Jungle January with McCall’s 7093

Well, that was easy.

How often do I say that?

I’d been wanting to make this top ever since the pattern came out. (They did really a good job on the cover photograph.)

This make was really precipitated by the fabric. I snagged this cute poly jungle-ish print from the red tag area of Joann’s. It was perfect for participating in Pretty Grievances‘s Jungle January! (And with tiger stripes *and* leopard spots, it’s ideal for undecided fence-sitting jungle enthusiasts.)

At $2.50 a yard (extra 50% off sale, booyah), this was a bargain. But at only a yard–I bought the last of it–it was also a challenge.

What to make?

My options were pretty limited (no long sleeves, for sure!). When I saw Lori’s version of this top in a single silk print, I was sold.

I went with view A, which has double slits along the diagonal front seams. I was torn between this and the pocket version. I couldn’t really picture how View A would look sewn up, so I decided to make it and find out.

And the results are…

Uh…

Well, I kinda wish I’d made the other version, to be honest. I thought the slits would be a cool, unique feature. But they just kinda hang there. They come up a bit too high (as drafted), so I’ll have to wear a tank if I don’t want flashes of my belly showing.

And in general, the slits pull away from stomach in way that’s not flattering. I certainly am not one who thinks everything needs to be figure flattering. (Because that’s some sexist, fascist BS.) But I also don’t dig the “belly protusion chic” look.

That’s me: making unflattering things so you don’t have to! Trust me, just make the pocket version or stitch the seams all the way. It’s still a cute, relaxed top.

Also good about this pattern: the length of the back. It offers nice coverage (not quite full butt coverage, but close) without feeling long or baggy. It stills looks and feels more like a fancy tee than a tunic.

Gratuitous armpit shot to showcase the hi-lo hem. You’re welcome.

One more note: there’s a dart on the shoulder. I did not expect that from the envelope artwork. I got the boxy, square-shoulder look that people seem to be split on. Personally, I think it’s cool. It adds unexpected structure to a flowy top. But if you don’t like it, I don’t think it would be hard to eliminate.

This is me, side-eyeing myself.

So, my Jungle January task completed, I’m free to roam and seek adventure in a new environment. Or fabric. Something like that.

Welcome to the fold, my Silky Jungle T-Shirt of Questionable Abdominal Aesthetics!