So excited that I downloaded the pdf version the day it was available and started making a version straight away.
So excited that I didn't really think through sizing/fitting properly...
Based on my measurements I cut a straight size 10, no alterations. It seemed like a sound decision at the time, that's the size I normally make for sewaholic, and I didn't have to do a FBA on the pendrell blouse, so surely this one would be similar and fit too...?
Yeah, it doesn't fit. It is almost comically too big. It is too wide through the shoulders, the collar is a bit too wide, there is pooling at my lower back and it's too long in the body and the sleeves. It's also a bit funny through the hips (not so clear in these photos as these photos were taken at social sewing and I didn't think to bring anything else for my bottom half than the flared skirt I was already wearing), being too wide at the sides but snug at the back (as much of my circumference at the hips is my bum, rather than having wide hips persay).
It's also a bit long between the shoulders and bust. The armholes are a bit low on me, and if I move my arms around, it all hoiks up over my bust and stays there when I put my arms back down.
So yeah, not such a good look... Thankfully, not all is lost, there are benefits to having lovely local sewing friends, as I didn't have to look very far to find a new home for the shirt. As Oanh termed it, the shirt became a Cinderella shirt, and the lucky one that it fit was Sarah.
Sarah and I have very similar measurements, our bust, waist and hips are pretty much the same, but as you can see, it's not as simple as that! A shirt that looked slightly ridiculous on me looks fabulous on her!
The above picture is even after she has been moving her arms around like crazy and hasn't readjusted the shirt at all.
So, once I have examined the shirt a little more to determine which size/alterations I should make for my next version, this almost finished shirt will go to live with Sarah. It's a very sharing shirt, given that the (gorgeous) fabric came from Kat to start with.
Despite the fit issues, which really are my own fault, I am very happy with this shirt. Working step by step through the instructions I am thrilled with how well the finish turned out. The act of sewing the shirt together let me flex my sewing muscles and learn some new techniques.
So onward and upwards. I am still excited about this pattern, but for my next version I will take my time with determining my size and hopefully the fit will be more suited to me...
You made a genuine Cinderella shirt! It's crazy to think you & Sarah are similar measurements, yet it fits you so differently. Can't wait to try this one myself :)
ReplyDeleteI know right! It's a lovely pattern, really well written, as we've come to expect from Tasia.
DeleteMeasure twice, cut once - You and Sarah may have the same measurements on the horizontal plane, but from the pictures your bust point appears higher. To check, measure vertically from the shoulder to the nipple.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! I got lost in my excitement and didn't measure properly. I will carefully measure extra horizontal measurements such as my shoulder width, upper bust, and carefully examine where I want the fullness around the hips, in addition to vertical measurements such as shoulder-bust, shoulder-waist etc. I hope to learn from my haste and remember to be more careful with measurements in the future!
DeleteIt is a lovely shirt and no where near the pyjama image I had when you posted the fabric on Instagram. Bummer about the fit but at least it found a nice new homes with Sarah.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous shirt! I'm glad it found a happy home and that you'll be making another one for yourself, because it looks really well made. I'm also going to be trying this pattern soon!
ReplyDeleteCinderella indeed! I am having a blast making a button up shirt at the moment as well- so many things to learn!!!
ReplyDeleteAs I've probably said before, I am really surprised that you ever got away without an FBA (except the Minoru I suppose) as I always have to do one with Sewaholic and I'm, um, less well-endowed than you. It's cool how well it fits Sarah.
ReplyDeleteKathleenS
Beautiful stitching and a good outcome for the shirt and your friend! Better luck next time.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry about this. It's such a bummer when this happens and I hope you don't give up and will surprise us soon with a nice shirt with a wonderful fit.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on a beautiful shirt! I'm glad it found a home with your friend, and I'm sure you'll have one for yourself in on time. I have such a hard time choosing a size based on envelope measurements, even when finished garment measurements are provided. I just accept that fact that, for me at least, muslins are unavoidable!
ReplyDeleteWell it looks like a nicely made shirt even if it doesn't fit! Yay on it fitting Sarah though, I am sure she is stoked :)
ReplyDeleteIt's so much easier to give something away when you know it's going to a good home :-)
ReplyDeleteI've been pondering hips vs bum recently. My measurements say extreme pear but my straight-on silhouette is pretty straight up & down. I tried doing a full bum adjustment on the truffle skirt the other day but I've got 3.5" of added dart on each side which just looks ridiculous! Do you have any tried & trusted bum adjustment tutorials or tips? Thanks, Sarah
Just seen your sewciedone post - :)
DeleteI made asize 12 for my 37.5 inch bust. I swim in it. I think I could go down two sizes. This pattern has many flaws even if it looks pretty on the model. I also have the Oakridge and the look almost identical so the fit is not going to be any better. GRRR
ReplyDelete