BETTER LATE THAN NEVER - V1282...

... You all know how I like naming things - well, I'm calling this one my "Better Late than Never" top.

VOGUE 1282

Better late than never because this pattern came out last summer. Although I really liked it, I was scared because the top shown on the model and reviews from people who made it clearly indicated a more than plunging neckline and elongated armhole.  So I shy ed away from it because I didn't want to deal with unfamiliar pattern alterations.  Fast forward one year and it just seemed the time to tackle this baby.  But not before taking it through the trial and error phase AKA a muslin.  Why muslin?  Because the bulk of the fabrics that I own are truly loved - and I just don't want to end up with the sick in the stomach feeling that happens when you discover - "oh no, now it's too late".

Allow me to talk a little about the pattern first:  don't you wonder about the funny model poses on the pattern envelopes of late???  I've started seriously looking for pattern flaws when I see models twisted and contorted in their poses.  I think it's a clear indication they are trying to HID something -  mmmmmm, just saying.  I was so glad; however, that so many people had made this pattern during the year.  It is wonderful to read the reviews and find out just where problems lie prior to cutting up my good stuff.  My thanks to all who worked out these problems for me ahead of time.  (they can be found on Pattern Review)  They helped me solve these problems:

• How to raise the weirdly shaped armhole, 
• How to eliminate gaping at the back center seam,
• How to raise the elongated neckline,
• and, how to weigh down the cowl neckline. 

What a Weirdly shaped pattern!  Two gigantic pattern pieces that are taped together to make one piece that actually turns out to be the back and front of the top and a armhole facing that's all.  I used a seriously mysteryfied WalMart fabric from le good old STASH, don't know what in the world it is.  Just knew it was a two way stretch knit and nothing that I would ever consider using for an actual garment so it fit the practice category.   I like the top.  And will be making another one as soon as I make a fabric choice.

Commencing with this top I'm using my high bust measurement for pattern sizing.  I know, should have been using that measurement all along, I've read it, but it was so hard to make that change for some reason.  I'll be able to get a much better fit through the shoulders and bust area.  This sewing thing is ever evolving... 

MY BELL BOTTOMS WORKED TODAY...

... and I loved them mainly because my good fit didn't grow during the day.  This width pant leg is new to me, and at first I thought it wouldn't be a comfortable style for me - but I actually liked having a little difference.  Not loving the top as much, and may shorten it a bit and taper at the side seams.  But for now it is wearable.

SUMMER BREEZES ESSENTIAl: Nautical Stripes...

...Nothing speaks summer to me louder than something nautical.

 

So as I continue working on my idea of a perfect Summer Breezes Wardrobe, I've had visions of adding a simple stripped garment to the collection.  I did make a striped boat neck last summer, but it's no longer living at my house as the neck fit didn't make the cut.  Just so happened that I do have a small collection of stripped knits stashed.  So I reached WAY back into my pattern collection and pulled out an old but goody

 

for a good fitting basic tee shirt.  I've made this pattern several times before back when I first started sewing again in 2006.  I wasn't too sure of my sizing back then and the tops ended up way too large through the neck and shoulders.  This time I cut a much smaller size through the neck/shoulder and bust area and was able to come up with just the right fit for a tee shirt.  One of the reasons I like this simple pattern is that it has no bust dart.  I detest making darts in knit fabrics because they just never press well - IMO.  This pattern is dartless.  I have also often wondered why some knit patterns have center back seams.  I use to think that it was senseless.   Little did I know that the center back seam lends itself to better fitting options - found this out during the Essential Tops Sew-A-Long several months go.  Thus my motto:  you live and learn, or so it should be.

I plan to wear my blue and white 3/4 length sleeved stripped t-shirt with a pair of traditional navy bell bottom pants that I made during my Pant's Marathon last month but never posted.  Maybe I'll debut that outfit tomorrow so I'll make sure I get a photo.

My top's plain and simple, but just what I needed to go with my bells.

Shouldn't have taken me a day and a half to finish it, but the first take on the neck band yielded uneven top-stitching.  I couldn't deal with that even on a simplistic tee shirt, so it had to be gingerly removed and re-done so I wouldn't over stretch the neckline.  Ended up having to hand stitch it to the inside seam which was tedious and time consuming but oh well.

I used a twin needle for the hems after deciding on hemming with white rather than blue.

Well there  you have it - my weekend's work.  Did I make a big enough deal out of such a simple project???  But know me - that's just the way I am.  Happy beginning of the week to all...

I THINK THIS IS MY OFFICIAL MOVE...

 Trying to move over to Bloglovin before it's too late.


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ON WITH THE SEWING SHOW...

...For my next project I chose McCall's 6751 because I really needed an easy to make success story to build my confidence back up.

McCall's 6751

 I am really attracted to all four views of this pattern, but decided to start with view D.  I made it from a  crinkled gauze jungle print fabric pulled from the top of my stash.  Lots of colors involved in this top so it won't be hard to find a bottom to wear with it.  It's an easy, breezy simple top; another one with the hi-lo detail.

Front

Back with pleated detail

Plenty of room in this one - I made a large but if I were to make it again I'd definitely opt for the medium.  I only made minor changes, i.e. omitted the pocket and bias tape facings for the armhole and neckline.  Nothing difficult about this one.  I think I'd love wearing it with shorts.  Just right for a lovely Saturday summer outing - mmmm note to self:  need to plan one of those (haha).  I think I need a couple  more simple projects just to keep momentum up.  What's on your project list for this week??? 

WARNING...

....REGARDING:  VOGUE 1357 TOP

 

I should have made a doggone muslin - yes a muslin of this simple looking top.    So what's the problem with the pattern? 

• Well, on me the armhole is  2 1/4" too low - causing major underarm bra exposure
• I decreased the center front neckline and center back 1".  Needed to decrease 1 1/2" to 2" instead.
• Increased back strap seam allowance to 1 3/8" to remove excess slackness

Don't know if it would be worth it to give this pattern another try after making the needed adjustments.   After running into these problems the top is not that cute to me anymore.  I think I'll cut my loss and just move on...

ADELAIDE, THIS ONES FOR YOU...

... and anyone else who wants to know how this style top looks on someone other than a 21 year old.

The day after Memorial Day but I was still in the patriotic zone

Stiff hemline even after a good press due to textured knit fabric choice

I love with this pattern, so don't let my stiff hemline turn you off from the pattern style.  I'm looking forward making it again with another type of knit.   I should have used a  fabric with more drape, but there weren't many choices to pick from in solid colors.  Other than the stiff hemline - the fit is fine through the shoulders and bust area, and I like the way the sleeves fit too.  It's comfortable so I will make it again...