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| New Look 6356 - front view |
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| New Look 6356 - back view |
I decided to tackle something "easy" and decided on this sleeveless top from New Look.
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| New Look 6356 - easy 2 hour pattern |
It looked easy enough with simple dart shaping at the bust and a faced neck and faced armholes. I chose version A with the high neck and no sleeves.
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| New Look 6356 - Pattern front and back views |
The pattern claims to be "easy" and take 2 hours sewing time. I'm not sure where they got that figure from but it certainly took me much longer than that particularly as I had a major fit issue!
I used a grey check fabric that I ordered from myfabrics.co.uk in the summer. I ordered it online, and although it appears to be a UK site, the fabric came from Germany. The delivery took a bit longer than I expected but the fabric very reasonably priced. The fabric is this cotton vichy. I used less than a metre to make this top.
Things I'm pleased about this top:
Things I'm pleased about this top:
Fabric: I like this cotton vichy and would use it again. It's very reasonably priced and would make a cute fifties style shirt.
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| Cotton vichy |
Pattern matching. I had a pretty good go at this. However I've learnt I really need a walking foot as no matter how well I aligned the little squares, they some how slipped when sewing. Apparently a walking foot is a must to prevent this.
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| Side seam |
The centred zip. The pattern called for a lapped zip but to be honest I couldn't make sense of the instructions. My preference would be for an invisible zip but I didn't want to have to make a trip out specially just to buy a zip. Instead I decided to have a go at a centred zip which I've never done before.
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| Centred zip |
I turned to the instructions given in "The Complete Book of Sewing" which is an excellent reference book I find.
And it was easy. Another skill learnt! I do prefer invisible zips but it's nice to try something else out.
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| Centred zip |
Facings. I like the faced armhoes and neck-line having previously only used bias binding. They make the garment neater I think. As I don't have an overlocker, I edge-finished the facings as per the pattern instructions and they look quite neat.
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| Neck facing |
Things I don't like:
The fit! This pattern is weird. I made a size 14 based on my measurements and the front fits fine. However the back was enormous and stuck out at back at the zip. Rather than abandon the top, I actually unpicked the back seam and zip. I then resewed the back seam with an 1.5 inch seam allowance rather than the original 5/8 inch! This took the back in so it's now actually wearable. This also added time to the sewing time! The top is quite fitted now but I can still actually get it on and off without undoing the zip! Perhaps I should have made a 12, I am still finding the whole sizing issue very perplexing to be honest.
The seams. I so want an overlocker. I edge-finished as per the pattern and they are OK but not great. I turned under and stitched along the edges of the seams as my zig-zagging always looks terrible and frays. Maybe I'm not doing something right. In hindsight I wish I'd used french seams. Not sure how you would finish the zip seam if you used french seams though. Advice?
All in all, I've learnt I don't really like shapeless tops and think it might be good to tackle something with darts or princess seams next to give it more shaping. I have this pattern in my stash and think it might be a good one to try!
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| New Look 6130 - peplum top and skirt |
