I’m not in the least upset that it’s taken me four muslins to correct the fit, because the challenges are totally due to my shape.  Vogue slopers, as well as McCall’s, have linebacker shoulders, and I’m just the opposite.  [...]]]> So far, I’m up to muslin No.4  on Vogue 8313 and here they are from left to right:

I’m not in the least upset that it’s taken me four muslins to correct the fit, because the challenges are totally due to my shape.  Vogue slopers, as well as McCall’s, have linebacker shoulders, and I’m just the opposite.  When I tried on the original muslin, even though it was a 14, my normal size, the upper bodice was so big it slid right off my shoulders! 

In addition to having narrow shoulders, one shoulder is also higher than the other, and the pattern pieces, when laid out flat (this is after adjustment), really do look very different from each other:

Pretty crazy right?  The differences between the two sides of my body are really apparent when the flat pattern pieces are compared against the Vogue original (the seam allowances have been removed):

Needless to say, I’ll have to do a single-layer layout when I cut the fashion fabric.  The back upper bodice piece didn’t need the indvidual attention of the front, so I’ll able to use one pattern piece:

A few more tweaks and I should be ready to move onto the fashion fabric.  The Swarovski crystals are on their way from Fire Mountain Gems & Beads, and I discovered that  I do have enough fabric for applique seams at the sides.  Gotta order some black silk organza for an interlining, and then the fun begins!

I’ll do the 3/4 sleeve version.  The fabric is a deep garnet silk taffeta brocade [...]]]> Our company holiday party is at the Westin Copley Place this year, and for the first time in quite a while I need to make something other than sportswear! So after an email consultation with the rest of the Sewing Divas,  I’ve settled on Very Easy Vogue 8313:

I’ll do the 3/4 sleeve version.  The fabric is a deep garnet silk taffeta brocade with a floral border design on the cross grain (a gift from Ann of Gorgeous Fabrics). The floral pattern (about 18 inches deep) will be along the hem and it thins out to scattered floral motifs. I’ll bead the deep-v neckline front and back as well as the sleeves with jet Swarovski crystals in a picot edge.

Maybe, just maybe, and if I’m careful and lucky with the layout, I’ll have enough fabric to do an appliqué seam at the sides – it would be nice to preserve the floral pattern all the way around the hem.  The pattern doesn’t call for a lining, but adding one in black China silk won’t be difficult.

The party is December 14 – it’s  time to get going on a muslin!