Sometimes free just isn't worth it. This was one of those days. I found this site which has a LOT of free patterns. But only illustrations of the garment and the barest of instructions on how to make it. But hey, it's free.
So I downloaded the wrap front blouse pattern, pieced it together and cut my fabric. I don't know what the fabric is. It's from the remnant bin again and cost $7.50 for a big piece – enough for a dress and a blouse. Its also very slinky and drapey so it seemed to be a good choice for this project.
It was my first time with darts and I wasn't sure how to exactly transfer the darts to my fabric so I kind of did my best to mark them with pins, line them up and sew. But one side was different to the other side. Ah well, keep going. I practiced my little rolled hems on some scraps. There are a lot of great tutorials out there – you can find some examples on my Pinterest board for sewing tips and techniques. The edges around the neckline aren't too bad for my first try but I found it difficult to stay close to the edge and get a nice straight finish. I think I may invest in a special foot for my sewing machine…

Sad face!
The finished product is bad – very bad. It is very low cut at the front and far too much is exposed – although again hubby says he likes it ! The top seems to fit Ok around, but the front wrap gapes open like crazy. I got some elastic and sewed in into the front wrap piece in the seam allowance, but instead of stopping the front gaping, it just draws up the bottom and now the front is heavier so it still gapes open.

Asymmetrical? That back hem just looks uneven.
Also there is no facing to the ties which are just an extension of the front, and you can see both sides of the fabric including my less than perfect hems, so it's not as neat as I would like. And although the pattern has an asymmetric hemline, it's just too small a difference and makes it just look uneven – like I made a mistake with it. And the arm holes are just too big and too low and come too far forward – too much on display again. It's also too short overall, and when worn I have to keep pulling it down or you can see a gap between the top and my skirt. I shouldn't be surprised by this, as it can also be seen in the illustration – duh.

