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Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Pencil Skirt disappointment and Pattern Review

I am so disappointed. I don't make a lot of skirts because I can usually find one on clearance somewhere. With all the buzz about pencil skirts I decided to bite the bullet and make one. I eyed the fabric at JoAnn's for a couple of weeks but didn't know what I could use it for. It's a cotton, polyester and spandex blend. Then I had my "aha" moment and it was on sale...and the rest is history. As soon as I got home I washed and dried it. I trimmed my intended pattern and set everything aside. This evening I went to my sewing room with the intention of cutting my fabric and to my utter dismay I didn't buy enough fabric! For some reason I thought the fabric was 58" wide when in fact it's only 45". What a bummer no way do I have enough fabric. If they had acutally cut the fabric straight I might have been able to get away with the 1 1/4 yard I bought but I'm lacking about 2" on each end! If I recall there wasn't much of the fabric left on the bolt. I'll be making a trip back to the store first thing tomorrow because I have my heart set on this particular fabric now.
Butterick 4789


Pattern Description: Maggy London Twist Top
Pattern Sizing:8-22
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes
Were the instructions easy to follow?
This is the second time I've made this top so didn't need the instructionsWhat did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?I love the twist but this top is not for the modest. The nature of the twist is such that it results in a very deep V above the twist.
Fabric Used:
Matte jersey.
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
On the first top I trimmed the wrong size on the part that was to be the upper side seam and as a result I had to make a small armsyce dart to prevent gaping at the armhole. This time I added to the pattern piece that amount that I'd cut off. I have a wide back and usually have to make an adjustment for it so I omitted the back darts. Also I thought the first one I made rode up a little on my bust because I didn't to a FBA. On this pattern doing a FBA was not impossible, just more work than I wanted to do. This time I added 5/8" on the bottom of the seam that is under the bust. So that the side seams would still match, I gradually graded back to the original seam at the side. It made a huge difference. If you look at the front of the two tops you can tell.
Would you make it again? Do you recommend it for others?
I don't think I'll make this again this season but who knows. I would recommend it to others.
Conclusion: This top is too cute and too easy.

7 comments:

  1. I hope you find more of that same fabric. That's a big print that will require matching, so extra would be needed. Good luck with the skirt. Another great top!

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  2. That is a great print! I sure home you can find some more. This has happened to me before and trust me, once this happens you are very alert from that point on!

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  3. I hope you can find enough of the fabric. I really like it! That top is wonderful. I feel like I am getting closer and closer to sewing for myself again. I've bought some patterns.

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  4. That floral print would make the perfect pencil skirt and hope you can get your hands on more of it.

    Great blouse, I have used that same fabric for a dress.

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  5. Your top turned out so cute. Love the colors. Hope you find enough of your other fabric to finish your skirt.

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  6. I hate when I don't have enough of something and there is a chance I can't get more. Nothing beats the magic of having something set in your head of how you want it to be.

    The top is nice though. HOpe you were able to get the amount you needed.

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  7. Great top,the print is gorgeous.

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