Those of you that know me in real life can stop laughing now as yes, I do resemble the Cat Lady from The Simpsons on most occasions (nor do I care) but recent changes in my day job mean that I am going to have to bite the bullet and start dressing like a sensible adult. However, I hate with a passion most of the baggy, shapeless tents that pass for plus-sized clothes, plus I don't want to look like a corporate Stepford Wife. Is it possible to retain a bit of individuality and still toe the party line? I am going to give it a good try.I have cut out the pattern this week for Simplicity 2339. This pattern is one from their "Amazing Fit" range which has different sized pattern pieces for A, B, C and D-cups. All well and good but a bit of a non-event for me as I still have to do a 4-inch FBA over and above the biggest size, plus a broad back adjustment. I am really taking my time doing the flat-pattern alterations and am using both my Fast Fit book from Sandra Betzina and the "Sew Busted" Maria Alto DVD to help with the FBA and lowering the bust dart. And people ask why I never make myself anything!
I actually have muslin to make a muslin up in. I am taking this really seriously as I would like to have some smart, well-fitting shirts for a change and a TNT pattern would be nice. However, I am not sure that my fabric choices are serious. First off on the left I have a lovely vintage cotton sheet, the fabric is beautiful, and on the right is some quilting cotton "Flea Market Fancy" from Westminster Fibres that I bought in John Lewis. I am hankering after polka dot button plackets and collar/cuffs with these but might just play it safe. The quilting cotton is quite thin so I thought it would be OK for a shirt. I will get the final adjustments cut out tomorrow night. Hope that it fits after all the changes.
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Excuse me Miss but your shirt is sheet. Well! There's no need to be rude. |
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Fashionable? I don't give a hoot. |
Kxx
Organic. Some might say chaotic. Certainly not planned, not at all. But then I don't need a work wardrobe, or a certain type of clothing, and just dressing to suit myself is pretty flexible and easy. I do move things on though, I tend to know in my heart of hearts when I'm not going to wear something enough to justify keeping it.
ReplyDeleteI am hugely impressed at all your pattern altering, muslin-making, and shirt creating! It seems very complicated to me... Please show us the finished article(s). I think your shirts will find the balance perfectly between party line and self-expression. Great prints (not sheet at all!) and lovely necklaces. xxx
It is great that you can do that. I am such a hoarder. I have started to give away loads of stuff to charity shops in a bid to clear the clutter though. Your clothes are lovely and are so coordinated. I suppose that it takes a critical mass so that you have stuff that goes with other stuff, especially with vintage as you have to get it when you see it. I hope that the shirts come out OK too. Usually they are too tight or too big and I just get p***ed off and chuck them. :) xx
DeleteI love the Amazing Fit line from Simplicity. I also usually have to do a bit more to the bust measurement as well it puts me closer to a better fit. And I love that owl necklace!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sewmuch2learn, I do have quite a few patterns from them ( 2475, 2217 and the OOP pink blouse with the awful ruffle on the front) although this one is probably my favourite. Still not made any of them yet but have finished all the dreaded FBA on this one now so will cut out the muslin later on. It is great that they are starting to do them in DD and DDD cups now too.
DeleteWow, I am very impressed by all your pattern alterations and I can't wait to see the finished shirt x
ReplyDeleteHi Josie, thank for your kind comment. Not a luxury for me but a necessity. Watch this it probably still won't fit me :)
DeleteHa ha, sounds as though we may be cut from the same plus size sheet! I even have that lovely Flea market fancy fabric waiting to be made up in to something for little old moi. Good luck with the blouse, if you need any extra advice on the how to's on altering the pattern I'm happy to offer my extensive pattern cutting knowledge.
ReplyDeleteHello Flaming Nora. Love the name, it made me chortle a bit. Thank you, you never know I might just take you up on that one. I can cut patterns for many people and things but have a bit of a mental block when it comes to me. We have great taste in fabric! xx
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