Thursday, May 24, 2012

I made myself a top!!

Hi everyone!

I hope you are all well.
Today, I felt better.
Yeah!!!

This afternoon I was ambitious and decided to make myself a top.
A couple weeks ago, I bought some really soft cotton lawn from Fabricland.
It was a buy 1 get 2 free sale.
So, I bought 3 fabric for $10 each and got 3 metres of each fabric.
That's a steal.
My intentions was to make myself a few summer tops.
I just want to let you know that I have tried to make myself clothes several times without success.
Commercial patterns don't fit me.
I'm a plus size, and take a size 2X or 3X depending on the brand.
(Did I just write my size on my blog? Yup!!! Ughhhhh.......just go with it)
Anyways, I'm not an average plus size.
I usually have a hard time finding tops that fit properly.
I have a small chest and I'm bigger in the middle.
I'm sure there are many plus size ladies who have the same problem as me.
Most tops are way to low cut and not fitted enough at the chest.
But, I have to go up a size to fit my middle.
It can be very frustrating to shop for clothes.
So, after making a top last week using a commercial pattern and totally blowing it....
I decided to make my own pattern.
I got my freezer paper out, grabbed my favourite tank top, and made myself a template of the front and the back piece.
 I sewed the pieces together using French seams.
This fabric frayed a lot, so I thought this would be best.
I made some bias tape out of cotton fabric to decorate the neck line. 
I can't believe it fit.
The arm holes are not too big. The neck is not too low. It's not too tight around my waist.
I did it!!
This is not stretchy fabric either.
I'm so proud of myself.
The best part though, was my husband loved it!!
He said I should make a few more.

So. I had a happy day!!!

Hugs


22 comments:

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

Nice job Ariane! It looks great and very comfortable.

Sara said...

It is a happy day when you get something new and YOU made it!! I love it too Your hubby has good taste;0)

Unknown said...

Good for you Ariane! It's so nice to make something that actually fits. It can be very frustrating when one is not a "standard" size. I have the same problem!

WoolenSails said...

What a beautiful top, wonderful for the summer. I want to make clothes too, hate trying to find things that are nice and comfortable.

Debbie

Janine said...

looks wonderful!

Poppyprint said...

Well done!!! Your new top looks perfect on you, Ariane. Very pretty!

Jennifer said...

That's very pretty fabric, and you have done a great job with your top - you look gorgeous in it!

retdairyqueen said...

Well done Ariane It looks fab I'm with hubby You should make more

Quiet Quilter said...

Good for you...now you can use the pattern over and over again...Looks comfortable...

Peg - Happy In Quilting said...

You have done a great job Ariane..

Impera Magna said...

What a lovely top! Looks cool and comfy... great job!

Sew Create It - Jane said...

It looks fab! Isn't it great when a plan comes together? I gave up on making clothes so I'm rather impressed!

Linda in Calif. said...

Oh my gosh! That is so cool! And it looks so great on you. I have the same problem - the top half of me needs a smaller size than the bottom half but it's no my belly it's my hips. I just have to say you did so good - and even making the bias tape! You did GREAT!! (I'm so inspired to do the same. thanks!)

sandra said...

You have done a marvelous job and good for you. I have the same problem sewing for myself patterns just never fit. I don't know who they make them for. They didn't fit years ago when I was a lot smaller so I don't know

Doodlebug Gail said...

Fantastic! Isn't it great when you feel confident enough to play around with a pattern and it works out perfectly?! Job well done!

Andee said...

It looks great! I think you did a fabulous job, can't wait to see it in a few other fabrics!

Deb said...

Right there with you! To get them to fit around my fat middle, they're WAY TOO big in the top and under the arms. It looks wonderful!

Richard Healey said...

I think it looks great. I am a big guy (no not going to make my own clothing still going to frustrate the wife by making her buy them I refuse to try things on in the store so she has to return things) but I can totally hear what your talking about My shirts always fit around and arms are fine but they are never never long enough and my wife giggles when my belly hangs out (eek more of that stuff you don't want to hear about) any way great job on the top.

Catherine said...

Such a pretty top Ariane. I especially like the trim around the neckline. Well done!!

Mary Johnson said...

Very cute, I'm impressed, I don't sew clothing at all!

Robin said...

Good for you! I have yet to brave the world of pattern drafting. And you did a great job on your first try! I love the contrast binding at the collar too-- fun detail!

Dresden Quilter said...

It is a beautiful top. Project Runway here you come!