Saturday, December 5, 2015

Battle of the Raglans ~ P4P vs. Ottobre


Hello, Hello!  I took a ton of pictures today so I'll have lots to show you the next couple days. Let's start with my battle of the Raglans. 

I wanted to take 2 patterns for Raglan tops and make them both to compare them in fit and assembly.

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The first one I made was the Patterns for Pirates ~ Raglan.  This pattern has so many great add-on's that I just had to buy it (during their sale of course).  There are options for: a hood; a cross over funnel hood; a funnel hood that is ruched, traditional, or buttoned up; Elbow patches; a kangaroo pocket; thumb hole cuffs;  long sleeves, 3/4 sleeves, short sleeves; curved hem, banded hem, regular hem; tunic length, regular length.... Oh the possibilities.  I just love that in a pattern. I’m not an affiliate and I wasn’t given the pattern free, I just like it a ton!

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Plus, the PDF is no trim.  This means that if I print with a "boarder-less" setting on my printer I don't have to cut anything, just get right to taping up the pattern. I love that!  The sizing is also amazing in that it goes from XXS all the way up to XXXL.  The patterns are drafted for hourglass shapes.
  
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Sizing: My measurements put me into a L for chest/waist, and XL for hips. However, according to comments on the Facebook page it was recommended to size down.  So I sewed up a M and then graded to a L at the hip. 

Instructions: amazingly detailed and very helpful.  Pictures are posted for each step.  I just keep my laptop up next to me in my sewing room while I sew.  

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Fabric: 1 yard Navy Blue Jersey Knit, cotton/lycra.  I purchased it in June for $5.25 from Fashionfabricsclub.com; It is so super soft I would live in it if I could.  and a Fat Half of Gray Elephant Rayon Jersey knit purchased in June this year for $3.75 from Purpleseamstress.  This stuff is soft too, but on the light side.  Total for shirt: $9.00

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Thoughts: I love it! I really love it.  The length is perfect, the sleeves are nice and a tad long – which is great in the cold because I can pull the cuffs down over my hands. The neckline is perfect.  I think the sleeves are a tad big, but that is easy to fix for next time.  This is a Winner in my book; plus, think of all the options with the pattern!
 
Next up is Ottobre 05/2011 #4 ~ Everyday Scoop Neck Raglan T-Shirt
The pattern is for a long sleeved raglan with sleeve cuffs and hip band.  No options come with this one.  Just a nice simple shirt.

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Sizing: I made this according to my measurements; I also measured the flat pattern to make sure they would work.  I sewed a 42 for the shoulders and waist; and a 44 for the bust and hip. The pattern goes from size 34 to 52.

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Instructions: normal Ottobre; sufficient in information but no pictures to help you along the way.  No hand-holding.

Fabric: 1 yard black cotton lycra knit 7oz purchased in Nov. from Stylish fabrics for $4.90; Fat Half of White/Black Lace Print cotton lycra knit purchased in Nov. from Fashion Fabrics Club for $2.63.  Total for the shirt: $7.53.

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Thoughts: I’m not digging this top as much.  I love the fabric for sure, but the fit of this one is different.  The neckline is way to wide/low for me.  It ended up too short for my liking, plus the sleeve cuffs are too big, they aren’t tight enough on my wrists.  I had the hem band on but it was terrible and too big for the bottom so I had to chop it off (no unpicking that for me) and sew a tiny 1/2” hem.  Now it’s too short.  I will remake this raglan with the same fabric but use the P4P pattern.  (am I crazy? lol. yes, I am.)

here is with the hem band on. See how it swings out in front? ick.
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The Ottobre Raglan isn’t bad, it just does not fit me comfortably like the patterns for pirates one.  Plus it does not include all those fun options.  I think if the bands on the cuffs and hem were a good 2 inches tighter, the top would fit better.
 
~ Happy Sewing! ~ Kristin ~


8 comments:

  1. Wow, I never even heard of Patterns for Pirates! Will have to look that up, as that pattern sounds amazing. I don't know what it is with raglans, but the fit can be so different! I usually love raglans, but when I made the Hey Jude pattern (I forget the name) the fit in the shoulders was terrible on me. The Grainline Linden fits me great though. I wish I understood how to fit raglans well enough to be able to choose a pattern based on that knowledge.

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    1. Thanks Gail! I, too wish I knew how to fit raglan's better. They are an odd sort to fit because of the sleeve shape. I'm glad you found one that works for you though! I just love the style of them.

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  2. It was so neat to see your post in the P4P group--I'm used to seeing you on your blog so the FB appearance was nice, and a good reminder that I'm behind on my reading :) I like the first raglan on you better as well and am interested to see the second one if you remake it, as I have some of that lace-look knit also (I purchase from Denver fabrics, but I believe they're the same as FFC)

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    1. Thanks Angie! I was super excited to "see" you too! I have my second one made up but this rain needs to go away so I can photograph. lol. Yes, Denver fabrics is the same as FFC. Don't you just love their prices!

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  3. That top tee is awesome on you, thank you for an honest review. I think you have sold that one to me!
    xx N

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