McCall's: 9559 (Genie, Cleopatra) - Type:Costumes  | | Viewed 329 times
| 1 more reviews | Review rated Helpful by 1 people Very Helpful by 5 people | | Reviewed by: | Peter in NYC | 
| About Peter in NYC | | USA | | Member since: 6/9/09 | | Reviews written: 64 | | Sewing skills:Intermediate | | Favored by: 114 people | | patterns reviewed: 58 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 11/21/12 11:40 AM | | Project Photo: |  | | Pattern Photo: | More Info provided by Peter in NYC | | Pattern Rating: | Highly Recommend | | | | Fabric: | Powernet [See other projects in this fabric] | | Related Links | Click on  to add a link |
| Pattern Description:
McCall's 9559 is a Misses' "I Dream of Jeannie" style Genie costume, that also includes a Cleopatra costume, from the late Nineties. I think it's OOP but it's easy to find on sites like Etsy and eBay.
Pattern Sizing:
My pattern was sized 12/14 or Medium. It corresponds to a 36" bust.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
The pants, yes. I used a slightly different pattern for the midriff top, Advance 4147, from the mid-Forties, since I wanted a more vintage look (as explained in the conclusion).
Completed costume
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes and no. I made modifications to the pants: I wanted to retain a somewhat "nude" look so I didn't line the yoke. Since the gold mesh is underlined with power net, it's quite modest and sturdy, however, even without a lining. (Under the yoke are power net shorts that are part of the pattern.)
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
These are classic harem pants, though not as full as some harem pants I've seen on the Internet. In my ideal world they'd be even fuller -- maybe next time!
Fabric Used:
The bodice and pants were constructed using (my) flesh-colored power net, poly gold mesh, and lots of pink poly chiffon. The trim is beaded gimp one would use for upholstery or draperies.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
As mentioned, I didn't line the yoke of the pants since there the outer fabric is already underlined. The pants close with a back zipper. I also didn't make the little cut-out shapes on the front of the yoke, which are right out of "I Dream of Jeannie." I didn't want to look like Barbara Eden! LOL
I didn't make the fez included with the pattern but opted for a turban instead.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, absolutely. I'd make the top too, if I wanted something simpler than what I created.
Conclusion:
McCall's 9559 is a nicely designed costume pattern. I modified it quite a bit to create a tribute to those Arabian Nights/Scheherazade Technicolor movies from the 1940's (usually starring Maria Montez), hence the exaggerated shoulders and heavy decoration. This was a Halloween costume that never got worn, sadly, due to Hurricane Sandy, as our big Halloween event got cancelled. 
You can read more about this costume on my blog, Male Pattern Boldness.
You can also go directly to my photoshoot (starring my identical cousin Cathy) in Picasa, here. (Best viewed as a slideshow since it tells a little story)
Thanks for reading!
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 Pattern with more than 5 reviews!
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14 Comments
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Very fun, Peter! Such attention to detail. And I adore that turban!
11/21/12 11:54 AM
Thanks again for the entertainment. I was missing Cathy. Your Harem outfit is just too much fun.
11/21/12 12:28 PM
Love it! I wish all the ice skaters that use Scherazade as program music looked so sophisticated (minus the turban, for ice safety of course). I missed Cathy too. She's obviously back in shape after her delicate condition.
11/21/12 3:31 PM
Love it! The color combinations, beading, and details are spectacular! You look wonderful Cathy
11/21/12 3:32 PM
Enchantingly beautiful, Peter!
11/21/12 4:18 PM
I hope Bill took a shot of you both too. Mesmerising.
11/21/12 9:38 PM
Wow...Love it...fantastic! You are truely talented!
11/21/12 10:05 PM
Fun! Love the detail to this. Great colors and as usual Cathy looks amazing.
11/22/12 0:08 AM
Love the whole outfit, the colors and all of the additions you made!
11/22/12 5:05 AM
Love all the details and that is a great turban!
11/22/12 7:36 AM
Wow, this is such a great costume Peter! Cathy looked adorable in it too! The photo shoot was so entertaining! Thank you and awesome job and couple!!
11/22/12 7:52 AM
You're so amazing Peter, your imagination and creativity just floor me. Couldn't smuggle a camel into New York City for the photo shoot, huh? Incredible work as always!
11/22/12 10:53 AM
Fabulous!
11/22/12 11:55 AM
Thanks, everyone!
11/22/12 12:20 PM