Answers to your questions re Vogue 2980

Coolobreeze: I wear a D cup also and found adding at the sides worked with no dart. If you are small through the waist and hips I would do the FBA but ease the extra in instead of darting.

Sharon: It appears (from my fabric database) that I bought the animal print fabric from FabricMartFabrics about 2 years ago. It has been hiding under my bed for awhile!

Vogue 2980 Sandra Betzina top

This is just a great top. So easy to sew but with tons of style. And comfortable too. You just have to find a bra that has wide set straps and you are all set.

One thing I really like about this garment is that, because the neckline is folded, you don't have to worry about achieving a professional finish around the oh so visible neckline. Often that is where the stitching shows the "loving hands at home" look. So this is an excellent pattern for knit beginners.

The only alteration I did was to add on to the side seams to increase size C up to my bust size.
My knit is a bit thick so there is a bit of bulk at the underarm side seams where the collar is pleated in. Not uncomfortable but a little odd feeling at first.

Do you like my rooster?

Carolyn's question re Vogue 2987

In response to Carolyn's question about fabric to use for the Anne Klein jacket: I think a nice wool would work well for this jacket. Something that eases well for the sleeve caps and can be steamed into shape. Perhaps wool crepe or even a gabardine that isn't stiff. The suede will work if you make the modifications I've been doing. You will probably need to do those in wool too, certainly adding the interfacing. I think they must have used a stiffer, heavier suede than mine to have the collar work. But then the sleeves would have been even worse.

Vogue 2987 Anne Klein jacket

I've been working on this jacket off and on for a month now, interrupted by trips and other sewing projects. It has been very annoying to work on for a variety of reasons. The pattern specifically calls for synthetic suede. It is the only fabric suggested for the jacket. I have a very nice quality, light weight ultra-suede that I am using. I've sewn with ultra-suede before and not had any problems. This however, has been a nightmare. Perhaps using another fabric like wool crepe the sleeves would work but they are drafted really poorly for ultra-suede. After several attempts to set in the sleeves, using mohair as per Sandra Betzina's technique, I cut off the top of the sleeve to make a flatter curve. It still isn't perfect but I will live with it.

None of the seams would press flat so I went back (after I thought I was almost done) and applied fusible strips under every seam to hold them down. It looks better now but not as good as I would like.

The pattern doesn't call for any interfacing which is bizarre. The collar really needs it. So after constructing the collar I went back in with a sturdy interfacing and it is better. I will also add interfacing for under the buttons. What were the pattern drafters thinking?

And now that it is almost complete I have found another problem. The back juts out unattractively (see photos). I guess it is supposed to have a slight peplum affect but this looks bad on me. I guess I will go back in, pull apart the fused seams (egad!!) and take in the seams at the lower back to pull it in closer to the body. The sleeves are unfinished in the pictures. I left the placket and hem of the sleeves to after setting the sleeves in which turned out to be a good thing. By removing the top of the sleeve head the sleeves are now almost too short. I only have 1/2 inch to hem instead of the 2 inches that I should have.

Meanwhile I am going to set it aside for a few quick sews to get my spirit back..

Oz as a Pea Pod

Here are photos of baby Owen dressed in his pea pod costume. After this trying on session I decided to move the top pea down a bit as he was sucking on it. And I snugged up the elastic some to fit more neatly around his face.

Pea Pod Costume

I finished the pea pod costume for Baby Oz. We're going to Wyoming to visit him (and his parents of course) in a few days and I had to push to get it ready to take with me. I sure hope it fits. I made size Medium which is for 3-6 months. He will be 6 months at Halloween. His length and weight were within the medium size range so I chose that. His weight was almost in the small size but his height at the medium. I hope he hasn't suddenly grown lots longer in the last few weeks. I will post photos with him wearing the costume when I get back.

The costume is very cute and not hard to make. It did take longer than I anticipated but isn't that always the case? I used a plush bright green microfiber and a dark green felt, both from Joann's. The only tricky part was attaching the stem at the top of the hood. That was probably because I stuffed it too full of polyfill. The peas don't look quite centered because you have to sew them to one side of the zipper. That is my only complaint with the pattern. Oh, and also, they neglected to mention that you need cording (to gather up the peas) in the notions. Fortunately I had just enough on hand to get by.

I'm going to suggest to my son that he dress as the Jolly Green Giant or as a can of vegetables. He will have to make his own costume though. Only so much a person can do....

What mythological creature are you?

You Are a Mermaid

You are a total daydreamer, and people tend to think you're flakier than you actually are. While your head is often in the clouds, you'll always come back to earth to help someone in need. Beyond being a caring person, you are also very intelligent and rational. You understand the connections of the universe better than almost anyone else.

What Mythological Creature Are You?

Sewing Vintage Contest

Be sure to vote in the Sewing Vintage Contest on Pattern Review. The last day to vote is October 10. If you feel like voting for me my entry is the Katherine Hepburn outfit which appears near the end of the list of entries.

I must get busy now with my pea pod costume for baby Oz.