What’s wrong with this picture? Well, I’ll tell you. This is Built by Wendy Simplicity pattern 3835, and it’s a fairly popular one. The top has only four pattern pieces (well, I only used three, since I cut the back on the fold instead of making it two pieces). I initially tried to make this top with 3/4 sleeves, but the finished sleeves would not fit over my forearms. So, I made it short sleeved with FOE (fold-over elastic), but you know what? The sleeves are still a bit snug, and really, the armholes are too tight. This happened with another Built by Wendy pattern, too (the little cape jacket). Now, I do not have Popeye biceps or freakishly large arm stumps coming out of my torso, so I think the pattern is just, well, not so good. That said, I still like the top and will wear it, but I won’t be doing any poppin’ or krumpin’ in it.
aaaaw!! no poppin’? man.
mine also had a wierd clown neck.
Oh sad- I’ve seen so many happy reviews for this shirt, I bought the pattern hoping I could wear it. I have broad shoulders though…guess I’ll have to learn to modify 😛 Thanks for the heads up!
it even LOOKS tight, DH.
cut those sleeves off and rock the wife beater, I say.
I’d forward your post to ‘Wendy’. She should know these things. You’re so mini I can’t belive there isn’t some sort of mix-up on the pattern sizes.
just went to her website, builtbywendy, and she shows her clothes on some seriously anorexic models. If she’s using them to size her patterns, she’s nuts.
I had the same problem with this pattern. I almost had to cut myself out of the shirt.
I love the fabric, I agree make it sleeveless. It is summer.
That’s odd, most of the Built by Wendy patterns I’ve made have been freakishly oversized, like tents, if I follow the recommended size for my measurements. I’ve learned to choose the size based on the finished measurements instead. I can’t remember what size I made in this top, but mine fit okay and I’ve got kind of beefy upper arms.
Love the fabric. That said, I’ve never ever understood the sizing on BBW patterns. I’ve tried sewing 4 different ones and 2 came out WAY too big and the other 2 were snug in really odd places. So basically it’s not you, it’s the pattern. 🙂
Ugh. I hate bad patterns, but I think the shirt looks great on you, and I LOVE the fabric.
Wow, I was ready to buy the pattern because the shirt looks so cute but those armholes would make me crazy. Thanks for sharing. Love the fabric!
Dude, you are totally buffed out in that shirt! The fabric looks great.
This is good information because I am planning to make this shirt. I am definitely going to measure and adjust the pattern to fit.
Love your shirt though.
Uh, might want add no breathing to that list. How did you get that on?!
Don’t you think you just made a too-small size? You might need to make a bigger size and trim out some from the center front/back, or maybe the sides. Almost all patterns need some alteration. Maybe you should ask Amy and report back. I’d love to hear what she had to say.
It does look like it would be pretty cute without the sleeves, so I would consider taking them off.
I really love the colours and the print – it’s a pity the arms didn’t work out!
I agree with carolyn-sleeveless.
the print looks soooooooo good.
Apropos not of this post, I just posted a green tea ice cream recipe that is divinely simple and simply divine and made up by my husband. It might take your mind off that top.
that print is awesome! Is it a raglan sleeve top? I guess you can’t easily take the sleeves off then.
Agree with Michelle – it needs to be bigger! I made this shirt and while I usually wear a 4, I made the 10 (I think) based on actual measurements, and I love it. It’s a blousy loose shape.