Sunday, March 21, 2010

Pattern Challenge: Simplicity 2646


I just made up Simplicity 2646 (the longer sleeve version with tie belt). 
Or, as I like to call it, the cutest top I'll never wear.


When all is said and done it's way too big for me. Background...I pick pattern sizes based on my bust measurement which usually works out well. I will generally have to take in the hips, raise the hem, or shorten the straps (coming in at only 5'2" if you recall...why can't there be more petite patterns out there?). But this top was overall just too big. There is a lot more fabric in the sleeves than I expected and the span from bust to shoulder is pretty long.

Keep in mind that a "real" seamstress would probably know how to make this fit like a dream. I am not the real deal yet - just a girl who likes to sew a lot with very little pattern experience. But that is why I'm doing the Pattern Challenge with Sarah at Come and See the Seitz! And here is my pattern review for Simplicity 2646...


The Basics: 5/8" straight stitches throughout, nothing tricky. Take it slow when stitching the edges because they're pretty narrow. The pleating is fun but the shoulder instructions are confusing - use common sense rather than trying too hard to decipher and it will turn out fine.

Good: It's an easy pattern to put together and is done quickly.

Bad: The sizing seems to run big and I think making the next size down from what is listed would be good. This is just a guess though! Also, there are some really narrow seams where you press the edge a quarter inch, fold the raw edge to the crease, and then stitch. Maybe these wouldn't bother you but they're hard on my hands and tedious.

Modifications: The only real change I made was bringing in the bust about 2 inches total because I had trouble fitting the sleeves in (my fault since I used bias tape instead of ribbon to trim it...didn't like the look of ribbon).


Now...My loss is your gain! If you actually read through all my jabber you get the chance to own the top! I do not have the time to alter it to my liking and would rather just move on to something else. If you like the top and think it could fit you (maybe even after some modifications) it's yours. Just comment on this post (include your email if it's not publicly listed in your profile). I'll leave comments open through Wednesday 3/24. According to the packaging, the measurements for this size are: bust 36, waist 28, hips 38 but it's pretty roomy and I brought in the bustline a little.

Thanks again for hanging out with me on my sewing adventures! Pin It

12 comments:

  1. What a shame that it doesn't fit - it looks adorable! I'd love the chance to see if it would fit :)
    Thanks
    JoAnn

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  2. Oh how pretty! I love the fabric you chose. How can you bear to part with it? If I end up with this beautiful top, I promise to send you the next garment I make that turns out too small for me!:)

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  3. I absolutely love that fabric! I wish I could find good fabrics for my shirts, but I dont have the patience to walk around the fabric store and read the labels.

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  4. It's adorable and based on the measurements should fit me perfect! I wish it fit you!

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  5. I love it!!! It's super cute, and I promise I would wear it :)

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  6. It's so pretty! I don't know if it will fit me, but I'll give it to Danielle if it doesn't. :)

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  7. I'm not sure if it would fit me or not--but I'd love the chance to try it on...I'm always afraid of buying patterns like this for fear I'll look pregnant, but I have no fear in winning one! And if it doesn't fit me, I've got a bunch of friends who'd love me to pass it on to them.
    --kelli
    kellbell_6@hotmail.com
    PS Just found you through One Pretty Thing and your JCrew-inspired skirt. Very cute!

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  8. Hey Kari! You did such a great job, the finished garment looks adorable! Believe it or not, I think it would fit me!! I'd love to be entered into the drawing! Can't wait to see what you make next, by the way, I'm sure it will be stunning!

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  9. Kari, it sounds like we might very well be almost exactly the same size, so I will defer to the others when it comes to the drawing. I just wanted to let you know you did a great job on this! I hate it when things don't fit as you think they will!

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  10. I would love that top and since I am fluffy I think it would fit me beautifully. I'm going to have to go get the pattern, because it is too, too cute! I love that the little belt keeps it from looking too "maternity" - do you know what I mean by that? Not that I have anything against maternity tops, mind you. I just don't need to look pregnant when I am not!

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