Let me start off this post by saying, I don't like working with triple mesh. It's really better suited for layered tops with simple seams and not for shirts that require top stitching. With that said, here is my new Kwik Sew (shirred) wrap tank:

I took in both the front and back shoulders 3/4" and it really made a huge difference in the arms and the neckline. I will definitely need to wear a camisole or at the very least beige bra with this top since it is a bit on the sheer side. The only other change that I made was that I didn't hem the bottom of the top - since it won't ravel, I'm just letting it roll to the front.

I'm also happy to say that I (almost) constructed this whole top with my new serger! I finally figured out threading and switching over to the coverstitch without having to refer to my manual - woohoo! It certainly went much faster this time around.

Now, onto the next project!

I'm going to call this a wearable muslin:

It's not a horrible fit, but the shoulder area needs to be taken up 3/4-1 inch on both the front and back. Doing this should correct the two things going on with this shirt that I see: 1) The 'arms' are loose at the top of the shirt and front - there's just too much fabric there! 2) The girls peek out just a bit too much, too - I know that it's a deep neckline, but my bra peeks out without some careful rearranging of the top (which brings us pack to more issues with #1).

There was also some discussion on Pattern Review when this pattern was first released about the puckering under the model's arm and how poorly the top might have been sewn. Now I'll agree the shoulder line area looks 'tighter' than mine (which I will soon be correcting). However, I know know what that puckering is all about! The pattern has you easing in the front pieces approximately 6-8 inches in each side, right underneath the arm pit. I haven't figured out why they drafted the pattern like this, either.

With that said, I'm off to adjust my pattern and cut into some different fabric!

With Taylor being sick, I've been trying to find lots of quiet activities that I can do and that I can stop midstream without getting too sidetracked. I figured that starting a major project wasn't the best idea, so I decided to do the mundane task of tracing patterns.

I managed to trace two Kwik Sew patterns - 3426 (the babydoll style lingere pattern) and 3497 (3 different tanks). I traced off an extra small in each of these patterns, going off my bust measurements. However, I think that I should have really traced a small in the tank conidering that my waist size falls more in that range. I guess I'll be able to tell better after I have a chance to sew it up.

I also cut out the pattern for Simplicity 3956. I picked up the fabric quite awhile ago, but still need to cut into it. I'm also debating on whether to do a serged, rolled hem or a narrow hem along the edges. Any thoughts?

Lastly, I printed off, taped together, and cut the pattern for the Frankenteddy swap (if you're interested in doing a teddy bear for yourself, you can print off the pieces here). I intend on using the rainbow, embriodered batik that I picked up at Joann's $1 sale - thankfully I picked up a lot of yardage, the finished bear is going to be HUGE!