The top doesn't really look too bad here....
The difference is clear with side-by-side photos: Before, left. After, right. Methinks a good exercise program would help these fitting issues too. :)
The pattern....
Happy Sewing Everyone!
3.18.2015
NEWLOOK 6246 top | a finish
What was thought to be a TNT (tried-n-true) pattern because I'd made it before, became anything but! Are there any mindless garment sewing projects out there?!
This is NEWLOOK 6246, a slouchy knit top. When I made it previously I think that particular knit fabric was more soft and stretchy than this knit fabric; so, that may be why that version needed to be taken in under the arms. When I began this project, I thought that was a standard modification that needed to be made so everything was cut with those alterations in mind. With this fabric, the fit is a little tight under the arms. See all the crease marks under and around my arm below. Because the top's side seams were taken in under the arms, meant also slimming down the armscythes... again, making it a little too snug there too.
The top doesn't really look too bad here....
....but check out this view. Awful.... just awful. The underarm fit was manageable, but oh my goodness, the folds of fabric puddling above my hands looks terrible!
Another view here below. I'm in a relaxed pose and those folds and folds of fabric under my elbows.... well, completely unacceptable.
So, back to the sewing room and using my all-time favorite NEWLOOK 6735, traced the side seam curves onto this shirt..... basted... checked fit.... serged.... and this is it. Acceptable. No love. Just acceptable. *sigh* In hindsight, if I'd sewn this pattern straight out of the envelope it probably would've been fine with this particular knit fabric.
From the moment I started sewing this knit, I had a nagging feeling that this was not going to make the shirt I had envisioned. After I sewed the shoulder seams, it made me think of a nightgown. Oh great, was I going to feel like I
was wearing pajamas ran through my mind. Then it seemed like an
'old-lady'-ish fabric.... gee, don't want that. Now this wonky fit. So.... acceptable.
The difference is clear with side-by-side photos: Before, left. After, right. Methinks a good exercise program would help these fitting issues too. :)
I'll wear this top, but I'm not making it again.... for a while at least. This completes my March plans for 'Make a Garment a Month Challenge'.
The pattern....
May I also say how beneficial it is to photograph yourself wearing the garment you made. I tried this on multiple times in my sewing room, checking myself in the full-length mirror, but it wasn't until taking the pictures for this blog post that the fit issue became so clear! *Shudder* to think I would've worn this out in public if I hadn't been photographing for the blog.
Happy Sewing Everyone!
The top doesn't really look too bad here....
The difference is clear with side-by-side photos: Before, left. After, right. Methinks a good exercise program would help these fitting issues too. :)
The pattern....
Happy Sewing Everyone!
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I think you have run into the problem of different weight knits and different amounts of stretch. This may be a much more stable (not so stretchy) knit, and a bit thicker. Thicker knits do pucker around the elbow when it is bent. I find knits tricky to work with for just those sorts of reasons. I made one pattern up in three different knit fabrics, and each fits differently. Anyway, you resolved the situation to acceptable. I know the feeling - grand dreams flop! I keep the acceptables for homewear - this will be fine for casual Sunday coffee at home :)
ReplyDeleteYou are right on all levels! I'm kinda' getting tired of knits and ready to sew with wovens for a while!
DeleteGood save, it's still wearable! The puddling of fabric is quite strange. I didn't know different knits could be so tricky. I know what you mean, I don't look at myself in the mirror much. On a number of ocassions I had dressed in the dark and went off to work only realising when I reached my office that I had worn my blouse inside out - and my husband did not even notice!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness your story was so funny! Hey, at least your shoes matched?!!!!
DeleteGive yourself so much credit for knowing how to change the top enough so it was acceptable! In my book that indicates quite a bit of expertise in itself. (I'm betting now when you purchase fabric for a specific pattern, you'll be looking at it with a different eye. All for the good!) I learned a lot from this post, too. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteNot sure my attitude was so positive at the time! You are not kidding! Am also beginning to think the tried-n-true pattern is even more elusive as each will produce a different garment fit depending on fabric content and drape. Even wovens have different 'drapes'. *sigh* Just when you think you've begun to figure it out....!
DeleteGlad that you solved the fitting issue. Knit fabric is unpredictable and this fitting issue happened to me sometimes ago.
ReplyDeleteWell, your final top look so lovely and I love the fabric color :)
Almost forget to mention that I love your drawing plan in your last post. You have a cute way to follow your plan :)
Thank you Hana! I enjoyed reading about your sketches and how you organize your planning too!
DeleteYour finished top looks lovely. My so-called TNT New Look made at least 4 times has looked and fitted differently each time and never as nice as the first version. Oh well, I still like it best. I plan to compare it with NL 6735 which I have never used and see how it goes.
ReplyDeleteNL6735 is more fitted with a lowish scooped neckline. I raised the neckline a little.... but find the fitted-ness complimentary to my figure needs. Hope you like it too! Thanks Kathy!
DeleteI like the finished top and hope you find a way to wear it happily!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary! The more I've been wearing it, the more I do like it.
DeleteThe top looks so beautiful on you! This shade of blue is so lovely with your gorgeous hair colour :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Carolyn! It's a different color for me to wear, but am finding it refreshing!
Delete