There is actually some thought into my fabric selections. I mean for all the garments I’ve been making.  I’m wanting to use up yardages that will not make 3rd layers, long sleeve tops or full length trousers/jeans. At the same time, I don’t want to fill my closet with garments  which won’t be worn because they don’t have  coordinating piece(s). My summer wardrobe is pretty balanced right now. I could deviate into some creative sewing but I’m sticking with this sewing plan a little longer because some of the garments I decided  wearable were …. uh-hmmm ….  a little snug.  Now I’m wanting  to replace those items.  Fabric selected for this top is a black and cream printed slinky about 5 years old.

With a little over a yard of fabric, I opted to use my most fabric conserving pattern, the Tabula Rasa Tee made sleeveless. I’d prepared the tissue pieces several weeks ago just before I got side-tracked  working with the Mixit Top. This would be the trial run.

Apparently, I didn’t think it through too well. Well the front and back are fine, it’s the side pieces that caused me anxiety.  They were about 3″ short. As drafted and cut, the armscye would have been below my bra band.  Not a look I want to exhibit. My first impulse was to cut new side pieces at the corrected length. No dice. Not enough fabric.  2nd thought, patch at the hem.  Looked terrible. I just couldn’t stand it. I ended up cutting off the patch and finishing the sides bottom edges with FOE.  Aligning the side not with the hem but with the desired armscye depth, I reattached the side pieces.

I’ve seen this look both in patterns and RTW.  I’m not really a fan. Maybe it will grow on me because it did solve my problem and looks intentional rather than a fix.

Another issue was the side piece being too wide at the armscye.  I pinched then stitched a dart.  Good enough for this version.

I’m OK with this top. It isn’t my best work but is certainly wearable and definitely not the least bit snug. The tissue has been tested and minor alterations (length and width at underarm) fixed on the side piece. Good to go!