First a big huge thanks for all of the lovely comments on my Jungle January dress. Most appreciated.
Now my second post in as many days - hope you don't get sick of me.
As mentioned in my last post, I made a Jalie 8 gore skirt in a beautiful Hybrid Crepe from EmmaOneSock. This fabric is really gorgeous with stretch :-) :-) :-) and 2 sides - one matt and darker and one a little shiney. I chose the matt side of course - shine being the enemy of the bulge. (I just read this back LOL - of course the fabric has 2 sides - DOH!)
I have made this skirt before but this time I actually put all 8 gores in LOL.. last time I carefully measured and when I altered the pattern to fit me I was surprised at how tight it turned out when made up (check out the pic of the back) - only to find the 8th gore months later under a pile of fabric on my sewing table (told you before math is not my strong suit - although one would think I could count to eight). I have since undone one seam and the top and hem and inserted the 8th gore and it fits much better now...... When making this version I counted each gore as it went in if only to prove I can count to eight!!!!
Anyway - I really like this skirt and can wear this style of skirt a lot easier than a pencil shape which tends to tent over my tum.
This post is not only to show off my new skirt but to seek advice on the top. It is a RTW top (yes shame on me - I broke my RTW shun pledge - in a HUGE way - in the TVSN sales in December). Don't you just love television shopping - although what looks great on size 8 model doesn't necessarily translate to looking great on size BeaJay.
It really doesn't look good on someone so top heavy. Looks like a toffee apple.
First - I do like a peek a boo shoulder but the whole arm is way too much sausage on show so I shall put a small tack half way down the arm to hold it more together... now .... about the "fluff".
Should I take in the sides and sleeves a bit?
Take away the elastic?
Or both?
Or is it a lost cause?
I do so love the fabric and it fits right in with my planned navy work wardrobe.
Knock knock - Mrs Mole - are you there?? Any advice from you or any other of my talented sewing friends out there would be greatly appreciated.
Back
Thanking you in advance.
Now my second post in as many days - hope you don't get sick of me.
As mentioned in my last post, I made a Jalie 8 gore skirt in a beautiful Hybrid Crepe from EmmaOneSock. This fabric is really gorgeous with stretch :-) :-) :-) and 2 sides - one matt and darker and one a little shiney. I chose the matt side of course - shine being the enemy of the bulge. (I just read this back LOL - of course the fabric has 2 sides - DOH!)
I have made this skirt before but this time I actually put all 8 gores in LOL.. last time I carefully measured and when I altered the pattern to fit me I was surprised at how tight it turned out when made up (check out the pic of the back) - only to find the 8th gore months later under a pile of fabric on my sewing table (told you before math is not my strong suit - although one would think I could count to eight). I have since undone one seam and the top and hem and inserted the 8th gore and it fits much better now...... When making this version I counted each gore as it went in if only to prove I can count to eight!!!!
Anyway - I really like this skirt and can wear this style of skirt a lot easier than a pencil shape which tends to tent over my tum.
This post is not only to show off my new skirt but to seek advice on the top. It is a RTW top (yes shame on me - I broke my RTW shun pledge - in a HUGE way - in the TVSN sales in December). Don't you just love television shopping - although what looks great on size 8 model doesn't necessarily translate to looking great on size BeaJay.
It really doesn't look good on someone so top heavy. Looks like a toffee apple.
First - I do like a peek a boo shoulder but the whole arm is way too much sausage on show so I shall put a small tack half way down the arm to hold it more together... now .... about the "fluff".
Should I take in the sides and sleeves a bit?
Take away the elastic?
Or both?
Or is it a lost cause?
I do so love the fabric and it fits right in with my planned navy work wardrobe.
Knock knock - Mrs Mole - are you there?? Any advice from you or any other of my talented sewing friends out there would be greatly appreciated.
Back
Thanking you in advance.
Love your skirt!
ReplyDeleteI think you might be more satisfied with the top if you take it in some at on the sides. Maybe see how you like the sleeves once you tack them to decide if you want to take any out of the sleeve.
Firstly, I love that skirt on you - it really does suit you. You must make some more :).
ReplyDeleteAs for the top, I like it- tacking the sleeves though is a very good idea. It is just a different line and I think once you get rid of the sleeve problem you can then re-assess.
I broke my fast too - found some tops that suit me so nicely - first time ever. What's a girl to do?
Your skirt is a definite winner.
ReplyDeleteNow the top is a gorgeous colour on you and can see why you broke your fast. First tack those sleeves and then check. Is it batwing or kimono I really don't know the difference. How about tacking out some of the excess in the side seams and sleeves, as I don't mind the look of the elastic it gives you shape, and then try on again to see if it makes a difference.
