Friday, July 30, 2010

Clothing Construction

I'm feeling the crunch of time with school starting soon.  Next Tuesday for me and August 9 for my new kiddos.  There are many positives for the upcoming year and the negatives are things that can be dealt with...like there's a choice.  As excited as I am for the upcoming year, a big part of me will miss my days of doing what I want, when I want.   

Last month I decided to try clothing construction again.  Making clothing was my earliest introduction to sewing from 4-H when I was about the age of my 3rd graders.  To this day, you will never find me making any kind of drawsting bag or triangular head scarf, since those were the very first things that I made, learning to sew.  Don't get me wrong, there's nothing the matter with either of those, but they take me back to more years ago than I will admit.  And I need to move on.

So, in the wonderful era of internet that we live in today, I did some research on how to make commercial patterns fit me.  My problem is "the girls."  I need an FBA (Full Bust Adjustment).  Just to set the record straight, if you do not need this, be thankful!

I had a simple top pattern, Simplicity 5921.  I followed the graphics from So-So Sewist using the McCall's method for my modifications.    It seemed (seamed?!...sewing joke...haha!) to address my concerns and ended up working very well for me.


I was a good girl and made a muslin from my initial changes to check the fit...that was a first for me!  This fits nicely, although it could be better if I had had someone to help me with the fittings.  And the picture could be better if I had had someone to help me with the photography!  

I added my own touch with the bias trim on the neckline, armholes, and hemline.  Love the results, even though it took a lot of time to do.  Now, I have fabric for another top from this pattern and have an idea of how to change the neckline, armholes, & hemline.

Time to go experiment.

  
Check out the fabulous finds from these links:

Fabric Fun Thursday @ Cheap Chic Home
Make It Wear It @ The Train to Crazy (Absolutely LOVE the name of this blog!!!)
Finished for Friday @ Lit and Laundry
Sew & Tell @ amylouwho
Sunday Showcase Party @ Under the Table and Dreaming

     

   

10 comments:

Threeundertwo said...

Good for you! I've never mastered adjusting patterns. Thanks so much for linking up to Finished for Friday!

Nancy said...

Jan, That is a cute top. I like the bias tape neckline, arm holes and hem. I have a similar problem with fitting as you do and I have never tried to adjust a pattern. It sounded way too hard. I will have to check that out.

amylouwhosews said...

really cute! I need a FBA too. Never tried it though. Glad you joined us for sew & tell!

Okay Let's Go Knit said...

Nice Jan! I don't have a problem with 'the girls'...what's the butt/thigh counter-part to them?

p.s.phyllis sews said...

Great work and the success on this project will definitely be a boost for the next project. Good luck!

Larri said...

Great top! I'd rather sew clothes than anything. Isn't a great feeling to wear something you've made? Thanks for sharing. Happy Sewing! :o)

www.seamsinspired.com

Amy said...

Cute shirt! I really like the bias accents. Thanks for sharing! I'm stopping by from Under the Table and Dreaming.

Holly Lefevre said...

Very cute! Love your sewing humor! It is so hard to get a good fit unless you have someone who knows what they are doing help you out...looks fabulous anyway!

Penny said...

I love using bias to finish the neckline and armholes.Great top!

FlyAwayHome said...

I am so happy you visted my site because it brought me to yours. What a great site. I am your newest follower.