After reading Audrey and Ann's experiences with the pattern and seeing what wonderful results they had, I felt emboldened to give it a go. Even Simon helped out with the pattern tracing!
The pattern pieces are very simple -- just a few rectangles and squares. I read through the instructions and followed Audrey's hints, which were very helpful. For the muslin, I just used a fine point Sharpie to mark all of the letters, squares and circles, but for the fashion fabric, I will likely follow Audrey's recommendations to use tape. Marking was absolutely critical -- there is no way this top can be constructed without clear and accurate marking. It was also critical to mark "Left" and "Right" on each side of the top!
For the sewing part, I just followed the instructions step-by-step. It gets a bit hairy when you're not quite sure why you are sewing certain sections, but I just went with it. It would be helpful to check to make sure nothing is getting twisted in a weird way as you go along -- very easy to do with this design. I have to admit that as I sewed this, I kept wondering if it was all going to turn out ok. Even when I finished, I wondered whether I sewed it correctly! Here's my muslin front:
My dress form is larger at the bust than I am, so it doesn't gap on me -- more drapey. I thought the overall draping was ok, but the neckline is a bit low and the length is a bit long for my petite frame, so I will likely take out some of the length from the upper bodice area. Here's the muslin back (note that I just pinned the side where the zipper is supposed to go):
The back seems ok, except there is quite a bit of space in the underarm area. It may get corrected when I take out some of the upper bodice length. The photo below is the big issue for me. The right armhole is way too large. Some of it will get corrected when I decrease the bodice length, but it is still quite wide and actually gaps when I wear it. I may try to take out some of the fullness at the top of the insert to get a better fit there.
It's a very cute style. We'll see how it goes!
I am glad you are making this, I am so curious about it. Looking forward to seeing the finished top.
ReplyDeleteThis pattern didn't appeal to me on the envelope, but I'm starting to warm up to it...look forward to your results :)
ReplyDeleteI bought this pattern straight away - it just sung to me! Now I just have to wait until spring. But I have recently been toying with idea of making one in a dark grey knit to wear like a tunic over a long sleeved tshirt. Interested in your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteYour muslin looks just like the pattern picture. I can't wait to see what fabric you have chosen. You always use such great fabrics. One of my frustrations with twisty Issey Miyake patterns is figuring out if I need to make alterations, add to hips or reduce bust, and if so where. It is hard to predict how the bias fabric will lay on the body. I had to reduce this pattern a lot in the bust area and I did it at the side panel. The low side panel bothered me too. I thought it might have been due to a marking mistake. Thinking about it now, I may play around with adding a taller side panel with some extra fabric I have.
ReplyDeleteI must admit I love the top in the muslin fabric you chose. I vote for white linen as a final fabric...maybe I am biased by having flicked through Pattern magic books!
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