Gathered Romy Bolero in Corduroy Knit

So I have my simple, short sherpa version of the Romy Bolero. The next phase of Romy is this: the lengthened and gathered version.

About the Fabric

2 yards Shiny White, Stretch Corduroy Knit from Boho Fabrics (really, does she shop anywhere else?)

  • Weight: 14 oz.
  • Horizontal Stretch: 100%
  • Vertical Stretch: 75%
  • Width Of Fabric: 74″

So I bought this a while ago thinking pants! And then I got it and the pants flew out the window. Tis quite stretchy (as I would have noted if I had absorbed the stretch percentages when reading them) and oh-so-drapey. I also question the 14 oz. weight. It’s not that thick. And it’s totally not pants fabric. So it sat in my stash for a bit until I thought bolero!

And here’s the bolero!

About the Pattern

George and Ginger Romy Bolero

  • size 8
  • B cup
  • unlined version
  • +2″ to original sleeves
  • modified for 4″ cuffs
  • lengthened 6″
    • drafted new band to compensate

I might have to double-check those deets above: my notes are all over the place and I made this weeks ago so my brain has erased the finer points from storage. Thanks, brain.

What I Did Differently

  • Used the hem band as a binding.

Notes for Next Time

  • I don’t know if it’s the fabric or the gathers or a combination of both, but it likes to creep forward during wear and drags the shoulder seams down my front.
  • I think the grainline of this fabric is a little off. That, or I just cut the sleeves crooked because they like to twist during wear.
  • I also don’t like the gathers on the under-layer of the bodice. It’s covered by the other layer; it doesn’t make much sense to have gathers there. They just add bulk.

 

Project Settings

Sewing Machine vs. Serger

Sewing Machine Serger
  • gathers
  • binding
  • cuff construction
  • neck hem
  • everything else

Sewing Machine Settings

Presser Foot Stitch# Stitch Width Stitch Length Needle Top Thread Tension Application
standard zig-zag (A) 5 1.0 4 blue tip 4 seams
standard zig-zag (A) 0 3.5 5 blue tip 4 gathers

Serger Settings

Stitch Name 4-thread overlock
Needles R, L
Finger B
Threads 4
Tension Left Needle 4
Tension Right Needle 4
Tension Upper Looper 4
Tension Lower Looper 4
Cut Width 6
Stitch Length 2.5
Differential 1.0
Application seams

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Posted in Project Recaps, Sewing • December 30, 2023 | No Comments»

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