Sunday, January 22, 2012

Katherine Tilton's V8691

I wasn't all that productive this week but I did manage to finish my version of V8691. 



This is one of those patterns that really intrigue me and I had to try . This is what I came up with.I made View D.


I had planned on adding the flounce using the plain brown knit I used for the neckband but after basting a part of the flounce to the hem and trying it on ,I realized that look wasn't for me.



 I only had one meter of the animal print ponti knit and I wanted to use three colours so I found this cotton crochet look lace in my stash for the sleeves  which I lined with skin tone mesh knit left over from a skating costume for my GD.





Now about this pattern!

I found it to run rather large and that caused a few problems and naturally I didn't make a muslin.

First, I made my regular one inch FBA and that was too much for this pattern. I used Peggy Sagers" draping lessons on her webcasts to figure out how to get rid of the excess. Please watch these to learn all kinds of things about fitting and draping.

Next, the shoulders were at least an inch too wide and I was able to take in the front shoulder width because the princess seam ran up to the shoulders. In the back I was able to add a shoulder dart.

But the worst part of this pattern is the excessive fabric  in this area.


It also occurs in the front. You can see in this photo.



And I don't know how to fix that. If anyone can help with this alteration please let me know. I've encountered this problem before on a princess seamed coat.

This top is comfortable to wear and I do like it. I want to try another version in the spring but I'll have to iron out the glitches first.Also I'll make it longer to make up for not using the length in the flounces.



Happy Sewing from

11 comments:

Lilian said...

Hi Diana, I just found your blog and I'm glad I did. I like it very much.
I'll be reading it from now on.

Anonymous said...

I also found the pattern to fit the same on me...I made a wearable muslin and found that the neck was humongous!!! I still like the pattern though and I'm going to try it again taking out some from under the arm...I'll let you know how it turns out...

pdiddly said...

Hi Diana, despite your complaints regarding the pattern and its fit, in the photograph it actually looks really nice on you - but I am sure if you have found things you don't like about the pattern it will niggle you until you get it sorted. I am sure the next one will be perfect.

Patty said...

I think this turned out great and looks lovely on you. I have this pattern on my to-do list, and I'll keep your modifications in mind.

Linda T said...

Nice top. I've been intending to pull this pattern out of the stash box and give it a whirl. I'll be sure to make a muslin first in light of the quirks in the pattern you have noted. I like your mix of fabrics!

Jenny said...

I like the creative mix of fabrics. I believe that underarm concern is caused by a too-low armscye. You could probably fix it easily enough if you decide to make it again.

Irene said...

The fix for your "underarm problem" is easy - I do this to absolutely every pattern. Pinch the amount that needs to come out right near the seam. Measure. Mark this on your pattern. Trace your armhole and side on tracing paper. Lay this tracing under the pattern. Pivot at the shoulder, so that your armhole moves further onto the pattern, over to your mark. Retrace the armhole. Now pivot at the underarm to bring the side back to meet the original side. The armhole measurement stays the same to fit the sleeve - you're just taking out a triangle right under the armpit. If this makes no sense - email me (e-mail in my profile), and I'll take some pictures to send you.

gwensews said...

I don't understand why designers can come up with such good designs, but most often have problems with the cut. And, who is checking these patterns? Perhaps you will make this again, and perfect the fit at the underarm. It is cute though, and most people will not notice a little extra in that area. We are picky.

Summer Flies said...

I am very narrow across the back and that happens to me on every ready made or pattern and what Irene suggests is what I have to do too. Very quick and easy.

patsijean said...

Irene's method should do the trick. You just need to pivot out the excess fabric.

velosews said...

Great work Diana. This really suits you.