The Jalie top is done. It's not perfect, but done is what matters right now. I'll tweak again on the next version and then it will be perfect. But this one is pretty good.
I used the pattern pieces from yesterday's Muslin #2. I shortened the bolero piece two sizes at the shoulder end, shortened the back shoulder one size, scooped the back neckline about two sizes's worth of depth, raised the neckline about an inch in the middle, and narrowed the shoulders about three or four sizes. The shoulders are still a bit too wide and the armhole needs to come up some more. But I'm not unhappy with it at all. Besides, it will be worn under a jacket anyway so none of that will show until I remove the jacket.
(Regarding the comments yesterday about cleavage in the workplace. If someone else wants to bare it, that's their thing. And I have seen plenty of what some people think is office wear these days. But for me, I don't care what's in or out. I'm just not going to be wearing tops that show more than I want to show.)
The fabric is an ivory cotton summer weight sweater knit. (Say that 3 times fast!) I like the texture it adds to the outfit. That is, the 6 inches of it that shows. ;-)
Here's the outfit so far. Still no buttons on the jacket. I'm thinking of just 2 buttons — at the top — so when I button it, the jacket stays semi-swung open, with a diagonal line and the Jalie top showing at the bottom. (Like it looks here.) If there are only 2 buttons and 2 buttonholes, no one will think anything of it since they'll assume it was bought that way. I'm not asking for opinions on this, BTW, so don't try to change my mind. ;-)
I've cut out the pattern pieces for Simp 2897, the new plus size jacket in the Project Runway line. I'm hoping to get the alterations started after dinner, and around Survivor and Grey's Anatomy. DS#2 doesn't have school tomorrow so I can stay up late and sleep in. (Won't get to do that much once I start working.)
The outfit looks good! I like your button idea, too. I have a lot of white tops, all in different textures, and only my girls see the difference...
ReplyDeleteDebbie, I like the Jalie top! The neckline is very flattering and the fabric looks cool too. I can't wait to see your PR jacket. Remember I'm mentally sewing this one with you. :)
ReplyDeleteI think it looks lovely - the whole outfit. You do such good work.
ReplyDeleteThis top is perfect. Your changes have made it so. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI love the Jalie. I must get that pattern. The outfit really looks good. And I like the 2 button jacket idea. You go girl and, yes, stay up late and sleep in while you can!
ReplyDeleteOkay how about the finished top is really great...I can't imagine you getting it even more perfect! :) And the outfit looks great...very polished and professional yet showing some of your personality!
ReplyDeleteGreat looking outfit, Debbie.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful outfit. It looks great together.
ReplyDeleteYour outfit is fantastic. The finished top turned out nicely. I love the jacket and skirt. You will look smashing!
ReplyDeleteLovely outfit Debbie, really smart. Looking forward to seeing what else you're going to make for an office wardrobe.
ReplyDeleteVery nice, very professional looking outfit, Debbie. Well done.
ReplyDeleteHow goes the job hunt? Have you applied anywhere yet?
very nice! I like the combination!
ReplyDeleteThat is quite a snappy number you have there, perfect for an interview and office wear. Crossing my fingers for you and sending good wishes for your job hunt and for starting outside work. You can do it! --Kath in Belgium
ReplyDeleteI'm really liking that outfit. It looks like what I had in mind for DDs graduation. Can I borrow it? :)
ReplyDeleteYour outfit looks great - I love the colours! I think the buttons will look just right where you propose to place them.
ReplyDeleteAs far as cleavage in the office - thank goodness you have some common sense! Just because some women feel the need to display their "wares" at work, doesn't make it okay. If you want the attention of your boss and coworkers that much, do some quality work and earn the attention with your brain, not your body. I guess everyone can just call me too conservative, but when did it become okay to be overtly sexy at work? Save it for home and going out on the town, I say.
Love the two button idea! The outfit is looking great - the top is fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI hope that your job hunting is going well!
I like the Jalie top on you, better without that shirring in the middle. Good outfit. Did you make a skirt out of that fabric? Did I miss this?
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie, I read your blog all the time. Great new outfit! Wow! The new top looks great and I love the knit you used. You'll knock 'em dead!
ReplyDeleteWow. That looks great. What an amazing difference good fabric makes!
ReplyDeleteThe top came out wonderfully, Debbie. The whole outfit looks "good to go"! Congrats
ReplyDeleteThe jacket is great and will be great for work.
ReplyDeleteAnd I keep looking but forgetting to get back here to comment - I really like that Jalie top on you. It's a good look.
Thanks for continuing to post about how you arrive at all the changes you make to get to the final edition.
I hope (although I know how crazy it is) that you'll be able to continue with both sewing and blogging about it once you're working full time.