McCalls 7428 includes patterns for a girls’ top, dress, tunic, skirt and leggings.  I have to admit, that is the FABULOUS thing about non-indie patterns – you get so much bang for your buck, especially when patterns are on sale.

Pullover tops and dress have neckband. A: Contrast back yoke. B: High-low hem, wrong side of fabric will show. C: Cold shoulder detail, purchased rhinestones, pearls and beads. Skirt and leggings have elasticized waist. Moderate stretch gauge needed.

We chose to sew view A, the top with back interest. The fabrics are a spotted crinkled knit that was a gift from a generous friend, combined with the leftovers of a quality Crafty Mamas cotton/spandex knit I’d used for another top. The shade of blue matched perfectly!

This pattern appealed both for the back yoke and the split shaped hemline at centre back. It wasn’t difficult to sew. I used the sewing machine for all elements of the back, as then I could pivot the needle to turn direction at the points easily, but other construction of the top was on the overlocker.

Size wise, I probably sewed a 12 (this was months ago, and I’d need to pull out the pattern to check) with size 14 sleeve and body length. It fits nicely.

I also pulled out the pattern to sew the pants/leggings from some bengaline remnants.

There were sewn in size 12 with size 14 length. I pieced the back leg pieces to get the maximum amount of fabric from my scraps. Let’s call it a design feature!

Because they’re bengaline they’re more pants than leggings, and they’re very comfy and easy to wear. There is an elastic waist, overlocked to the inside then turned again to the inside and secured in place.

The pants were really an experimental project in scraps/remnants, to test out how well the pattern fitted. She’s worn them, so it must be okay!

I don’t think we’ve seen the last of this pattern. I rather like the dress version too.