Pattern Review- New Look 6705

Here is a review of a new tunic I made this week. I have 900 things I should be doing to get ready for my daughter's graduation...so of course I made a random clothing item..It helps with the stress, ladies..

Since the eldest is busy with her exams/college classes/job, I have to use Betty as my model. Though headless, armless and short, she'll have to do for now...

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Pattern Description:  This is a pattern for a variation on a tunic or top. 6 different choices, including sleeveless, short ruffled sleeves, pouf sleeves or wide short sleeves, Flounce or ruffle bottom and a choice of square or rounded neckline. I chose view C, which is a sleeveless tunic with a flounce bottom Pattern Sizing: The pattern came in a multi-size 8-18 (A) I usually wear a 4/6 in RTW tops, so I chose the 10, but graded down to an eight through the waist and flounce. Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes. The photo shows the top using two accented fabrics, I just used one. Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were easy enough to follow. I had to redo the bias tape on the arms, but that was only because I attached it on the wrong side in the first place. What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like that the top came together pretty quickly. The pleats look very nice in the cotton and I adore the flounce on the bottom. Once the pattern was finished though, I realized that the neckline bows out quite a bit when I bend. I'm not sure if I used too sturdy of an interfacing or whether or not it's the pattern..I'll have to play with it a bit in a drapier fabric. I have a longer torso, so the length is perfect. The top is definitely NOT form fitting. If you're insecure about looking thicker from a side view, this is not the shirt for you. Even with the tie in the back, the front "tents out" from the chest. Again, it may lie better in a silkier fabric. Fabric Used: I used a cotton batik from fabric lovers.com. The colors are deep and beautiful, but very busy. This is why I chose to only use one fabric. Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I cut the ten, but graded into an eight under the arm to the base of the shirt/flounce Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I don't wear a lot of sleeveless tops on their own; but I'm always wearing cardigans. If I could figure out how to NOT make the neckline bow out, I would absolutely make more. They are easy enough to put together and would make cute wardrobe additions. Conclusion:  Loved the top, save for the large neckline. It's fun to have patterns with so many variations to try. Any advice on the bowing issue would be greatly appreciated

Back view

Back view of neckline

Side view

No sleeveless tops on their own. Cardigans all the way..

Yeah, I wear sweaters with everything... Welcome to menopause :P

Happy "What Day is it again?"

Mother-of-the-year, Volume 65..

I received a note from my youngest yesterday after school. He was trying to be quiet because I was working with a student who was reading to me. I tutor on Wednesdays, and the youngest usually works on his own homework until I'm finished. Apparently, this couldn't wait.

"I was suppose to wear old clothes today. We were painting."

I believe the part that is scratched out said, "You fail as a mom. How could you forget to dress me appropriately for an important art project? I am sincerely disappointed in you. You are a stay-at-home-mom now for a reason- so you can pay attention to the tiny details. I notice that you didn't forget to make that hot cup of coffee for yourself or wear appropriate clothes for yoga. But that's okay. What choice to I have, but to sit and wait for you to say you're sorry?"

And then he changed his mind, writing "I can't do it." (I can't break your heart) With an asterisk. "Love you lots."

Maybe the scratched out part didn't say that, but still...That is how I felt. I forgot Art day (his favorite)! He was concerned enough to let me know and still was able to say "love you lots" at the end. Ugh.

Happy "Step-up-your-game, man!" day, friends.

A bad case of the Mondays...

"Is seven too young of an age?" asks the youngest.

"For what?" I ask, nervously.

"For not wanting Monday to come. The weekend went by so fast! I need another day to play." he explains.

The old-school teacher in me wanted to say, "Yes! Seven is much too young! First grade is so much fun and it's almost over! Enjoy it while you can!" (Yes, the teacher loves exclamation points.)

The momma in me wanted to say, "Yes. You shouldn't dread Mondays...but why don't you just stay home instead and bake cookies with me?"

The tired, grown lady in me, the one who spent most of her Sunday nights panicking about Mondays, wanted to say, "No, you're not too young. It's about time you figured it out! Welcome to our club. Now. GO pack your backpack and lay out your clothes. Monday morning comes fast."

At the moment, I use the teacher-explanation. The kid IS only seven.

The eldest child, the middle child and the man all give me the same look. You know. The one that says "Oh, that poor, poor child sure has a long road of Mondays ahead of him.." Yes.Yes he does.

May your Monday go smoothly, friends.