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.
