Sewing for ME! ...and a simple Pattern "Up-Sizing" Method.
The pattern I used for this top is my absolute favorite cowl pattern, Ottobre Design (Woman) issue 02/09, #5. However, I have "up-sized" since I last made one of these, so I needed to "up-size" the pattern. I didn't need to change much in the back, but I needed to add more room in the front. So, since this is a simple pattern for knit fabrics with a cut-on facing...my options for accomplishing this could be much less 'textbook' than if I was making changes to a pattern designed for woven fabrics.
So, here is what I did..to the Front of the tunic only--
I just moved the Center Front about 1" away from the fold of the fabric, and cut straight across at the top edge, and at the hem edge. That's it!
Now I had a front garment piece that gave me the 2" of extra room I needed for the "extra" that exists on my front at the moment ;) Adding that extra width also made the cowl a little deeper...a side-effect I happen to like.
SEWING NOTES-- Fabrics shown were purchased at www.GorgeousFabrics.com Ottobre Patterns can be found at www.OttobreDesign.com
Labels: My Wardrobe, Ottobre Woman, Tips / Techniques
15 Comments:
What a beautiful top! The fabric in the pattern picture is different than the finished top - that must mean you are on to a second top? I have done that tip before. It works well with certain styles of patterns, and for elastic waist skirts. I feel so relieved seeing you use it too - lol.
Enjoy your new, beautiful clothes!
Patti
I make this simple alteration all the time! Your top looks fantastic and I'm sure it will wear wonderfully!
How easy that was! That fabric is so pretty. I want some of it!
This looks lovely Pam, beautiful style and fabric.
Your top looks beautiful.
I do a variation of that, which is that to accommodate my, ahem, ass-ets, I swing the bottom edge out a little wider than the top edge to give me the extra room I need down there.
Hi Carolyn and Toby...
Yes, this little simple method comes in handy, doesn't it?
Toby...I've used it for my "assets" pattern piece too, just as you describe! I was going to show it along with the front adjustment, but I was leery of the criticism I *know* I'd get in comments for daring to "skew" a grain-line (it's happened before and I am not in the mood to defend my methods;).
Great top! I am so glad you got to make some things for yourself. This is really nice.
What a lovely top! Isn't it wonderful when you can make a "quick and dirty" alteration and it all works out well.
Great top - looks stylish and comfy!
A very pretty top and it looks perfect with your necklace.
Great looking top and great tip, which I have used from time to time on both my clothes and on kids clothes. Re: criticism of your methods, I'm amazed that people would post any. You've shared some wonderful ideas, and if a method works, well, it works! I'm going to see if I can fudge this cowl neckline idea onto one of my existing patterns to make some vacation clothes quickly. I leave next Saturday, so time to get a moving.
Hi Joan...I didn't mean to sound so defensive about criticism. I enjoy healthy debate and I encourage it...and I never mind answering questions when I post a method, tutorial, etc.
My threshold for criticism is just a bit low these days...for personal reasons ;)
I really like this top - I've always made it s/less but you've inspired me to try long sleeves for a cute wintery look.
I always say easy is best, why labour if you don't have to?!
Thanks for a great blog Pam!
Ellie
Really nice waterfall cleavage shirt. I love them too and they are really quick done.
Love
Chnuesi
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