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...
