I thought I'd pop back here with a photo of the finished Tova shirt and answer some of the questions about it that came up after yesterday's post.
I made the size L – which according to the size chart is a 10/12 (bust 37"/38"). It fits great in the shoulders, the length is fantastic, and it just skims my hips. I chose to make the L because I knit sweaters and when I buy commercial patterns for tops, I do so based on my bust measurement, which is 38". The finished Tova is *slightly* too tight on me across the bust. It fits my dress form (a size 12, 38" bust), but there isn't much ease under the arms and across the chest. I think it's hard to tell that from this photo, but trust me, the ease is not there. I think if I were a size 10, 37" bust, it would fit pretty well. My guess is that it fits the smaller of the two number sizes better than the larger. Just a guess. So I am going to re-trace the pattern and cut an XL, figuring from my experience, that this is probably going to do the trick in the bust. I'll take in the sides if I need to.
As far as fabric goes, this is a quilting cotton called Meadow (in green) from the Sarah Jane collection from Michael Miller. I was pretty smitten with the ditsy green floral and had to use it even though quilting cotton is probably not the best fabric for this top. Shirting fabric would be ideal and I really think that Liberty Tana Lawn or some gorgeous Anna Maria Horner voile would drape beautifully and be absolutely stunning. I just wasn't willing to cut into the good stuff for my first try. And actually, I'm not going to for the second try either. I'm going to use quilting cotton again, knowing that if it fits, I'll still wear it. Fingers crossed that it will and then Tova take three will get the good stuff.
The sewing portion of making this was very straight forward. The pattern is well written and there are some good photos which helped me wrap my brain around a couple parts. I did serge my seams, as suggested. If you don't have a serger, I'd suggest using the overlock stitch if your machine has one or zigzagging the edges. French seams would be a good option for everything except for where you sew the sleeve to the body because of the added bulk. But I don't really know – that's just a guess. It came together fairly fast for me, but I have been accused of being a fast seamstress, so take that with a grain of salt.
I also bought the pattern in the smaller size range so I could make the dress version for the girls. They are both making the transition from girls' clothing to the world of juniors and I find it especially difficult to find age appropriate clothing for them both, but especially for Kate who is fourth grade and 5'1".
Any other questions? I'll happily answer them in the comments.
thank you for all this info on the top, erin! i am a 37″ bust so that helps me a lot with deciding which size to make. my list of projects is growing and growing!
i also loved what you said in your last post about making. making encourages more making. and making for its own sake, its own joy. i agree wholeheartedly.
xo
This is beautiful! The floral is so pretty. I am loving seeing the versions of this pattern popping up everywhere. Someday, when I can actually count on my ability to sew clothing, I hope I’ll still be able to get the pattern and try it out.
Thank you so much for this post! I asked the questions about fabric in the comments of your last post and this follow-up post was super helpful.
Love your blog and couldn’t agree more about age appropriate clothing. I have a hard time wrapping my mind around some of the stuff I see out there for 3-years – I can’t imagine what it’s like for preteen/teenagers!
Cheers!
Such a thorough response. Thank you! I also want to thank you for talking about Friday Night Lights. I started watching it two weeks ago on Netflix when my husband was out of town. I became a woman obsessed(helped by the fact that I think Tim Riggins is hot). I have now watched all five seasons. Phew. Thanks again, Erin, for all you share.
oh i love it so much! it is the perfect fabric for it even though it is quilting cotton. wouldn’t it be heavenly if it was a lawn or voile? oh my!
I really love this top. Really love it. I find sizing to be so difficult and it’s true, you have to make something once (or twice) before you dive in and use the good stuff. Problem is, by the second (or third) time, I’m totally over it and can hardly stand the sight of it anymore. Gotta work on that…
Oh, this is perfect! I think I need to bite the bullet after all and shell out the money for this pattern…
It’s gorgeous, Erin. Bummer it doesn’t fit, but I know your friend is going to be thrilled. I’m going to make my good fabric Tova today. I tried your technique of cutting the pattern and the fabric out at the same time, and it worked great. Scissors be damned.
I loved what you wrote about making. Making begets making, and there is something special and addicting about the process. I always think of the act of making as my personal way to meditate.
Also, have you seen under the Wiksten flickr group that Jenny gives instructions on how to increase the bust area? Since everything else about the L fits perfectly, maybe all you need is this slight modification?
wow, it is GORGEOUS! I can’t believe it turned out so beautifully but doesn’t fit! bummer! I know what you mean about girl’s clothes. mine is 11 and 5’3ish. size 12 slim jeans are barely long enough for her – with the waist all cinched up with the elastic thingys. been trying NOT to think about what do i do when she outgrows the last size of those…
I love this. I saw over on film in the fridge that she has been making some things with this pattern. Okay I am going to admit… this pattern is expensive for me. Is it worth the money??? I mean this is exactly the kinds of tops I LOVE to wear but wow that is a pretty high price. Ideas? btw I will take your hand me downs:))))
I completely agree that the pattern is expensive and can see how that would be a turn-off for many people. But it's fantastic pattern – well written and easy to follow- for a great garment. Plus, I'm happy to support designers like Jenny Gordy who are working hard and doing what they love.
I'm so glad you found it helpful, Lynn!
I just bought this pattern and I was just thinking about what size and fabric to use – thanks for all the great info, it’s helping me get motivated.
I agree on supporting designers… my budget on patterns is so limited. I wanted to just ask before putting (begging for it) for the Christmas list:) I know I would wear this a lot. It is so my style. I can’t wait to see the dress too. I also have two small girls and know that it will be a well used pattern if you are saying that your girls are wanting you to make some for them. That is kinda the deal sealer:) thank you so much for taking the time to respond.
You are welcome. Happy sewing!