Wanna see something funny?

I love stripes.  In a thousand different ways and iterations.  I like them horizontal.  I like them vertical.  I like them off-kilter.  I like them straight on.  I just love 'em. 

But stripes do have their limitations.  Especially when it comes to fitting a curvy body. 

Behold Exhibit A:

I believe that is what is known as a "wow" around the girls there.  Note to self:  while stripes are lovely in all their guises, they may not be appropriate for a princess-seamed shirt.  Too funny.  The pattern (which fits pretty well everywhere else) is Butterick 5678 :

It comes with different cup sizes.  I used the pieces for the D cup (my size) but had to take an inch or so out of each underarm, making the armholes smaller, but the sleeves still fit in, no problem.  Which would lead one to wonder about the armhole/sleeve drafting.  But I digress.  The first, and most pressing issue, would be the wow, which is the result of the shaping in the princess seams. 

There are a couple of ways to fix it.  I could take the whole thing apart, and recut the side panels on the bias, so the lines are on the diagonal, and the shaping isn't as obvious.  Or I could take it apart and recut the side panels, taking some of the shaping out.  Or I could take the easy way out, which I think I will:

Put a pocket on each boob, over the worst of the distortion.  Looking at this picture, I think I will center the pocket on the seam line (like they have in the pattern ; )), and it will continue the up and down lines, thereby minimizing the wow. 

Wow.  Isn't it great to learn new things?

Note to self #2:  Make this shirt out of a solid colour next time. 

Okay, lesson over. 

P.S.  Isn't my ginormous hair also hilarious?  I decided to let it grow out, since I liked how it felt, and it's just getting bigger and bigger.  I'm beginning to feel like soon I will look like this woman:

She's from the Christmas Toast catalogue and I think she's fabulous since she is not 12, is gorgeous and she has big hair.  And because that's how we all look halfway through Christmas. 

Have some fun today. 

Comments

[Magpie Mimi]

I have to admit to some school girl sniggering at the WOW! hehe! ;) Glad there's a simple solution. I have to admit I probably wouldn't have thought of that! I'm liking your new 'do, I'm hoping for a nice haircut tomorrow...if it's ok there will be photos, if it's not there won't!

[Mary Collins]

Thanks Mimi. Sometimes things are so hilarious that you just have to share them. Good luck with your haircut tomorrow. A new one is always a little angst-y.