Saturday 10 May 2014

Dressmaking–2 versions of same pattern

Here’s my latest dressmaking – 2 versions of the Wiksten Tova top.  I made the brown and red one first in very cheap fabric from the local market.  It is probably a polycotton.  They are both very thin, drapey fabrics, but hey! they work fine for this top!  In fact I prefer this version because it is so drapey and light.  It will be a lovely ‘cover up’ top to wear in the summer.

 Triumph 032 Triumph 033

The second version is made from a lovely crisp cotton fabric I bought in Fabricland (along with my haul!) last week.  I love the colour combo of this minty green with my coral cardigan.

Triumph 004Triumph 005

Triumph 006Triumph 008Triumph 007

I made the collar smaller in this version, following the sew along on Kerry’s blog here, and shortened the sleeves. I love that you can google a dress pattern and find sew alongs and flickr pages with lots of different versions for inspiration!

Although I love this fabric, I think it is too stiff for this pattern.  See how the neck looks too big?  I am beginning to realise that I have narrow shoulders and upper bust.  Therefore what I really need to do is a Full Bust Adjustment (FBA).  Most patterns are cut for a B cup, so if you have a bigger bust, you use your upper bust measurement, then alter the pattern using an FBA.  I am trying (and failing!) to do one on  Simplicity K1913.  It has a lovely princess seam top, so I am following this tutorial.  (Check out her gorgeous ‘Doris Day’ suit for her entry in Project Sewn! Actually only check this if you want to spend at least an hour checking everyone else’s entry!)  I am hoping to make a really good fitting bodice to which I can add different skirts.  Watch this space – it is going to take while!

6 comments:

Fiona@Staring at the Sea said...

Both tops look great. What would we do without Fabricland for affordable materials?! Kerry is brilliant. I couldn't figure out how to cut the lining for an unlined skirt pattern and she showed me what to do at our last sewing meet up. Fitting is the most difficult thing for me. Although I am the opposite and need to learn how to do a SBA!

Caz.P. said...

Both of your tops look great. We tend to be a bit too critical of our own sewing, don't we? I am guilty of that too!

Sian said...

It's inspiring to see the different versions and to hear about the adjustments you are working on. Great stuff

Caz.P. said...

Both your tops look great. We tend to be a bit too critical of our own sewing don't we. I'm guilty of thay too.

alexa said...

Those are lovely photos of you in your tops - the minty green is lovely, though it's a shame if it feels too stiff. I do admire your ability with the machine!

debs14 said...

Wow! I love how you've made such different variations. Love the colour of the second one with that coral cardi. Beautiful!