Monday, June 20, 2011

Simplicity 3692: Built by Wendy top

A finished top AND two posts in one day!

The verdict?  Cute in theory.  Let's start with the good!


The fabric is very sweet, a vintage, lightweight cotton c. 1980 I'd guess?  My mom made me a blue rosebud nightgown out of very similar blue rosebud fabric in 1980 for a talent show...I sang "Would You Like to Swing On a Star", while my Brownie & Girl Scout troop flitted about behind me in costumes to match the verses.  Wish I had a video!

My piece of fabric was thrifted at a nearby flea market.  I had just enough for this little top.  Actually I didn't have quite enough to do the bodices & lining, so I cut the bodices on the selvedge and seamed them.  I covered the front with a raw-edge ruffle and a white bias tube:


Here's a closer view of the center front, I had to add a couple of tucks too; the front bodice was too wide:


The back, I just left seamed.  No one will notice!


I lined the bodices in white Imperial batiste, and used a bias binding of the same batiste for the armholes:


Simple turned up & stitched hem...


All well and good, right?  Bah.  I made this pattern last year or maybe it was the year before.  And I had a ton of trouble with the bodice.  I guess I never went back and fixed the pattern?  Because I had the exact same problems today!  The back bodice is too narrow, the front bodice is too wide.  The neckline is too high. I added tucks to take up the excess width, but then I get some pulling at the bustline that wasn't there before I added them.  

Also, the gathering is in the wrong spot, I think.  All in all, just not a pattern that works for my particular figure.  But, it's cool and not uncomfortable, so I'll wear it around home.  I did want to share a photo of me wearing it though...  No reason to only share successes right?


I guess this pattern and I are parting ways now.  A shame, as I really like the style.

13 comments:

  1. Not certain that you have to give it up. I think the problem may only be that it is a little tight on the side seams causing the gathers to pull. Otherwise it is quite flattering. Love the sunlit shots, its so cold in Sydney now.

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  2. I think I agree with Gail, I'd maybe see if you could take it out a little? Because it's awfully cute.

    I mean, "it's very cute" not it's "awful". heh.

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  3. Very cute. I love it on you.

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  4. Nothing like a cool and comfy top for around-the-house wear on a summer day. It's cute! enjoy it!

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  5. Shame:-( The fabric is sweet and the raw ruffle is a great touch. Things have to fit though to be comfortable.

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  6. Looks great dont give up !

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  7. been there, made that mistake before babe, we all do. say buhbye to it!

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  8. What a dirty shame it didn't work, the fabric is adorable.

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  9. What a dirty shame it didn't work, the fabric is adorable.

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  10. How did I miss this? I wonder if Gail has a point - let the side seams out a wee bit and see if it's more comfortable. It's definately adorable. g

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  11. i see what you mean, but dang it's a cute top. what if you went all surgical on it, slashed the shoulder seams open, and added 3-4 inches, extending the shoulders almost like a tank top and dropping the bodice lower to get a lower neckline & have the gathering hit you better?

    i have had too much coffee.

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  12. I might be wrong, but I think that top is drafted for knits, which could be why you are unhappy with the fit? I think it looks good though, cute and summer-like.

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  13. I really like it. Only problem is there isn't enough bust room. Add a bust dart and DON'T rotate it into the gathers. I think'll you'll love it and it will look great on you. In fact, I may just have to make me something similar.

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