Sunday, March 15, 2009

70's retro tunic

I did, of course, make a few more adjustments to the pants after looking at the photos. I took in the front crotch below the zipper and took in the front thigh area where there is a slight "jodpur" look. I always get that, it's another by-product of flat derriere - the sides get pushed out.

I did not, of course, get all the sewing done that I hoped for. I took Benjy for his inoculations to the doctor on Thursday and he left with every other child's illness in the waiting room. We have had a weekend of diarrhoea, vomiting and sleepless nights.







I sewed this a week or so ago and I'm really enjoying wearing it. I borrowed the pattern from my sister (blogged about here) It's a shame you can't see the details of the panel construction. I made it out of my $3 70's op shop remnant so it has a truly retro feel. I opened the neckline slightly - just cut and turned under with bias tape because I couldn't figure out how to make a facing with all those seams coming into centre front.

Anyway, I notice Simplicity has revived the style, (Simplicity 2927) and I'd like to give the modern version a crack because it means I can use a big button. I love big buttons.



The retro pattern I used was from 1970 (excellent year) and I made the fatal mistake of not checking the sloper size used. It is designed for smaller, leaner, Pre-McDonalds years. It turns out they have graded the sloper up a whole inch - which is almost another size, so I got caught out and had to let out all the seams.

The bust darts are interesting. They take a western trail up to the bust summit. I can see that a direct assault would have worked better and I might have to go out and buy myself a french curve to move the dart over to a northern ascent.

I also discovered that Murphy's rule of nursing applies here: if you had a small bust before nursing it will disappear afterwards, if you started with too much you will get more. I have discovered to my horror that I now fit into Palmer/Pletsch's definition of "very full bust."

Long weary sigh.

Happy sewing everyone.

7 comments:

  1. Ain't that the truth. Sigh. Those of us with the antithesis of the very-full-bust-adjustment envy you, somewhat. Although I'm sure each comes with its own challenges.

    Sorry to hear you've been living in the house of spew all weekend :-( That really sucks the big kumara.

    Jen

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  2. We went through all that during Christmas break. Ewww. And double eeewww. Hang in there!

    As for the tunic: groovy. Really "styley" with those pants!

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  3. I cannot say how delighted I am to see that pattern made up- I still want to make it myself actually. I love its quirky designy features. The fabric choice is so very right for that pattern. Good job!

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  4. That's a fun pattern and I also love the 70's patterns! Esp. the Butterick designer ones -- Betsey Johnson, Willi Smith, Kenzo... Your tunic turned out great! BTW I get the gist of what an op shop is, but what is "op" short for? Or is the whole phrase a play on words...?

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  5. Oh yes about the nursing. Good-bye mushroom caps, hello acorn tops for me. It was lovely pretending for a while as they were all full of creamy milk.

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  6. I've always loved the 70s interpretation of the pants suit especially with all the interesting shaping and darts. Great pattern and very nice tunic too.

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  7. I like the look of the tunic with jeans. Very cute. Are you wearing your pants? I am almost done...I thin...

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