I ended up cutting the entire garment on the XS lines, and though there are a few things I will tweak the next time I make it (yes - I'm going to do it again!) it fits very well for a first-time-through go at a commercial pattern. How's that for luck?
Things I will tweak next time:
- Amy's not big on trimming seams, and that is a must-do with this pattern - especially the collar stand. I've made a note to trim the collar, shoulder/arm, side and sleeve seams. She tells you to zigzag stitch or serge the edges, but not trim. Go figure...
- The bust darts need to be moved up about 1/2" - 3/4".
- Leave the belt off. The torso is fitted enough that it's not necessary, and it only adds a big knot in the middle of my back when I sit.
- Maybe forget about the cuff buttons for the 3/4 sleeve length option. I don't think they are a really noticeable feature for all the extra work required, and the cuffs aren't that big around to begin with.
- I'm going to find some decorative buttons for the front. The self-covered ones are okay, but I can still see a hint of their metallic shine through the fabric. I thought of interfacing the button fabric first, but I think that would be too bulky. Anyone else ever tried that or have a better solution?
- The buttonholes and buttons need to be moved up (toward the collar) about an inch. They're right on the line of acceptable now without wearing a cami underneath. I should have tested that before I sewed and cut the buttonholes... live and learn.
I'm planning to use this fabric for my next Liverpool Tunic: Sketchbook in Spring from Amy Butler's Alchemy line. Very spring-like, huh?
This pattern would also be very cute made up into a long-sleeved fall season tunic of fine wale corduroy or a velvet to pair with leggings. It comes with markings for short, 3/4 and long sleeves, as well as overall length options for shirt, tunic, short dress, and long dress.
An update on Miss Scarlett - sadly, she can never be my exact body double. Her neck and shoulders are a bit too thick and are not adjustable. But the rest of her is adjusted properly and works just fine for skirts :)
Yay! It looks fabulous -- and OMG you are TINY!
ReplyDeleteThat blue floral AB will be lovely, too.
I have that pattern and fabric all cut out (for about a year or so now!) but haven't got any further. This may be the push I need, although I'm most definitely an M and not an XS!!
ReplyDeleteLike LIQ (above), I've had this pattern cut out (in corduroy...so won't be sewing it up till fall, now). Thanks for the tips...believe me when I say I won't be using size XS, though. HA! I've actually considered the AB sketchbook for a spring/summer version as well. I love that fabric! You look adorable in the tunic, btw!
ReplyDelete