My attempt to arrange another sewing weekend failed, but I did get half a day in. That was enough to try a new pattern. Well, an old pattern but new to me.

It only went up to size 12, so I traced it and extrapolated the size enlargement for 16, thinking that would be plenty. I was going to do a test version but with time short and expecting it to be a bit big I decided not to. The fabric was rayon offcuts from an op shop anyway so no big deal if it failed. Well, the seam allowance was 15mm, and when I tried it on I was surprised to find it a bit small. There are no bust darts and by the picture it’s clearly meant to be loose-fitting. To get a bit more drape I moved the side seams, sleeve seams and arm seams out by about 5mm, which seemed to work.

Overall, I’m not delighted with it. It sits oddly. There is something strange about the arm-to-front seam (which you can’t see here because the mannequin has no arms). A bit like when you try on pants and the crotch just looks wrong. Maybe it’s because the pattern is from the 80s and there’s supposed to be shoulder pads. Maybe because I’m not used to wearing this kind of top. Maybe I’m the wrong body shape for it.
But I’m glad I tried it. It’s all practise. Not every sewing project is going to result in a garment I love.