Hi BeaJay, great job on the skirt, it's really lovely and you look great wearing it! Frankly, I think the blouse looks good. I had a similar blouse with sleeves like that. Tacking the sleeves like you describe really helped - otherwise there is just a bunch of sleeve volume getting in the way, IMO. The back of your top looks like it's maybe too baggy back there. I'm curious how Mrs. Mole would approach this too! I would consider fish-eye darts so you don't have to mess with the elastic bottom or the neckline. Another option, if you don't mind messing with the elastic bottom, would be vertical darts coming up from the hemline to control the fullness. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteYour skirt is pretty...looks very nice!!! I do like that top with the skirt...both the color and style. I agree with the others...perhaps change the sleeves and see if that makes a difference.
ReplyDeleteI think your skirt is a winner, swishy and pretty. Leaving out one of the gores is something I can imagine myself doing.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the other commenters. Address the sleeve, and see how that affects the silhouette. Maybe a bit taken out of the sides?"Definitely worth persevering with.
love the skirt looks like it has good weight, hangs beautifully definately a winner, and looks so different to your previous make what a difference adding the gores made. The top I agree with the other comments how about catching the sleeve opening in places so you have lots of little gapes, you could maybe anchor them with a small plain button for detail, and maybe take some in on the sides
ReplyDeleteLove the skirt (I have a couple too). You have lots of good advice on the top already and I do love the colour on you.
ReplyDeleteThis skirt looks lovely on you. You are definitely on a winner with this pattern. The blouse is very pretty too and you have had some great advice already in how to modify it. I'm sure you will make it work. Great outfit.
ReplyDeleteI LOLed about the 8th gore. Of course, the joke was completely lost on my husband. And who is Mrs Mole?
ReplyDeleteMrs Mole is a lovely lady who alters clothing - mainly bridal dresses - for neurotic brides and bridesmaids for a living and regales us with hilarious tales on her blog.
Deletelol I have an eight gore maybe more skirt pattern, thanks for the heads up to count! lol! the skirt loos fanrastic on you! now I've got to go dig my pattern out, will you help me count to eight? lol!
ReplyDeleteHelen
Funny story and the skirt is so pretty! The blouse. I agree, baste the sleeve opening closed first and get a good look. A more modified dolman/batwing line on the underarm might work very well with just a little adjustment! Such pretty fabric.
ReplyDeleteHave to agree with everyone. The skirt is fabulous and looks great. I don't think the front of the shirt has too much volume, it flatters you the way it is. The sleeves, like the idea of tiny buttons with maybe a loop out of matching fabric going along the edges every couple of inches to give you the look without it hanging wide open. Would it be possible to take a long dart along the center back that would pull in without affecting the neckline of hips? The back just looks too big to me? Anyway, lovely to have you back, and I promise we won't get tired of you!
ReplyDeleteWell BeaJay, if the back has a center seam, I'd pin out from the top neck edge all the way to the point where the elastic starts. Think of it as a huge fish eye dart being the widest at the waist area. If you don't have a center back seam, just pin it out like you do. That will take care of the excess in the back and will pull the side seams away from the front and possibly lift some excess fabric up too. The drape hanging over the elastic is a little long and not flattering but unless you have a band that can be removed and moved up an inch or so, it would involve removing elastic and who wants to do that if it has been channel stitched? Taking in the side seams is next and depending on what the sleeves look like after tacking them in the opening, you may want to take in the underarm sleeves as well to be a little less bat-like. Bat wings drag the bust down by dragging our eye down to some imaginary bust point even though your bra has the girls nice and high. Taking in the sides and stopping at the elastic area will also help bring the length up a little and show off your waist. That is about all I can say since I cannot see under the front or back drape. If you were here I'd pin everything first and decide what the plan was, if the back alteration works, I'd just do that since it involves one seam, if you need more, do the sides too. You know I am always going for the fastest/simplest/cheapest to make life easy...Good Luck, Sweetie!
ReplyDeleteI agree with sewing the top sleeve seam closed (I don't consider this a good look for most people). I would then turn the top inside out and lay it flat carefully, matching CF & CB, side seams, etc. and draw a new underarm seam. You could trace the garment as is, stopping at the CF/CB on newspaper or pattern paper. Starting at the hipline or waistline, and in from the wrist, draw a new, curved underarm seam going for a more dolman shape than a batwing, not too high, but cutting out some of that extra fabric. Hold the practice pattern up to you and see how you like it. If you still have too much fabric, you can still redraw the curve a bit higher. I drafted a similar top, and because I am only 5/2", I had to go through this process, but I really loved the final mini-batwing top.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful skirt! I like Mrs mole's thoughts on the top. The colour looks great on you, worth trying!
ReplyDeleteAs with everyone else, I love the skirt. Big win! It does lovely things to your legs too. :)
ReplyDeleteI actually like the top. It's really cute! I think the tacks on the sleeves is a good idea. The only thing I don't really like is how big it looks at the back, it's almost too wide. I'm curious if tacking the sleeves will snug it up a bit since you won't have part of the sleeve hanging back and adding to the bulk in the back. Then I'd probably nip out a bit along the side-seams just where you need it, likely taking out the most at the armpit and tapering down to the hip and sleeve hem. You could always pin/baste out some to see if it helps.
