Simplicity 3927 is an "It's so easy" pattern for a tunic with handkerchief-like sleeves (View A) or a sleeveless version (View B). The bodice is fully lined. I made View B.
Although this pattern is designed for wovens, I decided to use a matte jersey print from Gorgeous Fabrics. Since my fabric is a knit, I eliminated the center back zipper. If I make this again, I will eliminate the center back seam and cut on the fold. I didn't do it this time because I wasn't sure if I would need to do some adjusting to the back neck line. I found out, I did not. The back neckline does not gape. I cut a size 10, but had to do several modifications to "Make it Work".
The bust is probably designed for a large B or C cup. I am not that big, so I had to take about 1/2" off the bottom of the bodice top where you would gather for the cup. I also decided to add 1/4" to the front and back shoulder seams to give me more room in the armhole. This lowered the front V. The V-neck is already cut pretty low so I ended up taking 5/8" off the center front bodice section. This raised the V-neck considerably and reduced the size of the cup. So it was a good adjustment for me. Since my bodice was now reduced by 1 1/4", I also had to reduce the midriff front and lower front panel by the same amount. Once I did this, my pattern pieces matched up and came together perfectly. I didn't make any adjustments to the back pieces. I took 4" off the hem.
One thing I do not like about the pattern is that the midriff pieces are cut wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. This shape causes some gaping under the bust along the midriff line. In the future, I would cut my midriff piece like a rectangle and eliminate the wider curve at the top. My bust is so small, I don't need this curve. Also, the instructions do not tell you to understitch along the neckline or armhole. This is imperative if you do not want your lining to show at the neckline or armhole seam. It was especially important for me since I ran out of fashion fabric and had to cut my front bodice lining pieces out of white matte jersey. Overall, I am happy with how this top turned out and it is a great travel outfit, since it does not wrinkle.
I made the skirt from another clearance dress that I picked up with this dress. It is a petite size 6 made out of black matte jersey. The bodice did not fit me, but the six paneled skirt portion did, and it was well made. So I cut the bodice off and attached 1" wide elastic to the top and turned it down and coverstitched.
Oh, I love a skirt that is this easy to come by! Happy Sewing!
13 comments:
Cute, cute, cute! I think I recognize your top fabric. You have a great outfit!
I like your top. I never thought to sew this pattern using a knit. I made it in a woven several years ago (the pattern is a re-issue) but never wore it because it was too restrictive.
Cute outfit!
Nice! I like the top, and that you have the knowledge to make all those adjustments and come out with something that looks like it was made exactly for your body ...
What's your solution for time to run? I'm sure it's not loading all your boys in the jogging stroller. :) (Although, once at a 20K race in Dallas I was passed about a mile from the finish by a man pushing a fully loaded quad stroller, he was amazing!) With homeschooling it seems that it must be a challenge ...
I'm starting "school" with my goose again on Monday too. hope you have a great year!
Nice ensemble! You did a great job!
Very cute top!
Thanks all. With regards to running Caroline, I usually wait till evening when DH gets home and run in my neighborhood for 30-40 minutes before dinner. Now that soccer season has started, I can run around the .6 mile track, several loops to get my mileage, at the soccer fields while DS's are practicing. When the kids were very young I didn't run too much, but went to the gym instead where there was a great nursery. Keep at it, however you can! The baby jogger worked great for my first, but I couldn't use that anymore when the other two came along!
Great top - it looks fab with your refashioned skirt!
Miss Shannon, thanks for sharing ... I'm always encouraged by how other people have kept at it. The jogging stroller has been wonderful for the last 4 years (even ran hill repeats with him in it) but we're coming to the end of that era. I have several ideas, and am a little bit excited about how it will pan out ... I think I'm going to try evening some too as it allows me to get my sleep and the evenings are starting to cool off - a little!
That's such a pretty top and a great outfit overall. I certainly have never thought of refashioning a garment I didn't even own yet!
Wow! With all those adjustments it's barely the same pattern, but practically your own design now! Do you think the refitting was needed because of using a stretchy knit rather than a woven, which necessarily needs an ease allowance because of the lack of stretch?
Great job with the fitting, and thanks for the useful tips. I nearly always need to adjust the torso and bust portion of my patterns too, often in much the same way you've described...
And it looks beautiful. I love the print you've chosen!
Definitely a good travel top! I love that it could be either professional or casual, depending on what you wear it with.
Love your top! Hope you have a wonderful week.
Post a Comment