"I Will Wear It in Public" Challenge

When Rikka put forth this challenge, I jumped in feet first. I knew that I was going to be making a top for my painting final (hand painted fabric) and had hopes that the top I made for class would be a wearable one. I have made clothes before (not many for myself though) but wanted to tackle sewing with knits for this one.

I did wear it in public for class and then to work, but I wasn't all that happy with it. I still haven't tried to see if I can fix it to make it something I like, or if I will just rack it up to a failed attempt.

Here's a photo of me wearing the first one:

The big problem I have with this top is the fit and drape of the knit I used. I think it makes me look extremely large on top - more than I really am. I am busty and have an "apple shaped" body and this top just exaggerated that. If I had taken that photograph before leaving the house, I wouldn't have worn it to class and instead taken it on a hanger.

Before sewing up this version, I did make a muslin with a cheaper knit. I loved the fit and drape of the muslin but didn't like the length. Being tall, most everything is too short for me. Everywhere.

To make my muslin a wearable garment, I decided to cut out a second set of pieces in a longer length and make it a layered top. I was winging the construction of it and should have thought it through more before sewing, but it works. Chad isn't a fan of this one either but he is used to seeing me in form-fitting clothing and not something that hangs freely.

I'm doing my "I'm trying to be a serious model here but the annoying kids next door with not shut up" pose.

This top is very comfortable and I do see myself wearing it if it's not too hot outside. I do need to wear a cardigan or something over it because it is sleeveless and I don't care to show all of my arms off.

I won't be sewing with knits until I get a serger though. They were a challenge to sew on my machine and I think a serger would make the process better for me. Or maybe I just need more practice with them in general. The hem was the worst part of sewing this top up.

The pattern I used for both tops is the Tank pattern from Wiksten. This pattern seems to be written for woven fabrics based on the sewing directions. I pretty much didn't follow them after reading through because I used a different type of fabric. I also have their Tova pattern and will sew that one up one of these days.

Thanks again, Rikka, for the challenge! It was fun to participate in and I look forward to the next one.