Jalie 2802 to the rescue again as Dylan’s old bodysuit was looking very shabby. But it had served a real purpose as this time now we knew exactly what he’s looking for in a shirt.
First up – definitely no poppers at the crotch. Secondly – short sleeves – dancing for 3 hours at a time is hot work. And I wanted to bring the neckline up a little bit.
The first alteration I did was to attach the brief pattern pieces to the bodice pattern pieces so I could cut them as a whole front and back. I then added a half inch to the centre front seam to allow me to fit an invisible zipper.
I trimmed the allowance for the poppers from the crotch so I could just sew that as a seam.
And shortened the sleeve to elbow length – which is longer than the short sleeve in the pattern but a great look for dance.
And I added a bound neckline to encase the top of the zip to keep skin safe.
What I’ve noticed in my recent sewing is a much greater level of confidence and willingness to mess around with a pattern to make it what I want. It’s not something I’ve had before and it’s snuck up on me. This shirt was a real turning point, and I’m also working on a pair of trousers for myself that I’m playing with before I cut a muslin.
I can trace this new found confidence back to the RayStitch pattern cutting course earlier in the year. Alice explained so clearly how to deconstruct a garment into its component pieces that a light bulb went off. I’ve still to draft a garment from scratch, but the knowledge is definitely filtering through into how I use commercial patterns.
So….did my faffing work?
Absolutely. Dylan has thoroughly tested the shirt this week. We’re in the run up to the kids taking to the competition floor for the first time as a new couple. They’ve been racking up the practice hours. The shirt has stood up to the rigours of latin and ballroom without fail.
Dylan says it’s super comfortable and he’s been complimented on how smart he looks.
Definitely a win for Jalie 2802, again!
Wow, good job Evie. Dylan looks fabulous and the top looks a great fit. Not sure I would ever be confident enough to do that with sewing. Knitting, however is a different matter! Dave commentated tonight on the fact that I never stick exactly to the pattern and I have been brave enough to design and knit a sweater from scratch. And it actually fitted as I had planned. Isn’t it a great feeling and confidence booster when a plan comes together!
Thanks Sue!
I’m not that brave with knitting. Although as I’m pondering my learning goals for next year designing a sweater is on there, and learning to knit perfectly fitted bust shaping too! The knitting equivalence of a Full Bust Adjustment!
I love it when a plan comes together….it becomes the stepping stone to further learning and better skills!