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Member since 5/8/09
Posts: 16
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Posted on: 6/14/09 12:03 PM ET
I dawdled and dawdled until it was too late to sew clothes for my trip to my Grandson’s graduation. This outfit definitely looked better from the “inside” than it does from the “outside”. Even though I’ll be sewing for the future, what can I do with this type of ready-to-wear to make look less like a maternity outfit? I’d hate to lose all the money I spent on clothes for the trip! I have another funky fit issue: from the shoulder seam down to the bust point I am almost concave, sort of very shallow across the high bust. How do I adapt a pattern for this issue? I am thinking a dart nipped out of the neckline around the high bust area? Whoops...I thought that I would be able to post a photo of the top! I am narrow shouldered and short but need a 2X to accomodate my large bust. At my age (63) that is not an attractive mix! Thanks......over and over again!My Photos
-- Edited on 6/14/09 12:40 PM --
  
Member since 10/1/06
Posts: 4518
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Posted on: 6/14/09 12:27 PM ET
In reply to MaddyGranMa
You did not post photos to understand your specific issues with the RTW, but here goes.

You mentioned wanting to garment to look less maternity. Pin in either below bust waist darts or take some in on the side seams and see if that helps.

I checked your info and you said you are a petite plus. I have narrow shoulders and wear 2x or 20 rtw. I good pattern line is Petite Plus and maybe the Palmer Pletsch line sold under McCalls.
-- Edited on 6/14/09 12:29 PM --
  
Member since 10/1/06
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Posted on: 6/14/09 12:31 PM ET
A thought on the concave issue - get a good bra fitting. There is lots of talk/encouragement about getting a good bra and the related fit miracles
  
Member since 5/8/09
Posts: 16
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Posted on: 6/14/09 12:43 PM ET
Wow! What a great response! I have posted 2 photos on Flik'r. I am really computer literate, but not Pattern Review Stitchers Literate1 You guys kick it up a notch! but I am ready!
  
Member since 10/1/06
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Posted on: 6/14/09 7:21 PM ET
In reply to MaddyGranMa
Yes - I often get that extra fabric look on rtw also. I definitely think an under bust dart will take some of that excess fabric out. Worth a try. By the way - when I buy tops that include the under bust dart, the dart is sewn too high onto the bust. It should stop about 2 inches from apex (in my opinion), so better to add my own.

I would love to see before/after shots since you now know how to add link to photos.

Kathy
  
Member since 10/11/08
Posts: 992
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Posted on: 6/20/09 11:38 PM ET
I do alterations and I would definitely put darts from the waistline vertically up to under the bust. Just pinch out the excess fabric on the outside as you area wearing the top, then you will have it straight, and you will know what the finished product will look like. When you take off the top, pin mark the lines that you pinched in order to create your darts, and turn them to the inside. Stitch, then try on. This will work on the knit top, but might look funny on the button down blouse. There i would try opening the side seam and taking the dart in there, slanting it to "aim" where it looks good. You may have to even out the hemline, or it may not work at all. Just try to think, "where does this bulk need to be removed?". Pin wherever you like and see what works.
-- Edited on 6/20/09 11:39 PM --
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