I was in love with this top, and was sure I would stand in the same pose and walk with the same swag exhibited in the pattern illustration.
Initially when I began cutting and sewing this lovely top, I concluded during the first fitting, that this may very well not be a match made in sewing heaven. What went wrong? Was it my shape, was it the fabric, was the design wrong for me? Since I couldn’t come to a conclusion as to the problem, I stored this beauty away in the UFO pile/box.
That was three months ago!! Now, after clearing, cleaning, and organizing, I revisited the Issy Knit Top by StyleArc. Should this be considered the age ole: “I just needed some space.” sort of relationship? Because now, I am in love again. I don’t know about you, but maybe it was the time we spent away from each other, because now I can honestly say I am very happy with this top.
With that being said, I have personally come to the conclusion to now follow a few simple precepts when I have reached the breaking point in my workroom while dealing with a difficult issue regarding my sewing projects.
The softness of the cotton jersey is cozy, one of many great fabric pieces I bought while in Austin at the PR Weekend back in May. (BTW, that was the best sewing trip for me in years!!)
- 3/4” swayback adjustment before cutting,
- pleats instead of gathers for the front ruching
Personally, I did not like the amount of ease created at the waist from the ruching/gathers, so instead I pleated my fronts in those areas. this pattern is spot on for my frame. The shoulder seams are right on point.
I have a problem with the shape of the back hem, and I know it falls like that on the back because I should have added some width around the hip. (Next time.) I am really happy with this top because it may very well take the place of my more common t-shirts, that I wear often.
Tell me something, just between you and me. Have you ever tossed out a project after the first fitting because you didn't think it would work for you?? Or, am I the only one?
I frequently have this reaction, and often don't wear me mades until the following year - and then wonder on earth why not, because there is nothing wrong with them, and they are often better than RTW. It's just my perception that is the problem :)
ReplyDeletePerception is the key. I think we should begin writing notes on the original pattern or fabric to remind us why we bought it in the first place.
DeleteI love that! I think the softness of the knit really make this work. What on Earth would be wrong with this? I love the drape, the asymmetrical hem really looks stylish.
ReplyDeleteI have this pattern (PR give away) but I wasn't really planning on making it. Does it work best with a soft or structured knit?
At first I was unsure about the asymmetric hem. I had planned to cut if off, but after sewing the pics, I decided to keep like is. For fabric, I think a soft knit is best for drape, plus the shoulders and neck could become bulky if it's too thick. An ITY or even better a rayon jersey seems best so it won't point in the front where the drape converges.
DeleteI once made an Issey Miyake jacket...or at least sewed a few lapped seams. I began to doubt the fit and I didn't think I could accurately slash the openings, place the inserts, and sew. I plunged the whole thing along with the tissue still pinned to the wool into a Kroger's bag and put it in the closet. Over a decade later, I came across it once again. My sewing skills had improved, the power of Steam a Seam was manifest in my life, and voila, I went back and finished the jacket. It is gorgeous and I'm so happy that I only surrendered temporarily. It was a very long "temporary" surrender. Enjoying your blog which I've just discovered.
ReplyDeleteThanks urbanite...Issey Miyake, to me, is one of those projects I would probably put on pause too. The designs are so detailed and intriguing.
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