Last week my daughter traced and cut the tunic pattern from the June BWOF issue, # 113. She's pretty much occupied with school and tests, and tonight I thought I'd help her a bit and gathered the front and pinned it together. And am surprised at the many layers I'm accumulating and the thickness of it all.
The top part is a pattern piece with darts, then the two layers on top with the gathers. Pinned together there are 5 seam allowances at the top, and they have to be turned and a (knit) lining must be added. Finally there is elastic at the top. When turning the top seam allowances, there will be 10 layers (lining nog counted), which is a lot of fabric!
I've only gathered the front now, but the back is about the same, only with one gathered layer. With the gathers a lot of fabric in the side seams.
Advice needed! The directions are clear enough, but could it be done differently? Or are we using the wrong fabric?
Um, that is a lot of fabric! I had to go take a look, so I found my copy of the June BWOF and you're right - there will be 5 layers at the top *before* attaching that lining. Looking at the style, this is what I would do to get rid of a few layers. I would not cut piece 3 on a fold, but cut it long enough to hem the bottom edge (or not, this is knit and many RTW knits are not hemmed these days) and make those drapes single layer. This would get rid of two of the five layers and make both the side seams and top edge seam more manageable.
ReplyDeleteBTW, great color - I have two lengths of knit in that color, one the same and one slightly darker.
Wow, that's a lot of layers! I have no idea how to fix it, but Summerset's idea sounds good. I hope your dd has a small bust!
ReplyDeleteLove the color. Can't wait to see how it turns out. I had my eye on this one, too. The layers are making me a bit nervous though.
ReplyDeleteWow that is a LOT of layers. I would have the same reservations. The only solution I can think of is what Summerset said, or maybe choose another really thin, sheer fabric for the front gathered overlays (eg. stretch tulle).
ReplyDeleteHoly Wow. Are they trying to eliminate the need for a bra? 10 layers would almost have a corset effect. Great color and top. Sorry I am not helpful with any alternate ideas! For me ,I always like to follow the rules the first time, THEN I make up my own. :)
ReplyDeleteThat does seem strange although I agree with Joanne that it will at least give some bust support. I wonder if you could finish the top edges of the drape pieces separately so they are not attached to the main body of the top (if that makes any sense at all!).
ReplyDeleteHello Sigrid, thanks for pioneering:-) just got this cut and try to have some time to make it tomorrow, I'll make the drape totally separately, let's see how it goes:-)
ReplyDeleteMy daughter liked this one too, but I knew it was going to be too complicated for the speed sewing I do for her. I just finished #115 from that issue for her and it's very cute.
ReplyDeleteLcuky daughter & clever mom.
ReplyDeleteSigrid I finished this pattern and modified it by eliminating the lining. I serged the top edge, zigzag stitched a soft/plush 1" elastic around the top, turned the elastic to the inside and stitched in the ditch at the side seams. Like you said there are 5 layers at the top and 10 layers plus elastic at the top after I finished it this way...still pretty thick.
ReplyDeleteI would always defer to Summerset's knowledge base on sewing! Love the color--and I saw a dress just like this in the window at Tommy Bahama this morning. It was the same garment, just ankle length. Really cute for a summer sundress--for someone a few decades younger than me :>)
ReplyDeleteI'm sure your daughter will love this when it is finished!
10 layers! I am still waiting on this issue to arrive so I haven't had a chance to look at it, but was hoping to make this top once it came. I'm anxiously awaiting your post on how you modify this as I think I'll be doing the same!
ReplyDeleteI love this top and I just saw Marita's version, it looks great! I'm sure yours will turn out equally beautiful!
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