Many of the sewists on Stitcher's Guild are fans of Louise Cuttings patterns, published as Cutting Line Designs. I have made two pair of pajama bottoms using her One Seam Pants pattern, but have not yet made a finished pair of pants because I still don't have the crotch fit right. Up until now, that has been my only experience with these patterns.
Louise's latest pattern is the Heart's A'Flutter shell and overblouse and I decided it was time to take the plunge. I was interested in the overblouse, but was not sure how it would work on my busty figure.
As luck would have it, a friend made the pattern right after it was released and let me try her size medium, which has a finished bust measurement of 55". I knew that the medium would fit me around, but was concerned it would hike up at the front. When I tried on her top, that is exactly what happened: the front hiked up and looked very "maternity."
To fix this, I altered the pattern using my friend's suggestion – I added 3" to the bottom of the center front piece, tapering it to nothing at the side seam. Since the alteration crossed two pattern pieces, I had to modify both. I did not alter the pattern piece that goes across the bottom front.
The fabric I used it a very wiggly, very ravelly, plaid rayon that I bought at Fabrix. This fabric has a mind of its own and I had to cut it out very painstakingly. Rather than deal with matching the plaid in all of the pieces, I took a leaf from Terri's striped version and changed the grain of the various pieces. I had much less matching to worry about.
I am wearing the overblouse without anything under it, but that is for the photos only. A shell or a cami will be needed for modesty's sake – the slits are a bit above the waistline and, as the body moves, you can see more bust than anyone would want – after all, it is called an overblouse. I do like this top. I am wearing it with my new Sewing Workshop Hudson pants, which I will review when I get some better photos. :)
DD1 suggested I wear her sunglasses. Too bad you can't see them better, because the lenses have diagonal lines across them. The height of cool. ;)
This over blouse turned out quite lovely. I am so happy to have found your blog. I happened upon it while doing an unrelated search. I also live in the bay area and love to go to Fabrix. I happen to be a bit busty myself and it is nice to see your tops on you as it gives me an idea of how these patterns would work for me. Thanks for sharing your adventures in sewing.
ReplyDeleteThis looks great on you too! This pattern really flatters a variety of body shapes. I do understand that you had to lengthen the center front; and you did so beautifully.
ReplyDeleteI really like that pattern. It's very becomming on you. Love that it's something to throw on over a tank.
ReplyDeleteSo pretty and flattering.
ReplyDeleteI liked the pattern when I first saw it. Now that I have seen you wearing the finished garment--I MUST have the pattern! Thank you for your great modelling pictures. Joan (in Aussie)
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