While I wait for my Mood Fabrics to publish my first garment-of-the-year post, I believe it’s a good time to clarify a misconception among some readers.
I have recently received several comments from readers who believe I have continued my RTW Fast into a second year. Not so….. just my blog!
When I completed my Ready-to-Wear Fast on August 31st, 2012, I continued my blog but I did not renew my fast. It was two months after completing the Fast before I walked into a dress shop with a new discriminating eye and bought my first RTW in 14 months. I wrote about the experience HERE. My sparse shopping trips have filled in the glaring wardrobe gaps I discovered during the RTW Fast, but I am continually grateful to be rid of my past dependency of retail shopping.
I guess one might say I’m in a maintenance program now!
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Soon, I will be reviewing a class for Craftsy.com entitled
Sew the Perfect Fit, by Lynda Maynard.
Widely known in the industry as a fit specialist, Linda Maynard has authored two books including her CD book Demystifying Fit. Vogue pattern 8766 is included with the class and is illustrated throughout the lessons.
You can sew along and learn with me at a 40% discount from Craftsy! Click HERE for your discount!
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Lastly, I made a blouse/top. After placing this McCall’s pattern on the list of misses for 2012, I decided I should give it another chance.
My first top (HERE) ended up rather bulky due to a large cut and heavy spandex fabric.
I snatched this lively equestrian spandex upon first sight because it reminded me of an expensive equestrian silk print.
This fabric is lighter in weight and I cut a size smaller. I also shortened the length so I could tuck it in when needed.
The fit is better but not perfect.
I am pleased that it fits nicely under sweaters, almost resembling a scarf!
But I am ready to learn the tricks of the trade for fitting especially during my maintenance program 
More soon!
I’m excited to sew your new top as this pattern is next up in the sewing pile. Great fabric choice
Thank you, Gail! I found it runs big and long! The pattern includes fitting guides which I used during the first make but as I said I just went down a size this time. Good luck!
Lovely top and I may just join you in Linda’s class!
Please do Dilliander! The class looks very promising! Many thanks for writing
Great versatile top and looks good with the cardi too.
Thank you, Pam!
Lovely top – great colors!
Many thanks, Lorraine!T
I look forward to your review of the class. I definitely want to take this one. Fitting is definitely something I am working on presently.
Hi Laura! I’ll try to do meaningful reviews in different segments. Many thanks for writing
That top looks great! I am lookin forward to that class. I signed up last week, but haven’t had time to watch it yet.
Thank you! I was pleased with the top but I believe it was difficult to alter the bodice. So glad you will be taking the class!
Where did you find the beautiful equestrian print? Your top is wonderful. You look great in the do over top. Spanky
Sent from my iPad
Thank you, Aileen. I bought the fabric at a shop in NYC called B&J fabrics – one of those lucky finds because it wasn’t expensive. I really love the colors.
What a gorgeous print and style on you!
Thank you, Heather! The pattern is very long through the bodice so there was m u c h altering to do which involved guess work since the bodice is gathered.
Looks very pretty, anxious to hear about your class.
Many thanks, Lori
The top is so cute! I really like it!
Thank you, Ginger!
Ooh, love this fabric,! Your shirt turned out looking lovely on you,but I get what you mean about perfecting the fit. Did you make the pretty grey sweater?
Thank you, Andrea! The sweater was a Christmas gift from my husband. I have no idea how to knit
Excellent design choice as can be see by how you can add it to your existing collection. Very clever!
Thank you, Maria!
I’ve been wanting to read a review of this new Craftsy course, so I look forward to hearing what you think.
Will do my best to give a good review!
fantastic just what we need to lift our spirits this dark dull frosty grey morning……….. you inspire us. hazel walker
What a sweet comment, Hazel! Many thanks for writing
Really like the fabric!
I’m not surprised
HONEY BUNNY-You look marvelous! Love the print and fit….I think you’ve embraced knits rather well. I love looking at all the trends, then figuring out what I want for ME….I have a beautiful soft wool Liberty, yes a Liberty print on wool……you’ve inspired me, going to cut it out TODAY!
Laura
Have fun with your Liberty, MzSweetPea! Can’t wait to see what you make
PS: I’m a seasoned sewist, and can fit myself rather well, do you still think the CRAFTY class would still be of benefit to a girl like me? Laura
I’m not sure how to answer your question, because I always have so much to learn! You can preview the class on the website fairly extensively. Let me know what you decide to do!
Signed up for the craftsy class! I have been sewing for a while but I never get the fit right! Love you top and love the blog. I may even get inspired to try “fasting” for a year!
Oh wow – thank you for your comment, Madeline! I loved my fast and will do it again
cute tops, that pattern is so similar to the one I just made. love the equestrian print, great color on you. And I think the Craftsy classes are fantastic, as an advanced sewer there is always more to learn and they are so well done. I am impressed with them.
Thank you, Beth! I’ve tried two Craftsy classes and find them very helpful and thorough. I look forward to #3
I like that blouse pattern made up in a print much better than the “plain fabric” examples shown. That blue print is gorgeous!
Hi Karen! J Mc Laughlin sells this style in prints and they are beautiful. I’m determined to get the fit and may try another pattern
Many thanks for writing!
A very beautiful hue of blue and a nice print – the top is great! I like you cardigan too.
Many thanks, Ann-Britt
!!
your blue version looks so much nicer, enjoy the class
Thank you, Pauline! I look forward to the class
In your upcoming review of the Maynard class, I’d be most interested in learning if it gives instructions for people without dress forms or fitting buddies. I don’t want to spend the money if I can’t use do this on my own. I had a problem with the Craftsy class on couture sewing because I couldn’t fit the pattern on my own. Some classes promise too much.
I will keep your request in mind when I review the class. Did you take Susan Khalje’s class?
Wow, you may think this top is better suited for another body type…However, I think this top does your body GOOD! Beautiful!
Thank you, Myra! I managed to make it work but I’m going to look for another pattern that will give me the fit I’m after.
I just cut out a top view B fromt he McCall pattern. Iam using a light weight sweater knit so I’m glad the lighter weight fabrics work best! I love your top so I may try that style next.
Thank you, Joen! I was tempted to make View B – would love to see a photo of your completed top!
Very chic x
Thank you! It’s quite a compliment coming from someone I consider to be very chic and stylish
Oh, cute. Stylish, flattering, cute top!
Thank you, Lynne! Your Chanel jacket is beautiful!!!!!