I checked the pattern out at the McCall's site and you have the wrong pattern for fleece which is not a recommended fabric for that pattern. Fleece will not gather right on the yoke because of the bulk.

One hint is to stretch the fleece on the cross grain. It will curl to the wrong side. Mark the wrong side of each cut fabric piece with a small piece of tape with the letter W on it. I found from a bad experience not to put tape on the right side of fleece b/c when you pull it off, it can distort the fleece's nap.

Use a universal, stretch or ballpoint needle and a longer stitch. Lessen the pressure foot pressure, if possible. I use a good quality, long staple polyester thread like Gutermann (I don't care for Coates and Clarke...my machine dealer said not to use it).

Wash-Away Wonder Tape is great to use as basting, but I use long quilting pins that don't get lost in the fleece's pile. I've put in zippers using just pins.

I don't know if it's necessary, but I always lay the pattern out using the "with nap" directions just to be on the safe side.

That being said, I think you'll have some problems gathering all that fleece into a yoke. You may want to alter the pattern and make it less wide. Some ease is possible (such as in set-in sleeves), but in your pattern, that's a lot of bulk with fleece. You may want to consider cotton flannel or another cozy fabric.

I hope this post doesn't appear twice, because I lost the first one in cyber-space!

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

Mary

I made that pattern this summer,but i used plain old cotton.I also wouldn't use fleece for it,as it's too bulky/heavy.Flannel would work though.
Kathi

I am making one in flannel and I plan to greatly reduce the amount of fabric in the garment. It is difficult to find flannel in colors she likes - the piece I found is hot pink (her favorite) She is short (less than 5 ft) and very "large' - think 26W so it is impossible to purchase ready made in her size for her height.

By reducing the amount of fabric to barely any gathering I think this could work. thanks for the suggestions Carollyn