Tuesday, 21 February 2012

Kwik Sew 3670 - To Be or Not To Be.



That is the question and I just do not know the answer.
I am unsure if it is the pattern or the fabric or just both  that is not quite jelling with me. Here is the pattern below. 
Pattern front KS 3670 .
Pattern back showing up details.
KS 3670 is a tunic /top where the front and back yokes extend into slightly gathered sleeves with a narrow band. The front of the tunic extends up in a small rectangle which is gathered and sewn to the bottom inside edge of the front yoke forming a pleat. Because of that front pleat this patterns needs a very drapy fabric or else. I have too much grey hair now to be asked if I am expecting but I want to avoid the Irritable Bowel/ bloated look. The back neck is finished with self fabric bias binding. It looked quite an interesting pattern and I had nothing else like it in my wardrobe.

A close up of the front yoke , pleat and back bias binding.
   The fabric is a georgette - rectangles of yellow, black, fawn , olive green and white. I bought it from an Australian Ebay fabric store and I had thought the olive green was going to be grey although it is really hard to tell really. I was a bit disappointed when it arrived because of the colour discrepancies between computer moniters and real life. However it was one of those I don`t  have anything to lose  fabrics so it was perfect for trialling my new pattern. The fabric was moderately slippery but by using lots of pins and cutting carefully with sharp scissors it wasn`t too bad.
  The front yoke pattern piece is very interesting and confusing but of course by following the excellent instructions it all works out at the end. I doubled my fabric for the front and back yokes since my fabric is so sheer but this did nothing to aid in modesty as the yoke finishes above the bust line .However it did mean that I had no remnants left to feed that scrap bag ( which has a life of its own I am sure )  :) . 8 cms are allowed for this hem so I turned up the hem 4 cms and then another 4 cms and stitched. Overall the pattern is well drafted and the instructions are excellent as per usual with Kwik Sew.
 The tunic is relatively long and could even be worn as a short dress . I have only one suitable bottom piece of clothing to wear with this which is part of reason why I am unsure about this top although I have possible plans to make some slim fitting olive green linen pants . The photos look OK though so I think I will put this in that magic wardrobe made famous  by Mary Nanna and stew on it for a bit.
Any opinions good or bad  ( I won`t sulk - I think ) or styling suggestions would be welcomed.
Until next time , Cheers Janine.

15 comments:

  1. Janine, I like it a lot, and the drape is pretty with your slim build. I think what you are focusing on is the repeat meeting up at the tie. The print is very busy (not a bad thing at all) and imparts a sense of motion toward the tie area. I'd wear this in a heartbeat, and probably pair it with black slim pants and a black belt. It's really lovely.

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  2. I think it looks great and suits you very well. I am loving the fabric (in fact almost purchased a similiar looking print but restrained myself).

    I am wondering if your disappointment with the fabric has crossed over into a dislike of the top or maybe it is different to what you are used to wearning. Put it in the magic cuboard if you need (you have to feel comfortable wearing it) but make sure you take it out again soon.

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  3. Love it on you. No need to magic wardrobe it. It's probably just a matter of your eye adjusting to such a new-for-you style.

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  4. I like it, too! The neckline is pretty and the colors in the print are very good for you. I think slim pants and a wide belt would jazz it up nicely.

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  5. It looks great! This tunic style is popular now and I think that it is a matter of getting used to it. It certainly gives a looke of "length" to the body. It would look so nice over leggings or very narrow legged pants. I may have to sew up this pattern.

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  6. Thanks for the comments. I think everyone is right - it is getting used to a new style which is good because I am not very fashion forward.

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  7. I agree, I like the style and the fabric. A belt would be nice with it but you look great in it just as it is too.

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  8. I'm not sure why you are not happy with it, it looks very nice. Not the slightest hint of bloating to be seen! I'm sure this is a piece that you will grow to love over time. The way you have styled it here looks very nice.

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  9. I think your tunic looks terrific. I've made this pattern a couple of times and really like the neckline. I've lengthened the sleeves to just below the elbow which took up all the width of 150cm wide fabric. The shorter version also works well over a skirt. I agree that the pattern works best with a drapey fabric.

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  10. I think the top is very flattering, especially over the skinny pants.

    The postage costs for EmmaOneSock are extremely reasonable. When you place an order, the computer automatically calculates the postage cost. The computer always over-estimates. You then proceed to the checkout. Payment is the suspended until Linda cuts the fabric and re-checks the postage. She then sends an email with the amended cost. It is often well under the computer's calculation. What is fabulous about EmmaOneSock though, is the quality of the fabric and the prices. Neither my sister nor I have ever been disappointed by a purchase. In 99% of cases, the fabric turns out to be so much nicer than we ever imagined. Much of what she stocks is designer ends and fabric collected from designer sample rooms. It's all very lovely. The prices are significantly cheaper than fabric located in Australia. I hope this was helpful.

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  11. I think this top looks darling on you. I'm sorry you're not pleased with it but that happens to us all at oe tome or another.

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  12. I like it too. On my monitor the top photo has a lot of blue in it but the close up shot has the greys and yellow and I like that better. I think it looks really lovely on. I see some leggings with it ...

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  13. I also thinks the top looks great on you. It has a very flattering neckline and colors, and no sign of a tummy ppoch. I bought this pattern because it was the exact same style as a RTW blouse that I loved (except for the shiny poly fabric). The RTW top was hip length and I wore it tucked into pants and skirt.

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  14. I like it Janine....I think it is adorable on you. I would also be interested to see this pattern in a solid fabric. I think it would have an entirely different look.

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  15. Oh definitely to BE. I hope the magic wardrobe works for you, because this looks so pretty on you and in the close-up!

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