I really enjoyed all your comments on the copycat post. Many talked about what you draft vs. what you buy, pattern-wise, and the fuschia top is an example of something I tried to draft two years ago and failed. So I went out and bought an equivalent: Kwik Sew 3763.
What I was after: A knit top with a v-neck that draped the shoulder. I'd read that women should use clothing to give the illusion of an hourglass, and thus balanced, shape. One suggestion for a rectangular gal was to bring attention to the shoulders, so that the waist looks smaller in comparison.
I'm not sure I buy that anymore—much preferring cami-like tops, hourglass be damned—but saving me from sewing sleeves or binding armholes was attractive.
Now that it's complete, I sort of feel like a linebacker in this thing and I really don't think it's doing anything for my "curves."
- I do love this color
- First Kwik Sew pattern and first v-neck I didn't royally screw up!
- Knit weight is really starting to matter to me -- I like a heavier, more stable knit. Compared to the red knit, this was a dream.
- The sizing was really off for me -- I had to put a 1-1/2 inch dart in the front armscye and take in the sideseams at the bust an additional 7/8 and taper down to the waist. And the shoulder seam seems (say that 10 times fast!) to extend much more than on the model.
- Make it again? Probably not. But I'll give it a chance in Me-Made-May
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I think it's really flattering on you! I especially think that colour is gorgeous on you. Also, as a fellow rectangle girl who's just beginning to sew, I'm thankful that you're blazing the trail with these patterns :-)
ReplyDeleteIt's a great colour and I like the shape. I agree about the weight of knits being important. I only buy knits in person now, not online. I really need to feel them myself to judge how they may work.
ReplyDeleteKnits are always hit or miss with me. I think the shape of this is really flattering. It's such a nice and easy top. Very pretty!
ReplyDeleteA few suggestions if I may. Don't be discouraged with this pattern, it just needs a few tweaks. First, this color is lovely on you. Because you are petite, I would make a couple suggestions. I found a T-shirt pattern last year by Connie Crawford that provided the curves. B5215. I experimented with it and found that the side shaping worked well for me. To avoid the sports jersey look on a small person I suggest you shorten the hem of the shirt. Try one inch at a time (pin up) stand back and study the line. You will likely find that the length works better just above or below your hip bones. An alternative would be to lengthen the top, tunic style to balance the size of the garment. Another element to enhance the shirt would be to make side vents in the side seams of the hem. Provides a very custom look for a very simple shirt.
ReplyDeletethank you, celkalee! you're absoutely right, it's longer than what I'm used to and I feel like it's throwing my silhouette off. thanks!
DeleteI think you're right on about stable knits being more satisfying to sew. There are a few looks that require the thin, drapy ones---cowl-necks, fluttery tunics---but for a basic tee I much prefer something stable and easy to sew.
ReplyDeleteAs a fellow rectangle, I don't know if I'd go for the extra-shoulder-advice (although I do like a cap-sleeve, generally). It's pretty easy for me to end up looking somewhat linebacker-ish.
I agree with Celkalee, I think a bit of playing with the length (or even a tad more side-shaping) could help, although I also think it's a fine basic top as is. If you do make it again, you might consider bringing in the shoulder---look where it falls on the model on the envelope vs. where it sticks out over your shoulder.
Ah, the joys of knits... ;)
Agreed, Tanit-isis, I really love a cap-sleeve and i should either bring in the shoulder or at least create a tuck so it acutally drapes the shoulder rather than stand at attention. Thanks for the advice!
DeleteI love this colour on you! You look gorgeous! I do like the flattering v-neck, too, and the shoulder gathers are pretty. I would shorten then hem, as suggested above.
ReplyDeleteI think with those shoulders you're half-way to the desired hourglass. My recommendation would be to belt it at your natural waist.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful color!
I haven't got hip to belts yet, but bringing attention to my waist is not a bad idea. I should probably pairing it with skirts to see what I come up with :)
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