According to the envelope, I am a perfect size 14. However, according to my muslin for Simplicity 2443 I am clearly not. This is a good picture to show the extra fabric at the waist and the gaping at the arm holes. I am cutting a size 12 next before I cut into my designed interlock for an upcoming post for Fabric.com (super excited about this knit).
* I have just finished the top in the size 12 and it fit well but there is still gapping under the arms. I am going to take up the straps about an inch for modesty but I want to eliminate the gapping at the same time. Hmmm....
You can really see the gapping in the above shot. It is drastic but I love this knit. It's a medium weight jersey, cotton. I must say I am loving the knits lately. It must be the walking foot and the ball point needles. I am totally into it. I am cutting the 12 out of my husband's now too small jersey striped polo shirt. It is too small for the facing strips but I will be able to cut all the top pieces out of it. It is going to look hot! I am matching it up with a brown interlock. The color doesn't match exactly but it is close enough.
here's a shot of the back of the dress. Sorry about the bra. The bands were tricky to attach but once I clipped into them as recommended by the pattern, it made it 100% easier.
Here's my Sewing Pattern Review
Hi,
Here is what I see. It looks like you are a bit short waisted. The fabric bunching above your waist is an indicator of that. Easy to fix before you cut into fabric. There is usually a line for adjusting at or above the waist on a pattern.
As for the armholes. Is it possible they got stretched a bit during sewing? Sometimes using "stay-tape" to stabilize a seam on a curve is necessary. You can also subtly add a some ease to help the fabric "cup" around the front of the armhole too.
Hope this helps! Looks like you're doing a nice job!
Posted by: Roberta Pitts | Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 02:29 PM
I think I'd be inclined to take the underarms apart and take in the side seam a bit -- more at the top than the bottom. Just make sure not to make it too tight in the bust. Are you taking the full 5/8" seams? I once had a similar problem, and that was the issue. This is a pretty dress!
Posted by: Janine Garfinkel | Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 04:29 PM
From my experience with patterns, do not follow the sizing on the envelope. what you should follow is the measurements on the pattern itself. Look at the Bodice front pattern ... it should show you the finished garment measurements at the bust line and the waistline.
Posted by: Michelle Louise | Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 05:00 PM
Thanks for the comments. I think I will start with the straps- that should help with the short waistedness. Then I will recheck the gapping and probably rip back the band and stitch in a dart at the side seam (As per Janine) and see how it ends up. I will post my results. Thanks again and I will take all tips in mind and I am sure they will help.
Michelle- I will do that in the future. That's a good idea.
Posted by: Tara Danger-Marie Miller | Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 07:39 PM
Have straps resolved issue?
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