Thursday, December 31, 2009

Pink Is the New Red...I Hope...

I finished this top today. I wanted something easy to make after I finished the hoodie-that-took-forever (I'll put the hoodie up later. I need to take some pics of that.) My fabric did not have stripes, and I really liked that aspect of the design, so I added stripes using my coverstitch machine. All of my projects lately have centered around my CS machine since it was a fabulous Christmas present from my sweetie.


The directions were fairly good and easy to understand. They suggest that you hand stitch the hem on the neck. HA! I have a perfectly good serger and CS machine. Phoooey on that idea from Burda.


The front fits well. I cut out a 14 (40). Usually I need to add 3-4" to the length of any top, but I did not here and I like it. If you're shorter, I'd recommend measuring to see where it will hit you, just so it doesn't swallow you.

The back is another fitting issue. I am going to take out the extra fabric in the back. I decided to wear the shirt for a day or two and decide if I wanted the wearing ease or not. After looking at the pictures, I should take it in...those wrinkles aren't nice.


Here are the topstitching details. I'm super happy about this part...


I like the top. Once I straighten out the fitting problem with the back, I may make another one.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Um, Still Alive...And, Need Fitting Advice

Here's a pattern I've been struggling with for a long while. I'll start with this shirt that I just made: Simplicity 4076



The front is fine. Nothing special. It fits ok. I'm not crazy about the fabric...I ordered that one online and wasn't expecting it to be so orange. From the shoulders to the navel, it's a 12 graded up to a 16 on the hips. I also added three inches to the torso. I'd say I need a little more fabric around the hips. I measured me, I followed the pattern measurements. It should work. Maybe I needed to add the inches in a different place!


The back is a huge problem. I had to take a tuck in the back neckline to keep it from gaping or falling off my shoulders. Around the small of my back, there is too much fabric...and then we go back to too little fabric around the hips. Fitting suggestions would be helpful!!!



Even though I'm not thrilled with the shirt, these pics are of the COVERSTITCHING! I got a new Babylock Coverstitch Machine for Christmas. (Ok, a little early, I know....there won't be anything under the tree for me...that's ok!)


See how pretty?!?! I actually look forward to hemming and finishing the knit edges. I am just obsessed with this machine and how I can use it next. Let me know if you have any project ideas that are intensive on the coverstitching!


In conclusion, I can wear the shirt, but I wouldn't make it again. Drat. I need a good T-shirt pattern with neckline options. Any suggestions there?