Simplicity 3790
It was finally time to just grab a pattern, some fabric, and get sewing without overanalysing the whole process. So I made this top, Simplicity 3790, view F with the sleeves from view E.
I have quite a few pieces of knit fabrics that I’ve bought cheaply in order to practice sewing with knits and to refine fitting. This one is a nylon jersey remnant which cost me $3.20. I cut this one out as a size 10, grading to a size 12 at the waist, hoping that the garment ease and neckline gathers would be enough to get over the boobs comfortably. I also shortened the length since I am so short-waisted.
It’s not too bad! I’m not sure about the sleeves – they hit right at the “tuckshop” part of the arms. The gathers at the sleeve head are okay though. I took a little too much out of the body length – probably half an inch would have been plenty – so had to do a very small hem.
But see those drag lines on the front? I’ll point them out for you if you hadn’t noticed already.
Conclusion – I made a size too small. Should have just done a size 12 with – you guessed it – a full bust alteration (FBA). I still find it a bit weird that a C cup is a “full bust” – I thought it was pretty average in Australia! I’ve got another top cut out in a 12 with a FBA I’m planning to sew today (different pattern, but still a Simplicity one – they must have had a huge sale on their patterns recently because I seem to have plenty) so we’ll see how it goes. Then I’ll make this one again in the 12 and compare the fit. I still think this one is wearable – but only if I don’t put on a skerrick of weight!
Hi Lara – The Top is great – I love the material – Looks right out of the store, actually even better – you have done well – Cheers Tania
I love GJs! It’s my Mecca everytime I got to Melbourne.
If you slouch, like those mannequin’s in my post last week, you won’t have a problem with boobage pullage.
I think the top looks lovely! And you certainly don’t have tuckshop arms!
Nice job Lara – I might get some tips off you later for adjusting patterns. I have no idea when it comes to that aspect of dressmaking.
Well donna, you can put on as much weight as you want …just not in the er….cup area as it were, and trust me your arms will do no tuckshop proud – a disting lack of flabbiness !
looks fantastic. Would love to make more clothes but then concerned that I might actually have to wear them. Great Job!!!
This is exactly what I’m in the process of trying- shirt E with the neckline from the tank top because I like it better. This is the first time I’m attempting gathers and I am finding the pattern instructions confusing because I’m no pro… any tips? Am I supposed to press seams first and then gather? It confuses me because that’s what it says for A-C, but it just starts with gathering for D-F, which seems weird if I’ve not yet pressed seams and such. Any info from your creating this one would be much appreciated!