It is so gratifying when you've finally completed something that you've been working on for a while. This corset/bustier style top took two muslins and two fashion fabric tops to get it right. And I love the way it turned out.
So today I want to give my final pattern review with all the changes that went into making this top. BTW- the skirt was a piece of cake.
There are two posts already published. Links to each follows:
Notes on a Pattern Simplicity S9894 - This post basically gives some insight on the pattern and my first attempt at the FBA.
Notes on a Pattern Simplicity S9894-Part II - Continues with working on the fit of the corset top. I provided illustrations on how I made additional adjustments to suit my taste.
After the second post, I continued tweaking the fit of the corset top. I took some time and several putting on and taking off until I got the fit just right. I suspect anyone wanting to try this top will have to go through a similar process. With that said, me get to the other details.
Pattern Description: Cropped corset top with bust cups has underwire for support. Skirt has a slightly lowered waist and offered in two length variations. Top and skirt both have size zippers. Top has separate pattern pieces pattern for B, C, and D cups sizes for Miss and C, D, and DD cup sizes for Women.
Pattern Sizing: Sizes 10-18 and 20W- 28W. I used size 18 with lots of modifications for the corset and size 16 for the skirt.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it did, except for the width of the straps. I made mine twice the width.
Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were typical, and there was nothing confusing in them. Easy.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I wanted to try this corset type top. It reminds me of a long-line bra. And bra making is something I want to try. This top seemed to be a good way to practice bra making. The skirt pattern design is a common pattern design that I probably have in at least a dozen pattern that I own.
Fabric Used: It was a gift to me some time ago. And I thought this pattern would be great for it. A linen fabric with embroidered polka-dots on it. I love working with natural fabrics. So easy to handle. But this one presented a little challenge with the polka-dots. The embroidery was raised and sometimes got caught in the machine. But overall, the fabric was okay to work with.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
- FBA - See previous posts for details on making the FBA adjustment. There was more tweaks to make here and there to get the right fit.
- I raised the neckline and added a few inches to the hem of the corset.
- I doubled the width of the straps.
- No underwire inserted. The corset fit just fine without it.
- For the skirt, I lengthen the short version by eight inches.
- Because I had limited fabric left, I made a straight waistband about 2.5 inches wide doubled.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Of course. I did a lot of adjusting. I will certainly sew the corset top again. And I do recommend it to others. Make a muslin or two. Lol
Conclusion: I am so pleased with the results of this outfit. It turned out very well. I hope to make it again soon.
Wow! All of your hard work paid off. The pattern adjustments that you made look very complicated to me. Impressive!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much.
DeleteCennetta, I am super impressed -- you achieved a fantastic, truly professional fit through that bodice and your dress looks amazing on you! Thanks for providing the links to your earlier posts on this project. It looks like all of the time you invested up front in those muslins and tweaks paid off in the end. I'm curious about the original shape of the bust cups before you revised them -- do you think the designer made the boobs deliberately pointy shaped to play up the retro fashion style because women used to wear pointy bras on purpose back in the '40s and '50s? I'm with you on that, too. I can admire the retro fashion but I don't want my boobs to look like footballs under my dress, either. ;-). Congratulations on a very successful and flattering finish!
ReplyDeleteHi Rebecca. Thank you for your kind words. I'm bot sure if the pointed cups were on purpose or not. It did take some time, though to figure is out. Good thing about the top, you don't have to wear a bra. Lol thanks again.
DeleteGorgeous! Worth the work. Love it!
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Deletea lot of work to get the fit right but it is perfect on you. what a great summer dress. (Beth)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Beth. Yes, you are right. Sometimes it is so involved.
DeleteYou are the master of fitting and your sewing skills are perfection! Karen in Austin
ReplyDeleteKaren, You are too kind. I'm just practicing, trying to get it right. Thank you.
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