Morning all. January was a bit of a bust for me, in the sewing department. I do so much prior to xmas, that I get a bit burnt out over xmas. So I focussed on other things, and gave myself a break.
Aside from some little things, this was my first foray back into sewing for the year.
KwikSew 3707 - XL with modifications - in poplin and a self stripe cotton.
I made this tunic quite a few years ago, and it was a comical thing. It hung off me like a sack, and looked appalling. I thrifted the finished top, and stuffed the pattern back into the file. This year, I decided to give it another go, because I like the cross over aspect, and wanted some crisp looking tunics for work. I assume my previous failure was because I need to make petite alterations to the pattern.
The first version was basically my toile, in a cotton poplin. For this one, I took 1inch off the shoulders (shortening the bodice), and shortened the front skirt and back by 2inches at the lengthen/shorten line. On the dress form, it looks fine, but on me, you can see that the bodice doesn't sit well, and the neckline is bobbly.
Kwiksew tunic by
Dani, on Flickr
Kwiksew tunic by
Dani, on Flickr
So, for the next version, I did an FBA. Its not so much for the width, as the bodice was wide enough, but just a structure choice, to encourage the bodice to wrap around the bust, and under the arms. The dart encourages the bodice to turn at the bust apex, rather than pulling the point of the bust flat. We think that fabric is flexible, but in reality, sometimes we need structural features to make it behave better.
Kwiksew tunic by
Dani, on Flickr
Kwiksew tunic by
Dani, on Flickr
D'oh (forehead slapping moment) .... I did however, forget to take the 2inches off the length, so its too long. That is easily fixed though.
BigGirl decided to throw her timing, thankfully after I had finished the top, so she has gone to sewing machine hospital for a service. So I won't be able to finish shortening the top, or make any more for while, but oh well, we will get there.