So the parfait.....I did the right thing and made a muslin in a straight size 18 (I can usually get away without a FBA in colette patterns). It fit pretty good - I wanted to do some shirring on the back though so I added 4" in total width to the back and redrew the midriff curve slightly to sit a bit better. Plus hacked off a lot in length to make it into a top instead of a dress.
I made the first version up in a striped drill (totally ripping off Julia Bobbins version!!), I found I had a weird dip happening at the top of the midriff band and I ended up with too much excess under the arm. So it turned into muslin #2......I fixed the excess by making a dart and rotating it out into extra gathering (like Patty the Snug Bug did here) and redrew the midriff curve again.
So the final version - the excess under the arms is gone, but I still have the dip happening. Looking around most of the parfaits I look at seem to have it to a small degree, but not as bad. I'm not sure if its the centre shape of the midriff or the way I'm shaped or a combination of both, but to be honest I'm not sure if I can be bothered to fix it, its a pretty top/dress but I'm not sure if I'd make it again
The fabric is a voile I got at the Spotlight clearance table. I underlined it with a percale sheet I got at the op shop and used a medium interfacing on the fabric and the facings of the midriff band and straps.
I really like the shape of the straps, they are a 2 piece strap and are angled on the top of the shoulder which makes them sit smooth on the shoulder instead of having a gap under the outer side which I always seem to get.
So not sure about if this is a winner or not - it's funny to think that before I started sewing the only consideration of fit I made was if I could squeeze into it or not! I'm a bit too fussy these days and have to stop myself overfitting everything!
PS - I always find it easier to see details of clothing if its on a neutral background so I strung up a heap of white lining I was given to give a backdrop for my photos. Hope it helps!
Cute! The fabric is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI think this is very pretty on you. I love the two piece straps - a great idea for a better fit. I know what you mean about over fitting and being too picky. This top is really nice and I hope you enjoy wearing it.
ReplyDeleteI love the voile and the shirring is a very nice detail. I think it looks great.
ReplyDeleteGreat shirring - you certainly have come along way in your sewing with all these fitting dilemmas...mostly only hiccups you see...
ReplyDeleteIt looks really good. I can't see any of the faults you mentioned. Hopefully they don't bother you too much because it's a lovely top!
ReplyDeleteI love the fabric ... it looks really great on. I think you should enjoy wearing that it really suits you. Nice blog.. I haven't seen it before.
ReplyDeleteI think it looks great on you. I love that you have made the parfait a top.
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone! I tend to get a bit too picky with fit when I'm sewing something so I'm glad its not as noticable to everyone else!
ReplyDeleteyour so talented! What a lovely top!
ReplyDeleteSuzy, I absolutely love this on you! It is definitely a winner.
ReplyDeletegreat top. xx
ReplyDeleteThis looks great! I've had this pattern for ages and have yet to try it. I love it on you and I think we are a similar shape. Thanks for the fitting info.
ReplyDeleteOh, wow! I love this!!! I am going to make this Colette pattern into a top with pretty fabric! Thanks for the inspiration :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea to shirr the back and turn it into a top - will def be trying this!!! :)
ReplyDeleteI love this version! What a great idea... I might have to steal it!
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