/decrease line.  I then measured the length of the pattern from this mark and added a few inches for the skirt.  Making strips of fabric out of 44 inch long fabric I gathered and attached to the bodice end.  The sleeves and skirting where finished with a small top-stitched hem.  I used bias around the neck because I wanted it higher than the patterns directions. 

I am happy with the results.   Even though it looks a bit boxy in the picture, it doesn't fit like a box.  The ruffles fall a few inches below the bust line and the shirt still ends at the hip bone.  I really wish I would have used a different color though.  Variety would be nice.