Quick flash anyone?
This is why people make a ‘muslin' I guess. This top is clearly a bad fit and style for me. I did wear it though – I wore it to work twice with a pin at the crossover, but it annoyed me so much with all the gaping and pulling that it won't be worn again and has gone in the trash.
I'm reluctant to try any of their other patterns. Has anyone out there given any of these a go before? Some of the styles look nice, but I'm not experienced enough just yet to make a lot of changes to ill-fitting patterns. Sigh.
Next project? Knit fabric I think – a bit more forgiving in terms of fit.
Authored by: So Sew Easy
I love it!
Long on Style and short on Coverage! *giggle* I made on of those tops once… of course my husband LOVED it too! When I tied it up I felt as comfortable in it as if I were wearing a dental floss and band-aid bikini!
It is a very pretty fabric and the pattern just needs a few alterations so you will have full coverage. If you have a body form with your measurements so it will be easier to design your own clothing. You can then make a garment for yourself with a different view. It really looks good if you choose to make another one definitely make it in inexpensive fabric for the first time around and then make notes on the directions of your corrections. I always do that for the first garment so I make it like a designer original. Then when you make more they will be very easy!!! Congratulations for great effort and don’t be disappointed. This was a learning experience and the next one will be better. It was great to share so others will learn too! 🙂
I did TRY to make my own body form – maybe I should post the photos. It turned out really well, and then really badly later on. Its a bit of a laugh – I think I will make a post out of it. Thanks for the tips – I think I am just a lazy sewer and so keen to get it finished. But I’m starting soon on the Couture dress class on Craftsy and I know I will be taught all about muslin fitting in that course, so I know my future projects will be perfect!
That’s why I like to make my own patterns. But if you wear a camisole under, it will look good!
I have more than my share of pattern fails. If you really want to save the top, I would wear a bandeau under it, a tank won’t look right but a bandeau would, it’s my favorite cure for a too deep top. It also solves the too deep armhole problem. Or you could put inch wide stretch lace along the edges of the front, it would widen the pieces. You can stretch the lace a little o it pulls the top in a bit, not too much. You could also just add a band to it instead of the lace, encasing the edges and widening it.
I like the color on you and the fit is very good, so it is worth saving.
A bandeau is very easy to make, just a rectangle of stretch fabric with elastic at the top. It should be wide enough to reach your belly button. Again you could use stretch lace, you could even make it out of stretch lace fabric.
regards,
Theresa
That’s a great idea for the bandeau Theresa – modesty without adding too much bulk and layers. And easy to make too. Thanks for taking the time to write.
Deby,
I think we live in very similar climates,hot and humid, I love the idea of layering but can’t deal with all the extra clothes, so I’ve learned to fake it.
My around the house outfit is a tank top with a shelf bra and shorts, probably my least flattering look but very comfortable.
regards,
Theresa
Yep. It was a learning experience, but it didn’t really cost you that much. Reveals too much, but I like the tie in the front, and the way it goes around the back. Tuck that detail away in your mind for another project some day. Maybe it would have worked better in a knit. And a ruffle along the front edges to make it a little more discreet. I like seeing the projects that don’t quite work because we all learn from your experiences. Thanks for sharing it.
Wait. I went back and looked at your pics. Clearly, you’re standing outside in the sunshine with palms in the background – in FEBRUARY. You don’t even know what a turtleneck is. And I read your post again, and discovered that this is the top that is no more. Nevah mind.
This is a vest for you to wear over the top of a lovely ivory ribknit turtleneck. Didn’t you know? And plenty of display space for a chunky necklace. It could work.
I thought it looked great – much better than mine would have turned out 😉 Thanks for sharing!
I don’t think it looks half bad, with a strappy underneath it it would be great. The material has a wonderful drape to it.
Sorry you aren’t in love with it, but thanks for sharing this on Tutorial Thursdays.
x
Natalie
http://www.marigoldsloft.blogspot.com
Haha, it really looks great (I love the name, btw) – I would definitely wear it with a cami underneath!
…[sigh]… That is one of the big reasons I don’t sew clothes anymore.
You might want to learn a bit of pattern drafting. Towards the end of my sewing clothes period (which lasted 30 or 40 years) I located a pattern drafting system (Japanese magazine with English and Chinese subtitles, no longer available) and as long as I used that system things fit perfectly. The style could still be a disaster, but things did fit. Considering that we now have the Internet, something like that just might be out there.
I actually really like it….besides the low cut area! Definitely wear a tank under it, I think it would look really cute. I’m getting ready to start my first dress and I hadn’t planned to complete a muslin..too lazy I guess!
Can you save it by wearing a cami or tank top under it? I like the criss cross style bouses but always wear a tank top under them because I don’t have enough up top to keep the criss cross into place 🙂
Oh my gosh, how funny!! It still looks waaaayyyy better than anything I could make. Thanks for sharing, this made my night!
I’ve had plenty of ill-fitting adventures with clothing patterns and I almost always avoid the “no real person photo” ones because of similar results. Consider it good practice & that your review has helped out a lot of people trying to make one too. Thanks for linking to Craftastic Monday at Sew Can Do:)
I’m impressed you gave it a try! Not the best end result, but at least you gave something new a try. I haven’t sewed clothes since I was a kid, so I’m no help in knowing where to get good patterns. These days I sew decorative things or things for my girls dolls. Not exactly a good translation to clothing. 😉
Have a great day and I hope the next project comes out more to your liking.
KC
Every once and a while patterns just don’t work out. At least you have a sense of humor about it. I like the color so I wouldn’t give up totally on this blouse. I agree with other comments that you could wear a cami underneath and the you would be a little less, ah, exposed. Stopping by from Sew Country Chick.
Cami underneath and you are so good to go!!! Cute!
Yes I agree with Kathy above and get a cami to wear underneath or maybe the same material as the blouse and sew an extra piece up there somehow.
Hello.Thinking about stating my own blog and came across your site. very interesting info and I had a wonderful giggle all to myself with your porn blouse. I’ve been sewing my own clothes since I was 11 thanks to my wonderful aunt and still have total bombs at times. Good for you with your positive attitude and keep on sewing!
I felt so bad when I saw that first picture with your sad face. I’m so sorry your project didn’t work out! I’m sure we have all been there. And OF COURSE the husband would like your “porn” blouse. hahah! Thanks for the share. It made me giggle.
It is always frustrating when something doesn’t go as planned- I love the colour on you though! I like Kathryn’s suggestion, a navy camisole would look good if you wanted to try to rescue it!
Awww, I hate it when I spend a long time on a project that ends up being an “epic fail”! 🙁 I know you said you already threw the shirt out, but I thought I’d share my solution when I have a shirt (or dress) that exposes too much for my liking– I wear a tank or camisole underneath! 🙂 A cute white cami (or even one in a contrasting color) would look cute peeking out from under the wrap top, while keeping your undergarments (or worse) from accidentally ending up on display! (And prevent from ending up as the “before” picture in a Cami-Secret commercial! LOL) I do like the color and style of the top you made, and I’d love to make one for myself if I was brave enough with a sewing machine! 😉
You know – that’s a great idea! The top is completely gone, its in my scrap fabric bag so I just might give that a try. I get into the habit of only wearing one layer because it’s hot here in Cayman, but I think with this top it just might save it. Thanks for the suggestion – why didn’t I think of that!
I hate when we waste time & fabric on something ill fitting. Sorry you don’t love it. If its any consolation, you look fabulous!
Thank you for your kind comment. As long as I place fabric carefully and stand completely still – it fits fine!
Ah! I shouldn’t laugh, but I can’t help it! I bought a dress sometime ago and I can’t wear it either… Too much is showing, I feel I walk in the street in my nightgown!
You could wear a skivy or blouse underneith, sometimes it can look really cute!
Nothing is worse than a top that requires tugging and pulling to keep it in place. All husbands are the same – who wouldn’t love their wife in a shirt that barely covers!
I can’t believe you don’t have a lot of comments yet. I mentioned your link name to my husband he wanted to know where I could get a top like that! LOL!