Net Fantastic

OK, I love the Nettie. I knew I would, which is why I bought it 30 seconds after it became available. My goal was to tackle some involved projects this summer, prior to the sorbet that (I hoped) the Nettie would be. But fuck hard work. I'm not into delayed gratification.

Or moderation.

Which is why I have an assembly line going:

But let's begin at the Beguine. Yesterday I invested the work in taping, cutting and altering the pattern before cutting out the remainder of my animal print rayon jersey (truly a wonderful fabric), which eventually produced this:

Ooooh, fun snaps! Read on for more about these...
My Pattern Alterations:

Note: I made the size 12 but as of the May 10 pattern redraft, the size 12 I made is equivalent to the size 10 in the current pattern. Point is, I'd have been better off cutting the size 14 but I still would have had to alter it, if not as extensively.

• I shortened the bodice equally on front and back by 1 inch.
• I increased the bust room by sharply widening the upper front (just under the armscye) significantly (maybe 2 inches on each side).
• I shortened the sleeve cap and raised the armsyce (standard issue Kristin) - even though this is cut high already.
• I modified the neckline.

End result: Perfect fucking fit.

Some Thoughts on the Pattern:

• What a coup to create a wardrobe staple that hasn't been on any designer's radar. Well played - esp. since I buy bodysuits as frequently as I can find them (which is rarely these days).

• The instructions are excellent and the pattern goes together very easily though I do think it's much cleaner to insert binding bands while the garment is still flat. Mind you, that's a personal preference thing that's addressed in detail here. IMO, what comes easily generally goes more smoothly and produces a cleaner outcome.

• It's apparently cut quite narrowly. I modified it so much that I can't really comment but, since my back is narrow already, I didn't find this problematic at all - even though I cut the wrong (too small size) to begin with. I do think, given that the only place I needed to add significant fabric was just under the armscye at the full bust height, that it is probably drafted for the narrow amongst us. If you think about it, it inclines one to be able to wear that scoopy craziness without the garment falling off quite so easily.

• I did not go with scoopy craziness. I cut the high back (modified) and a mid-scoop at the front. As mentioned in the last post, I used neckline of the Lady Skater. It really is superb. In fact, between my t shirt sloper and the Lady Skater pattern pieces, the upper bodice I made is quite different from the Nettie pattern options.

• The arms are drafted really long, so consider that when cutting. Don't waste your fabric unnecessarily - measure your preferred length first.

• The leg opening is very, um, modest. I think those with hip and upper leg thickness concerns will appreciate it. But it's quite retro and it may not be the optimal cut in terms of concealing panty-lines under tight clothing. The bands add bulk. I think a picot edge might work better but I sense one would also benefit from changing the cut of the legs to achieve less visibility under thin bottoms. It's extremely bathing suit-like, which given Heather Lou's previous pattern forays, is not surprising.

• I didn't follow the snap insertion instructions exactly because I have a gizmo that does hammer-in snaps (with a pretty finish so I didn't want or need to cover the caps). That gizmo, while it can produce a very good end result (and I think it does here), is challenging to get the hang of. In fact, I frequently bamboozle my husband into inserting snaps, as necessary, because it hurts his brain less than mine to accomplish this outcome. Plus, you get to use a hammer and he likes that.

About the Next Versions: As per the photos at the top of the page, I've got 2 more ready to go. One is a coral rayon jersey with short sleeves and the other is my beloved jewel toned Modal with 3/4 sleeves.

Coral Rayon Jersey version: Because I only had 0.5 yards of the coral rayon jersey - ?! what was I thinking - I had to do cutting surgery. Lord, I cut this fabric along every grain. I was all high on myself for managing to cut the pattern out of 0.5 yards until I realized that I cut the back crotch at half the width required (it was one of those "on the fold" issues...) Um, oh well. I'm going to try to make the Nettie-thong version and see if it works. Ain't no getting 3 snaps on this crotch :-) My other concern, with this fabric, is that it might be too thin. But whatevs. If it doesn't work, I will have tried.

Amethyst Modal version: Oh, this fabric is some of the most gorgeous I've ever found. The drape, the hand, the recovery, the colour! It is DELICIOUS. Made this with 3/4 sleeves because I didn't want to waste any of the yardage and there's not enough left to make anything else. Plus, with this fabric, more is more.

Today's questions: What do you think of my leopard-print Nettie? Have you made this pattern? If yes, what version did you make and does it work well in your day-to-day wardrobe? Let's talk!