I cut out the muslin for this princess-seamed shirt a while back. It's the same pattern, M6076, I first started using to create my sleeveless Western Winds shirt back in the early fall. Now I'm continuing to create a sleeved version. This pattern has multiple princess-seamed options (a princess-seam can end up in different spots on the garment) and lots and lots of instruction sheet ideas for getting a good fit. A really good basic pattern.
I'm not instruction sheet oriented - so I have a tendency to forget about stay-stiching! And then I wonder why the sleeve stretches out of shape when I go to set it in! Same deal with other curved seam areas. And it's particularly important when I'm creating a muslin/toile - because this is the time for getting the seams to come together right .
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| Set in Sleeve test - the outer line is stay-stitching (regular stitch line). The inner line is a basting stitch for easing or setting the sleeve cap into the armscye (the curved opening in the bodice) |
I added two tucks in the front of the sleeve cap, because after I measured the alterations to the bodice (the armscye line), I found that there was too much sleeve cap. I want only about 3/4" more in the sleeve cap, than in the armscye. Also I took note as to the center of the sleeve - so I only altered the front, the back looks like it has about the right amount of extra. I must admit, this is not exciting sewing. In the past I always just went ahead and sewed up a pattern and hoped for the best. But I've learned the value of a well fitting pattern. It means I'll get this one pattern working for me - and then I can just zip through future versions, knowing they'll look and fit great and I'll reach into the armoire for them again and again. |
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| I added a one inch seam allowance for fitting a muslin/toile. Learned this from Lynda Maynard. I used a double Clover tracing wheel for this - it has two heads. |
