I've been hearing about Nettie. Have you? Nettie is this great new bodysuit pattern by Heather Lou of the Closet Case Files. This pattern was right up my alley for so many reasons but primarily because I have invested a small fortune in those slinky little "body con" tops from Free People and the like. Many of them are too print or straptastic for me but others are just the perfect thing to layer over leggings or under a big sweater. I discovered them while I was pregnant and they have become a staple. It's time to make my own. As I mentioned, the Nettie in it's true form is a bodysuit with several different sleeve length or neck options. It can also be made as a dress. I made two this past weekend. This was the second one and I decided to toy with the shape a bit.
I wanted a dress with a bit of ease over my middle. I wanted the hem to curve up on the sides. In order to achieve this, I decided where I wanted the bodice to hit my waist (this took a couple of try's) and then I drew a curved line with the highest point on the hip and the lowest point on the abdomen or fold line. I cut the bodice away from the skirt on this new line. I mimicked this same shape on the skirt piece for the hem.
Then, I cut out the new, shortened bodice as directed. But when I cut out the curvy skirt piece, I moved the pattern piece six inches from the fold - adding 12 new inches of fabric for gathering. Does that make sense? Here is a close up of the hack job. I am a fool and left my tension at it's highest after gathering the skirt - so most of the garment was sewn at this tension grrrrr!! But I still really like it. I'd be happy to take pictures of my altered pattern pieces if it's useful to anyone. More Nettie's to come!
