Sometimes I’m like, ‘oh I should make my wedding dress/work on invitations/confirm things with the caterer’, and then I take a break and look at the patterns in the Marfy catalogue and feel omg must make now.
That’s how this happened.
As charming as the stylized fashion drawings are, and they are very charming, it’s hard for me to picture myself in those garments. For example. But the thumbnail-size drawings on the big page of pattern drawings really get me.
See.
I had this silk chiffon I bought on sale at Fabric Mart (visiting that site is dangerous; I’d advise against it). It had Betsy Johnson printed on the selvage, for what that’s worth.
[I even took a selfie for you to show the pattern up close. I also just typed the word selfie for the first second time. ]
I essentially used the most stripped down version imaginable of Marfy pattern # 3400, which was one of the free ones in the catalogue. You can see her in the last thumbnail. I omitted what is supposed to be open embroidery work (the criss-crosses across the front chest), because that sounds like a lot of effort. I also used the hip curve side of my curved ruler to make the shoulder convex rather than concave. Because I did not want my shoulders popping up out my sleeves like it’s 1989. But the neck line is that holy grail of crewneck necklines, hitting just below the collar bone.
Oh, and I cut about 5 inches from the bottom, but followed the curve of their hem exactly. It was really well done — a very slight dip in the front and the back, with the back just barely longer than the front.
I also practiced a lot of techniques, which made this project take longer than its two pattern pieces might suggest.
1. I frenched the shoulder and side seams. (Don’t be gross.) This took a while, but the results are totally worth it. And good practice for wedding dress application.
2. I made a tiny little hanger loop. Because folding things makes them ugly and wrinkly, but I am too lazy to iron when sewing isn’t involved.
3. I did a baby hem for the first time. I sewed 1/4 of an inch all around the hem. With the garment inside out, I pressed up the seam allowance towards the shirt. I stitched all along the top of the seam allowance. And I then repeated to enclose any extra fringe. Thanks Emma One Sock.
And the pattern review, if you’d like it:
Pattern Description:
Kimono sleeve short-sleeve tunic/top.
Pattern Sizing:
Italian, I’m 5’3″ and used a size 44.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
I modified it quite a bit, so no, but that’s intentional.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Ain’t none. But this is a two piece pattern. A front and a back. A tiny toddler who doesn’t even know what a sewing machine is could probably figure this out.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Easy! And a good shape, as always.
Fabric Used
Silk chiffon, which is a pain in the ass but I am trying to build my repertoire.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made
I hacked 4 or 5 inches off the bottom hem because I wanted it hip-height, not below my butt.
I also omitted the ‘open shoulders’ because I think that looks a little silly and cold, and the open work embroidery, because that seemed like a pain.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes to both! especially if you wanted a quick stash-buster that is flattering.
Khalas.
wasted weekends 