This is the end of the road for this muslin.
The neckline does not have the binding on it but that’s okay. I’m not taking this top further because I don’t like the fabric. I don’t like the stretch on it, even though I love the color. It’s just a cheap poly knit – emphasis on the cheap. It’s thin too, and won’t keep me warm, that’s for certain.
What’s wrong with this version besides the knit? Very little, and that makes me very happy. This was one of the main goals I had for losing weight – I wanted to be able to sew something right out of the pattern with few, if any, alterations. I’m a pretty normal 5’6” if there isn’t extra body fluff on me, and hence I think most patterns will fit me quite nicely.
There are a few changes I need to make to the pattern – and I think these are all easy ones:
- Make the armhole larger under the armpit. It’s slightly too tight there.
- Narrow the shoulders – the seams fall too far off my shoulders for my liking, although I wonder if they’ll come in any once binding is on.
- Move the shoulder seam forward – it falls too far back on my shoulders, farther back than my favorite RTW ones do.
- Lengthen the top by about four inches. I like my tops long and this one hits me at about the high hip bone, or just below. I prefer them much longer.
- Depending on the recovery of the fabric used, I think I’d take the back in ever so slightly. The back tends to have an extra bit of unnecessary volume around the small of my back.
- I might even lengthen the sleeves another inch or two because once the hem is added, it will be just right.
I took this top over to my mom and had her try it on as well. We are both using the same dress form now, and my shoulders are only a tad wider than hers, so I figured I could easily make a basic pattern for her as well.
For her, I need to make the following changes:
- Lower the armhole opening, same as with me.
- Make her sleeves the original 3/4 length of the pattern (her preference)
- Depending on the recovery of the fabric used, possible add an inch total around the midsection for her.
So, next, I’m going to alter the pattern pieces and then stitch it up again either in more of this icky cheap polyester fabric, or go ahead and cut into my nice knits.
Here’s a parting shot of me and mom chillin’ this afternoon. This was the first time all season I actually sat down to watch any part of the Seahawks football game, and they won!
{ 10 comments }
What a great picture of you two! Your mother is very lucky!!
Thanks, Laura. She had fun taking that pic with me.
Happy to see you sewing again….that color is great even if it is el cheapo! I’ve been thinking of sewing again, too…..I need tops and never can find RTW that fits me.
Seeing you and your mom together made me smile….adorable picture of the two of you!
Bev, yes, you should start sewing again too! Even little bits feel good, I realized. Mom and I have fun. She surprises me sometimes with funny sayings. I think she’s happy I’m sewing again too.
yay! sounds like you are on the right track. yes, cheap fabric is great for muslins, but not for final garments. you deserve the “good” fabric after all of your hard work.
Teri – do you think that putting the neckband on will pull in the width of those shoulder seams, making them not so far out on my shoulders? (They are bordering on a drop shoulder.) I’m thinking I still need to redraw / narrow that part of the pattern, but would love your thoughts.
I have some fun knits that I got a couple years or more ago – can’t wait to stitch them up.
I have made 5 versions of this very same top and LOVE it! I almost feel like I could make one in my sleep now. I really like the application of the band – foolproof. Can’t wait to see what you do with this top…
Great picture of you and your Mom!!
Judi – it really is an easy top to stitch up, isn’t it? And so basic. I love tops like these as staples in my wardrobe. I plan to dress some up with possibly beading around the neckline (on a plain knit) or other fun things.
Bummer about the fabric. The color is spectacular! I bet the next version will turn out perfect.
Bonnie – I do love the color. I have a lot of things I can wear with it, but I once made a light blue top out of the same fabric and it’s just uncomfortable. Doesn’t have as much recovery as I’d like. I hope to be working on the next version this weekend!
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