Two Tops and a Life Lesson Learned Late

I have a not normal  double review for you today, two tops from two different patterns. They come along with a big  lesson, a rather feminine one, learned rather late in this game of life and sewing that is mine. Many of you may know that I do alterations and repairs  for others. I enjoy, particularly the challenge of repairs and the new friends I have made along the way. I have had the great experience of always working with lovely people on both sides of the gender fence, all  with interesting challenges presented. I have fixed numerous "favorite" garments for  men that are in total disrepair but are their favorites and will pay any price to keep them back in service. You talk about happy, appreciative customers! They  have presented my with their prize backpacks, work bags, work gloves, 20 year old jeans , puffers snagged by branches while climbing down from their hunting blinds and more. I've helped lots of  beautiful, all, princesses, get ready for their first and maybe only prom and formal of their lives, negotiating opinions between mom and daughter that luckily always turned out well. Some of these gowns are  amazing in their construction and investment but we always made it work to everyone's satisfaction. Among all  of this I have to say my favorites are the Moms  of Brides and Grooms. They are of a certain age and almost too comfortable with their bodies. I try to get them to see their beauty and they are going to be gorgeous on this special night of their child's marriage or even their own. They've full accepted their bodies as they now are and usually have lovely gowns but they don't quite fit. They can be showing too much decolletage, need pulling up straps, hemming and such.  They know this and unlike Mrs. Mole, I think because I  get my work thru friends and don't advertise at all, I haven't had any problem  customers yet,  expecting me to make them into something ridiculous. I love them to pieces. I'm pretty much in their same league. Most have something in common. They like to be comfortable and years of that philosophy presents them in a gorgeous gown with a bra they should only sleep in. I explain to them tactfully and kindly the importance of making the dress work and send most to a professional bra fitter that I work with. She works miracles with them and every single MOB and MOG has thanked me profusely. They ALL have told me they had been wearing the wrong size  bra and were amazed at what was the correct bra and thank you, Bunny, so much.You are welcome.  

Guess what? I haven't practiced what I have preached. Father in Heaven, forgive me. But lately it became more evident I needed "Zoe's" help as much as anyone my age who has gone through physical changes. About five years ago  I was put on medication causing a  pronounced weight loss that I have to today and because I will continue on this med which helps me tremendously, I won't gain it back. Some very friendly hormones disappeared and I have regular visits from  Auntie Gravity. I think you get what I am saying, here. I needed to take my own advice and yesterday I  did. The past three garments I have made had issues I just could not make work with all my usual tricks and then some. It hit me that I needed to visit Zoe.  I've been all over measuring and buying bras . I thought I was in the right ones but really wasn't . Something was wrong with each bra I bought. I have this very narrow torso and boobage attached. I just knew in my gut she would get it right and she did. 

First to the garments. 

This is the Mersis Dress  from Pattern Fantastique. I made the smallest size and made it smaller. Diagonal folds insisted on hanging from the bottom of the V neck. It has unusual large gussets under the arms and tons of bodice ease. I tried everything from shoulder pads to taking in you name it. This is the best I could pull  off. A week or two later I woke up with the reason, I thought. The weight of the very full sleeves and narrow shoulders were just pulling it all down my now newly sloping shoulders and it was slip sliding away. The answer:

A Tie. 

I added a bias tie four inches up from the V on each side of  the neckline and pulled it and tied it in a bow. It looked great and almost solved the problem. But, it still could have been a bit better. I wasn't about to give up. A few more days and making two more garments with ill fit and I decided to visit 

Zoe's. I was so incensed about this I also started making another Mersis, but a top. Same issues.

Before the Bra  Intervention

Mersis after the Bra Intervention

I will  go into more detail on these  tops in the next post.  I was just excited about my improvement and its comfort as well. 

Before Bra Intervention

After bra intervention

I've made my point here. It has taken me almost 3 hours to put this post together so I will continue it this weekend with a review of sewing the tops. It's time to make our dinner,  which tonight will be OUT!, Yay.  l'll just say the blue top has a surprise on the back! ;). 

I would love to give a shout out to Zoe's in Concord, NH and utter props to their staff and particularly Laurina who helped me through this challenge. She was kind, professional,  respectful, a great listener and extremely knowledgeable. It was a very comfortable environment to be in and I felt taken care of. Thank you Zoe's for getting me to a new level in my comfort and garment fitting and continued success for the special work you do. Zoe's is directly across the street from the New Hampshire State House and it's golden dome. You can't miss it if you are ever in the area.  Treat yourself. You and your fitting challenges deserve it. Oh, call first as they work by appointment as this is a process that will take you some time. You will try off an on many bras with and without your top.  Happy Sewing......................Bunny