This is the Simplify Your Life pattern from Cutting Line Designs. I am always attracted to and inspired by CLD and Sewing Workshop patterns. I love both versions of this top. On the envelope. For some reason, I always feel like I should look more like the drawing or model when I make the garment, but I never do. I made view A, which is the button front. I used a turquoise linen from my favorite linen source Fabrics Store.
I'm very happy with the way it turned out, just not so much the way it looks on me. I did make some adjustments to the pattern and will make a few more when I make it next time. This time I:
- cut a size small according to my measurements.
- Did a full bust adjustment as shown by Louise Cutting on Threads Insider. I did a 1.5" length adjustment only. The width was already OK.
- I shortened the sleeves by 1"
- I raised the armhole by about 3/4 inch and took in the waist 1/2" at each seam for a total of 2" reduction.
- I made a split hem. It was pulling at my hips and forcing the pleat in the front to pull to the side.
- Narrow the shoulder about 1/2"
- Shorten the sleeve even further
- move the top button up just about 1/2 further so that it doesn't pull at the top
The first time I make a pattern, and especially if it is the first time from a new (to me) pattern company, I like to make it exactly as the directions say. I often learn new techniques this way. For some reason, I really had trouble understanding how to line up the pleat on the front of this thing. I could have done it my way, but I was trying to follow the thinking of the designer. I just couldn't get it. I finally asked SewTerri from Artisan's Square for help. I knew she had made this particular top before and she has made many CLD patterns. She generously sent me pix of the inside of one of hers. I could see what mine was supposed to look like and was able to fix it. I'm still not sure of where I messed up, so I guess I'll have to make it again if for no other reason but to find out what I did wrong!!
The pants I'm wearing with this are the Mimosa pants from The Sewing Workshop. I thought they fit really good - but the camera doesn't lie!! I definitely need to take a dart across the top between the butt and waist. Also, it looks like I need to add a little at the butt for fullness. I'm not really a fan of this shaped leg, so I may or may not make these again. I already have short legs. I don't need anything to make them look shorter.The pants were easy and went together really fast, so I may work on taking them in to be more fitted from the hip to the knee and see what happens there.
What do you think?
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