On 10 May I wore:
Me-made Simplicity 2593 in Liberty Claire-Aude
Cardigan: Zara
Jeans: Topshop
This top is one of the first items of clothing I ever made. It's part of my spring/summer wardrobe, so it was nice to get it out of storage again. I'd sort of forgotten about it (the best thing about unpacking the new season's wardrobe is rediscovering old favourites) and it's a really good basic top. I like this pattern, and definitely want to make another (the version with the twisted collar).
On 12 May I wore:
Me-made Wiksten Tova in Nani Iro Fuwari Fuwari brushed cotton
Jeans: Citizens of Humanity
Shoes: Clarks Originals
Can you believe that this is only the second time I've worn this? It's because it's a weird length for me: generally, I don't do tunics. But I love this top, and don't want to shorten it because that would mean having to lop off some of that very beautiful print (and I was so deliberate with the cutting to make the most of it).
At roughly the half-way mark, a clear pattern emerges: my outfits consist primarily of me-made tops, jeans and (most often, Clarks) shoes. In warmer weather, instead of jeans it's usually shorts or turned-up khakis. My office has no dress code, so I can be as casual as I like. I usually start the week in very smart attire (pencil skirt and heels), but by Friday it's jeans and Converse (actually, I work from home most Fridays, so it's "lounge-wear"). I'd like to add a few more casual skirts and dresses into the mix. I think I fall back on the jeans-and-top combo because it's just so easy (and I'm on auto-pilot until 10am, so the fewer decisions I have to make in the morning, the better).
On 13 May, I wore my second (and quite possibly last) Violet blouse. I finished this up last week, and was so excited about wearing it. It's a bit Cath-Kidstony and on the twee side, but I think it's cute. However, after about 10 minutes of wearing it, it had to come off (and so no outfit photo).
 |
| Excuse the creases, but I pulled it out of the laundry bin for the photo |
I don't know how to diagnose the fitting issues, perhaps you can help?
Basically, it looks absolutely fine if I don't move. In addition to the SBA, I took some of the excess out of the back (about 1/2") and that fits better (roomy, but not baggy). The problem I had with wearing the top is around the high bust area. The collar gapes right at the centre front, and after moving around a bit, there are some weird small folds of fabric around the high bust. Also, the blouse rides up a bit and bunches up under my arms (and I'm not doing any exaggerated movements for this to happen - just walking around). Did I do too much of a SBA with this? Does that explain the folds? It doesn't feel tight anywhere.
I was quite disheartened by this, and felt a bit "one step forward, one step back" with my sewing. So I've cut out a couple of Tovas to work on this week, which should be a nice boost to my confidence. If nothing else, I can happily spend the rest of my sewing life sewing up Tovas. After all, they look great with jeans.
Speak soon
x
Ooh, love that Tova top! And the Violet is too cute! I'm really sorry that you're having fit/comfort issues with it. I consulted my fitting book, and it says that folds above the bust indicate excess length and suggests resewing the shoulder seam with a greater seam allowance to solve the problem. Maybe doing the SBA made the extra length above the bust more obvious since it's more fitted now? Unfortunately, I guess you'd need to take the sleeves off first to try this. :/ But maybe that would help to keep this from being a wadder. Good luck!
ReplyDeletethanks so much for consulting your fitting book - so kind. That's a great tip - I hadn't thought that there would be excess length, but I guess that makes sense. I'm not sure I have the patience (or desire) to put in more work on this pattern. Sigh.
DeleteI'm still a complete beginner sewer so can't offer any advice re. fit issues but I definitely find that after a fail I'm best to then work on something I know I can do (for me that's a Sorbetto!). Your Violet is very sweet, I hope you can work out the fit. Where did you get that fabric for the Tova? it's gorgeous!
ReplyDeletethanks Kathryn :)
DeleteHow about adding a couple of darts at the front neck / shoulder, to pinch out the excess fabric? And pinch them out on the paper pattern before you start cutting the fabric next time?
ReplyDeleteI didn't buy the Violet pattern because of its apparent bagginess and I have had the same issue with vintage 1960's patterns. I am coming to the conclusion I am jsut not the right shape for them... or vice versa!
Oh... but great outfits, Miss PinnyPinPin!
I wish I could wear jeans to the office!
Thanks Roobeedoo. I think I just have to accept that I'm not the right shape for Colette tops. It's hard though - when there are so many lovely versions out there! That's the good thing about sewing your own clothes: you really get to understand what works for you (the hard way!).
DeleteI love the Simplicity top - I've also made that pattern but seeing yours makes me want to revisit it again. And your Tovatop is alo so pretty.
ReplyDeleteRoobeedoo has good advice on a Violet fix - like you I'm not happy with the version I made. I never reach for it in the morning as I think it's just too baggy. And like Roo, I'm coming to the conclusion that Colette Patterns are not a good shape for me. I always struggle with the bust fit so as much as I love the patterns, I'm often not quite satisfied. Dammit! :-)
Agreed. Well, we can commiserate together the next time Colette Patterns come out with really lovely patterns that we know won't really work for our shape.
Delete