Here is a close-up of the bodice. You can kind of see the fabric here.
This is the view that I don't like at all. Oh well, I guess I don't see that side very often. It does bug me though. I think that this is a design feature. There is no way this could be fitted through there with those loose hanging pleats.
This was one of the ways I tried it. Hee, hee. When my husband took this picture he said, "You're not gonna liiiiiike it." When he says something like that, it's gotta be bad. And it was.
This is the current (and final) version. We are done. Done. Man, I need to run some miles. In all fairness though, I think that this style may not be best on a pear-shaped woman. It makes my shoulders look narrow and my hips look large. When you're a pear you don't need to emphasize that. Your body does it all by itself. But, I like the jumper anyway.
Her's the review:
Pattern Description: A sassy jumper/pinafore dress in the style of the sixties. Radiating pleats form an intriguing accent while the high band is an authentic detail. When worn solo, the deep V-neck reveals an enticing glimpse of lace.
This is also in the 09/2007 BWOF magazine. It's pattern #121.
Pattern Sizing: 32-42. I made a straight 34.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it looks very similar to dark grey version on the pattern envelope. I wish I could see the back of the pattern on a model. I can see the line drawing but I want to see it on the model to see how it fits her butt. That's the only place I had some issues.
Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions from the pattern envelope were top notch and illustrated!!! They were much easier than I imagine the BWOF directions were to understand.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the bodice and the hip pleats. It's a cute pattern that needs to be worn with something underneath. I dislike the ballooning bottom section but I think it's just me and my swayback.
Fabric Used: This is a wool/blend knit from one of Ressy's coops. It's a dark eggplant with grey/white striped on it. In the pictures it looks like a heathered brown.
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I did nothing to the top except for my normal 1/2" petite alteration. The back section gave me fits where it attaches to the empire band. I did several rip-out and re-attach sessions before I got it okay. I changed it from two large pleats to four smaller pleats. I'm still not perfectly happy with the back but I think that this pattern just has that as a design feature. That is why I would really like to see the model's butt. Well, the dress covering her butt, I guess.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I may sew it again. I love jumpers and this one will be perfect for spring and fall. It might work for winter but I'll have to wear a slip if I want to wear tights. Otherwise we are going to have some serious creepage going on.
Conclusion: It's cute. It's certainly not a 10 because of the butt area but I give it pretty high marks.
