My first garment is the famous Colette Sorbetto. I decided I would try a free pattern for my first go, to see if this sewing my own clothes thing was for me. I actually made this back in August, but after wearing it a few times (and making additional fit adjustments thereafter) I think I can actually evaluate it more objectively now.
When I first made it, I was absolutely thrilled – I made something that covers my body! Amazing! I wore it to work the next day and even wore it to a job interview the following week haha!! What I didn’t test with the fit was how it looked sitting down though, and with the stiff fabric, the neck would gape open… After I showed it to my boyfriend’s mom, she recommended taking up the shoulders and taking in the hips which were flaring out, which helped a lot with how it looks, though you can see there are still fit/fabric issues.
Looking at it now, I don’t like it as much as when I made it, but I’ve been wearing it pretty regularly.
I’m wearing it with (unhemmed) Simplicity pants which I just finished, and will blog about soon…
Sizing
According to the pattern, my size is 00 bust (smaller than their sizing) – 2 waist – 0 hips. As it was my first time sewing a garment, I cut a size 2 grading out to size 4 at the waist and hips, but ended up taking in the sides to about a size 0bust/2waist/0hips, and would start with the 0 directly next time. I think their sizing chart is true to size.
Fabric
I squeezed this out of 0.8 m of 140cm wide Python print “fashion fabric” cotton, though I think the fabric doesn’t work with this pattern.
Fit changes
– Kept bust dart location (many said it was too high but I didn’t find it so)
– Lowered the armholes
BUT
– Shortened the length of the shoulders (thus bringing up the bust dart and armholes)
– Cut straight down from the waist to the hips as it was flaring out
Design changes
Lengthened the hem to size 18, curving the hem
Construction changes
– Finished the armholes and neck with self bias, folding the bias tape under, top stitching armholes and blind stitching the neckline
– For the hem, sewed a line of stitching, using this as a guide to fold under the curved hem, top stitching.
Next time I would
– Use a fabric with more drape (silk?)
– Start with size 0, or size 2 with shorter shoulders / higher bust dart
– Cut straighter fit from waist to hips
– Lengthen, exaggerate curved hem
– Try a simpler version without the front placket
I love this fabric! I’ve seen a lot of “cute” and “fun” looking Sorbettos, but I love how yours looks sophisticated and chic. I so interested in seeing where this journey will take you!
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I love the look of your Sorbetto, great print on your fabric! And I can’t believe you’ve made trousers already – that’s so cool! My first successful make was a Sorbetto & it got me totally hooked on sewing. 6 years on I’m more obsessed than ever! I’m looking forward to following along with your journey.
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Thank you! I never imagined I would make something as difficult as pants but seeing what the online community has made really inspired me! I’m a bit behind on posting but the pants post will come soon 🙂
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Your Sorbetto looks great! This was my first successful sewing make too, 6 years ago, and it got me totally hooked!
I can’t believe you’ve made trousers already, very impressive! I’m looking forward to following along with your sewing journey.
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ahh sorry for the double comments. it didn’t look like my first comment had posted so I wrote it again. Sorry!
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