If that pulls it too much in the front (because I like the look of the front, but YMMV), you might want to open up the side seams and just take out width from the back only.
Just some (babbly) thoughts. You look very lovely in this outfit, but I know if you're not certain or a bit uncomfortable about a garment, you'll probably not reach for it (or so I've found), so I hope you can make a few tweaks to make it perfect!
Ooo, I like Mrs.Mole's answer better!
DeleteAlso, love the lost gore! :D
I love the skirt - make more. And the top looks good too. The colour is fabulous and I prefer the sleeves sewn together. I think otherwise the top looks good but you may prefer to take in the kimono sleeves a bit more - from the back they look a bit too much. I think the outfit is really nice on you!
ReplyDeleteYes, I like Mrsmole's suggestion of putting in a dart that goes the length of the back.
DeleteI love the skirt. I was going to answer that you should try taking the side seams in on the top, but I like Mrs. Mole's suggestion to dart out the back. I love the fabric on the top--it's definitely worth playing around with to see if you can get ride of some of the excess ease. (Yes, I know that a top like that is supposed to be loose fitting, but there's a HUGE amount of ease there.)
ReplyDeleteLove the skirt BeaJay, very flattering style on you. Hilarious about the missing gore last time. Good luck on the blouse, lots of good suggestions above, I do agree that the elastic waist adds flattering definition.
ReplyDeleteMany years ago I took a class with Sandra Betzina. For full busted women, she suggested laying the top flat and moving the side/arm sleeve up at least 2" to start, and more by 1" increments until you like the look and fit. It's necessary to do both seams to get the proportions right. I think your idea of tacking the overly long shoulder opening is a very good one, but I'd like to suggest that you do tacks about every 3" or so. A bit of flesh will show as you move, but the sleeve will maintain it's shape. BTW, the lines of that skirt suit you to a "T." I can see it in a soft silk for evening, too.
ReplyDeleteYour skirt is fabulous and very flattering to your pretty ankles. Re the top: what everybody else has said. I think the back of the sleeves are flopping down and making the back look even looser than it is. Once they have been tacked up in a couple of places you will be able to see how the back really fits and whether the sides need taking in.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you finished this skirt it looks great on you. The length and the flare are very flattering. The top looks nice from the front but there probably is a bit too much fabric there in the back - I'd go with what Mrs Mole says, she's the expert!
ReplyDeleteThat skirt is fantastic on you. I must get out my copy of that pattern because I'm also in love with the swishy skirts lately. I think all that is needed with the top is to tack the arm slit as you mentioned. It IS a more voluminous style but I think it looks pretty darn nice on you. If you absolutely can't stand it, try a few basting stitches up the sides and see if you can still move in it and like the new effect.
ReplyDeleteI have a shirt very similar to this one, and it the sleeve joined near the elbow, so that essentially there are 2 slits in the sleeve instead of 1 long one. It helps tremendously! I don't feel like every lump and dimple of my arms is showing when I wear it.
ReplyDeleteit has the sleeves...not only can I not find my sewjo, but apparently I have lost my ability to type! ;)
DeleteWoW, I lot that outfit. Before I read anything (including comments ... you have so many!) I thought the whole outfit looked great and the top is a great colour on you. I haven't read the comments so this may have been said already but I think putting the tack on the sleeve is great and I would put a centre back seam as it looks too blousy in the middle back area to me. But having said that, would I bother... probably not.
ReplyDeleteI could never get sick of you. More! More! More!
ReplyDeleteI love the skirt. I need to sew more wardrobe basics. I sew all these pretty prints and bright colors and end up with blouses that don't go with any skirt or slacks I own.
I actually like your outfit a lot and didn't see any problems with it! I think the blouse-y top balances out well with the more tubular straight skirt very nicely. I laughed at the story of the 8th gore showing up much later, haha! I think we've all done it at one point!
ReplyDeleteYour little "sin" of breaking the fast is very understandable with that precious fabric, dear BeaJay. The print of it reminds me of the summer sky with some white clouds interrupted, I love this top as it is now .. you should enjoy it without changing anything, so lovely!
ReplyDeleteAnd that skirt is a winner, I laughed a lot with your math ... love your sense of humor, dear Lady.
And of course I thank you for your vote in Rhonda's challenge, you are adorable !!
Love the skirt - it's all about the gores you know! I particularly like it when the skirt fits through the hips and has a flippy hem like yous! My favorite skirt style. And, I with Carolyn - the top is lovely. I also like the loose top and more fitted skirt - particularly as it all comes together over your hips. Very flattering!
ReplyDeleteThis combination looks really nice on you. Love the skirt and the top.
ReplyDelete