Sewing - Draped Top from Sew Magazine

I bought the Sew Magazine Vintage special recently. It has such a variety of patterns in it. I was really excited about the Vogue pattern that came with the magazine, but inside I found a lovely 1920's-inspired draped top.

Pattern: Not really a pattern, just a guide in the magazine.

This fabric was leftover from the Simplicity 2369 dress that I made for my wedding anniversary. It's a knit of unknown composition, but I suspect it's probably polyester.

Modifications and adjustments
Since this is a draft-it-yourself pattern, I didn't make any modifications. When I make it again, I'm going to learn how to use the invisible hem foot on my sewing machine rather than wonderweb (hemming web) because I think it will make the sleeves drape nicely.

I also think it would work well with more fabric on the front neck for a really drapey look, and it might also be nice in a woven fabric, though I'd want a bit more ease around the hips in that case.

Sewing - Simplicity 1142 - Jumpsuit (short version)

Pattern: Simplicity 1142
I made bodice A with shorts B. The pattern says it's suitable for use with knits, so as an experiment (before I use the nice non-stretchy fabric I wanted to make this from) I decided to have a go with some bright pink knit fabric I've had in the stash for a while.

Modifications and Adjustments:
I took my measurements and looked at the pattern. I was measuring a little bit bigger than the M on top (less than ½") but I needed an L for my hips. So, given that this was using a stretch fabric, I decided to make the M bodice and the L shorts, and ease them to the same size at the waist. (This is one of the reasons I love making my own clothes!)

It's about 2" difference between sizes at the waist, which is probably more than I'd want to try to ease on a non-stretch fabric, even with an elasticated waist. If I do make it again in then I will grade the shorts to the smaller size.



Verdict: 
I'm pretty happy with this playsuit! I think I'd like the waist to be a little lower, so I'd lengthen the bodice slightly. I like the pockets; this is the first time I've put pockets into a garment and I'm really pleased with them. It makes me want to put pockets into everything! I'm not sure about the back, It's a very fashionable style at the moment, but there's the visible bra-strap issue; if I wore a smaller cup than an F I might just go bra-less. If I make another one (I'm still undecided) then I'll probably either adjust the back somehow (lace panel, cut less steeply, same as the front, or something else)