25.8.11

The sum of the parts

This is one of those projects made up using a pattern that I wasn't sure I liked, in combination with a fabric that I was not sure whether or not I liked.  And guess what?  I've ended up with a  shirt that I'm not sure whether or not I like.




I bought the pattern because I wanted to see the construction, as I am thinking of making a bikini with a twist front.  The pattern is Butterick 4789.

I should qualify that I did like the fabric, but the print repeat was  not placed as I wanted for the original project.  That is one of the pitfalls of buying on-line.  If you were in the store, you could say, actually, add on 50 cm so I can include that bit of the repeat.



I didn't read the reviews at PR (all 35 of them!) before I made the top (because I cut it out the day the fabric arrived, whilst watching the Ita Buttrose Australian Story).  I later saw that there was quite a bit of discussion regarding the fit and the "wad" of fabric below the twist.  My two cents is that bustier women look good with a close fit, but flat chested gals, like myself, look better with a looser fit, allowing the fabric to drape, as a feature (given that there is no cleavage to feature!).  Each to their own, of course.  I remember similar grumbles about the fit of another Butterick twist top I made.

I cut a Sz 14, instead of my usual 12, because I was being lazy about the cutting and thought that I could make adjustments later.  Well, I didn't make any adjustments, not even my almost-always-required forward shoulder adjustments, so I am wondering if, being a designer pattern, the standard sloper was not used and a forward shoulder had already been included in the design?.

16 comments:

Sheryll said...

I think it's brilliant! I really like the way you've cut the fabric, the colours are gorgeous, and there is lots of interest going on, but not too much. Actually the more I look at it the more I love it!

SewRuthie said...

Looks good to me. And I love the way the blue makes it work with jeans. I'm also small busted (though sometimes cheat with a boost bra) and the twist tops can work well I think to enhance what's there.

Mary said...

This is a very pretty top-the fabric is interesting and the design is cool. I like the twist and the way you cut the fabric to play up the motif. If you still are ambivalent, a giveaway???

You have made some good points about fit and small busted women. I am small busted also, and prefer a draped or loose look on top. I'm also short, and emphasizing my bust just makes me look shorter.

Audrey said...

Really lovely top. You really did a great job using the fabric print to best advantage with the style of the garment. I love how the light sripes come up from the twist and go out over the shoulders.

Mary Nanna said...

I am also a big fan of this - you look great!

liza jane said...

It's great! I really like the placement of the stripes. Looks nice with the necklace, too.

Andrea said...

I think this top looks amazing on you and I really love the fabric.

MushyWear said...

I hope you end up liking this. I really like the print and I think it looks fantastic on you. Plus greens are my favorite color group!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful top and you always have the best jewelry!

Carolyn said...

I'm not sure why you think you might not like this totally fabulous top; I love it! It looks just amazing on you, and I think the print has turned out beautifully situated over the design.

Sue said...

I am with everyone else - it looks great! The colours are great on you and the style is working for you.

Joy said...

I think it's a great top. I really like how the interesting fabric with stripes works with the twist.

Bernice said...

I think it's a great top. The crazy pattern really adds an interest factor. Goes great with the necklace too.

Gail said...

It looks pretty good to me. I like the fabric, but agree mistakes can be made with online fabric purchases.

Nadine said...

I love it! You've done a great job.

meli88a said...

This is a really clever use of fabric -- I like it!