I designed a top with a scoop neckline, yoke and 3/4 sleeves.
The yoke and sleeves are made of a semi-sheer stable knit fabric and the floral fabric is made out of a very stretchy polyester knit jersey. The skirt is a stable Ponte fabric. I absolutely love the colorful floral fabric.
I am quite top heavy but I am very happy that I do not have a stress lines across the chest nor do I have the prominent drag lines at the side that I usually get in ready to wear tops.
I achieved this by adding 1 inch across the bust level. When I sewed the top, I stretched the back to fit the front from one inch above the waist to one inch below the armhole (see pattern draft below). I also took up excess fabric caused by a large bust at the yoke / armhole area. Luckily, since the fabric was so stretchy, these adjustments were all I needed. With a more stable knit, I would also need a dart.
I used a 4 thread security stitch to construct most of the top. This provided a nice even narrow seam for the semi-sheer yoke and sleeves. (I used black thread but the thread is reflecting the sunlight from my window):
I finished the neckline edge and sleeve hem by turning the 1/2 inch seam allowance under by 1/4 inch and then again another 1/4 inch, then stitching using the sewing machine. I used my serger's coverstitch for the hem:
The skirt was a straightforward pencil skirt with an elastic waist.
I am very happy with the ensemble. It is slimming, colorful and comfortable. Best of all, it fits! And isn't a good fit the greatest benefit of sewing your own garments?
Happy sewing!
YES, a thousand times yes, it is worth all the effort to get clothing that fits. Your outfit looks really great. I'd have a big smile on my face too if I were wearing a top that didn't strain or have draglines at the bust.
ReplyDeleteNicely done!
Thanks so much! It's so wonderful not to have to settle for ill fitting ready-to-wear. What freedom we sewists have!
DeleteYou did a great job with the bust. Beautiful fit.
ReplyDeleteThank you! The best part is that when something fits, it's super comfortable.
DeleteThis is lovely. Great fit and you so suit this dress
ReplyDeleteThank you Dawn! I do love the bright colors of the print.
DeleteI appreciate seeing your pattern piece.
ReplyDeleteYour outfit looks great and I love the floral print with the sheer mesh.
You are welcome and thanks for the kind words. This top is one of my new favorites.
DeleteSuch a wonderful outfit especially using three different types of knits!
ReplyDeleteThank you Carolyn! It was fun working with the 3 different fabrics.
DeleteThis is great and I like how you used the floral print in the middle. Well done!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! I thought placing it in the middle would be the most fun.
DeleteYour design turned out wonderfully. I could see this designed as a dress with the floral placement.
ReplyDeleteYes, I see what you mean. An idea for a future project. Thanks!
DeleteVery nice - love the color blocking and its a wonderful fit too!
ReplyDeleteThank you Faye!
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