NL6620 « Stars

I am just about done with my New Look 6620 Kimono Style Knit Top muslin. I dropped the band 1″ and made all the adjustments necessary as a result of this. I thought I’d have to make a Full Bust Adjustment, since I purchased the pattern based on my High Bust measurement, but that’s not the case at all. I’ll take pictures and post them once I am completely done with the top, but I think it’s coming along nicely.

I will have to redo the neckband, I think I added 1″ to both ends, when I only needed to add 1/2″. (the joyful result of patternmaking at the end of the day instead of during sunlight hours) It’s a bummer I didn’t catch that before I finished it. I have yet to add the sleeve bands, and initially I thought I would shorten the sleeves, but that is not the case. I wish the bottom half of the shirt were a bit fuller (or my bottom half a lot less fuller . It’s a very lightweight jersey and will show it all. There is NO WAY I am wearing leggings under this shirt (although I think it’s great for the look), but I did the leggings thing once in my life, and I don’t think it’s a good idea to go back to that! Anyway…the length is pretty good, I’ll hem it once I find the pants to wear with it.

While I’ve been working on this, I’ve been dreaming of other fabrics to do this in, and I have to tell you, I think a wool knit would be perfect for this top! Nothing too stiff, but it would be fabulous in the winter with a turtleneck and jeans (or knit top with pants).

Read all the posts about this topic.

I’ve been working on trying to figure out which top to make for the LuckyStitches commercial pattern class that is offered in April, and I’ve finally decided…

Now…I have to admit, I think the photo looks pretty dowdy. Not sure if it was a bad stylist or poor fabric choice, but I think the flat drawing of the garment shows that it’s a great shape, perfect for many different figures, and I’ve seen shirts like this on the pages of my most recent Anthropologie catalogs. I think the key to making this successful for any body type, is to:

Choose the size pattern based on your high bust measurement. If you have a cup size larger than a B cup (like I do…thank you post pregnancy/breastfeeding!), if you meassure your bust and choose the pattern based on that, chances are the pattern will be too big allover and not be flattering. It’s simple to make a bust measurement, whether it’s for an A cup or a DD cup, or even a G cup (yes girls…they go up to J!)
Change the pattern so the band cuts you in the right place. I think you want it to sit properly under the bust, just enough distance so it doesn’t look as though your bust is being cut off, and not to far down to make it look like your bust is at your knees…if you know what I mean!
Choose a really drapey or slinky knit fabric. I think drape is key here. The more the drape, the better the look. If you choose a fabric with not enough drape, the top will look boxy and not flattering. On the other hand, if you choose too “slinky” a knit, you may show off more than you want to (you know the rolls that no one knows about!).
Let your body type determine the print, if any. Prints are on trend (when are they not?), but the Fashionistas are wearing them. Choose a print that fits you! If you are petite, stick with a small print. Not so petite? Then go with something larger. Not sure which is right for you? Chances are the fabric store will have a mirror. Take the bolt of fabric and WRAP IT AROUND YOU. That’s right…wear it! Thinking about a stripe? People with little or no hips looks great in horizontal stripes. Want to look taller or thinner? Then wear a vertical stripe.
Lengthen or shorten the pattern, so the skirt of the top or tunic hits you in the most flattering place for you! Horizontal lines can be the death of a figure, so take time to fit the pattern and hem in the right place!

So anyway…I’ve picked up some solid stretchy light jerseys. I did want to try a print, but my lovely Joann’s only has solids and won’t be getting any printed jersey (what?????). If I had time, I’d order some, but I don’t want to wait. I’m going to be making the short sleeve option, without the contract fabric band. I like the details, but prefer to keep them subtle. I think if I had found a to-die-for print, then I would do the contrast, but….

One of the knits is cotton/spandex and the other is 100% (cringe)poly. They each have their own drape, we’ll see how they work out! Pictures to follow. Happy Sewing!

Other places I’ve seen this style top: (and if you find one that’s not here, send me the link and I’ll post it!)

From Macy’s – INC International Concepts® Woman Empire V-Neck Tunic
(the sleeves are a little different, but the shape is the same!)