0 I hope you like talking about fitting!

Alright.  I finally did it, I finished New Look 6808.  (Blog post here.)
Time to take another look at the fitting process.

Last time, I was struggling with the back.  I wanted it fitted enough to skim the curves of my back as I think the baggy back wasn't very flattering on me!  I wondered if I had a sway back, but pinning horizontally didn't seem to work out.
In the end I decided to make two extra back darts (rather a huge reduction in the back- each dart was 2.5cm wide).

Sort of like this.

This followed the curve of my back much better.
Was this the "right" way to do it?  I don't know!  Do I have a sway back?  I still don't know, lol!  These answers may come in time....

I also fussed with the front a bit too.  I did another small SBA, and then thought I was really smart by moving the bust dart up, since on my muslin the dart was too low.  But I wasn't smart, lol!  I found out while constructing the final top that when you do a SBA, that naturally moves the bust apex up.... so I had to move the dart back down again. 

Then when trying it on, I found excess fabric at centre front at the waist. 

Spot the wrinkle?

I increased the front vertical darts a bit to take it in.  Again, not sure if that was the right thing to do, lol.  At that point though, I just didn't care.  You're not the boss of me, fabric!
Yeah, then I had wrinkles under the boobs.  But a good pressing sorted them.  Not the boss of me!

Pre-pressing- Not perfect, but better.

Things I have learned through this process:

• This top wasn't as easy to fit as I expected!  I suspect a princess seamed top like the Pendrell would have been easier to start with!  More seams= more control.

• I realise that my desire to have things fit my body very snugly may not be quite compatible with this pattern, lol.  I'm not used to wearing wovens- my usual is a body-hugging knit top!  The good news is that I can *just* get this top on and off.  lol!

• People on the internet are so helpful and I appreciate every word of advice and encouragement.  Thanks guys!

Thoughts for next time:

• I will have to figure out how to reduce the sleeve cap ease, to eliminate the unwanted gathering effect.

• I think I may have to redraw the armhole inwards.  See how it seems to be creating a vertical fold near the armholes?  I think there is too much width there.  That's my theory, anyhow.

So that's that.... for now.  I will revisit this top again.  And each time it shall be better than before!  You'd better believe it!  :)