Sunday, January 24, 2016

Sandra Betzina's V1477 Times Three

As soon as I saw this pattern I had to have it.

                                            V1477, Misses' Tunic and Top

I've long wanted to try this style and always suspected that it would bring too much attention to the bust and I wasn't wrong but I 'm happy with the results just the same. I say results because I made two wearable muslins before cutting into the fabric I bought especially for the long version.

I should say that having access to Sandra's online classes , a gift from my DH for Christmas, helped a lot in the making of this pattern
Also, since this was described as close fitting, I cut size D instead of my usual B or C.
Another really good thing about this is that it's not too low cut and the neckline fits close to the chest.

This is the first try. I made View B, the top version.



I used rayon jersey bought in Paris ( I got a "coupon " which usually  means a cut of three meters in my experience of Paris fabric shopping ). I followed Sandra's instructions  ,in the pattern directions,for doing an FBA and made my spread one inch. As it turned out, that was too much and the twist ended up well below the bust and the top was too roomy. It's wearable though and I'm pleased with it.

This is the second muslin. I took about 12"  ( or maybe more. I don't remember ) off the length of View A for this one to see how I would like those pointy edges.




The fabric is poly/lycra and was left over from this dress  This time I did a 1/2 "spread to make my FBA . Much better ! The twist is closer to the bust this time. I love this version. It's sassy and fun and my DH really liked it.






                          

So on to the "real " thing. This time I made View A with no changes except for the 1/2" FBA.




The fabric is rayon/ lycra and just right for this style IMO.
For the hem of this one as well as the red one, I used Steam a Seam and since there will be no stress involved, I didn't stitch it . I've used this method before on loose hems and if you use lots of steam, the hem stays put very well.






Both tunic versions require leggings or something underneath. Even the long version could not be worn as a dress. I made my leggings out of a ponte-like poly knit which worked really well. I used my Silhouette Patterns Yoga pant pattern as a starting point and tapered them to my shape That worked really well too.

So what do you think? I know that the long version would look a lot better if I were tall and slim like the pattern model but ,at my age ,I no longer care about things like that. I just really like how this feels . A great dancing outfit, methinks.

With boots



See what I mean ? This couldn't be worn as a dress !



And with shoes



Now I must go see what you all have been sewing so more later from




18 comments:

Mary said...

I love these versions of the pattern. They are marvelous, and I love the long version with leggings and flats. Thanks so much for showing all three-I want to get going on this before it gets too hot in AZ.

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

I really like the tunic version of this...though I have to admit that all three versions are really cute! It was awesome to make it in three different lengths!

Unknown said...

Hi -- The tunic length versions are especially nice.
About the video of Sandra demonstrating the FBA -- is that a Craftsy class? Or an open video somewhere? I would love to have the link to that resource.
Thanks!!

Summer said...

Looks great!

Bonnie @ sewplus.blogspot.com said...

Love your top! Very classy & eye catching! Great job!

Coco said...

what great tops! and I am in love with the orange fabric :-) Am going to take a look at this pattern...

Tee said...

They all
Look great on you! Great fabric choices!!!!

Sew, Jean Margaret said...

This is a lovely pattern Diana and all three versions look great.

Ann Brodsky said...

Love all three! This will be going on my list for sure.

Summer Flies said...

All three versions look lovely but I love, love, love the red one the best. You look gorgeous in your dress.

Amanda S. said...

Super cute! I especially love the red one. Now I've got to have this pattern as I'm on a top making kick and must make all the tops!

Gail said...

Versatile pattern. I particularly like the dress and the practicality of the plain grey top.

SewCraftyChemist said...

WOW! All 3 are so fabulous! I think the tunic is my favorite!!

Ohhhmy said...

Love the red top, and as the long version started to appear on my screen, the fabric caught my breath. No wonder you had to buy that on your trip to Paris. If you sew the side slits closed, then it could be worn as a dress, but love what you've done with all three. Learn so much from you, THANKS!

MaryEllen said...

All 3 versions of yours look wonderful . I just finished spending a week with Sandra Betzina at her hands on workshop . I made this top with her help on fitting ! Many ladies in the group wore this top & dress & it looks great on all figure types . The trip was a bucket list item of mine & early BIG birthday present to myself . Sandra is so wonderful & genuine !!!!!!

Sarah Liz said...

At my age I no longer care about things like that - I quite agree - I doubt younger ladies realise just how liberating it is to reach a certain age where things like figure and face wrinkles no longer bother one. We are so much more comfortable being who we are and enjoying the moment more. I like all these little tops - the twist makes it quite special. The dress over leggings is going to work nicely.

Rhonda Buss said...

All are lovely, but I REALLY like the red one!

Dara said...

Very Nice ! When I grow up" I'm gonna sew just like you"!