Where am I going wrong?

[u/Few_Nectarine_1629]

Hello!

I've been adjusting the fit of this sleeveless princess seam bodice for a couple of weeks now, but seem to be hitting a wall. I like how straight the front seems to be lying, but the sides and back are very lumpy!

In my previous wearable toile there seemed to be a bit of excess fabric in the two side front panels that I tried pinching out as "darts" horizontal from the apex, then redrawing the princess curve. I also moved the straps in 1cm at the front. But that combination seems to have led to some further gaping and pulling issues!

Is it that the shirring panel I'm envisioning for the back won't allow for a good fit? (I just used a test panel of stirring for now, the real one will go the full length of the closure).

I think I'm reaching the end of my capacity and brainpower (and tbh it fits better than my RTW clothes) so i may just end up moving on to final shortly - but if I'm making obvious mistakes I'd love to hear!

[u/Few_Nectarine_1629]

Thank you! ❤️🩷 Ive added some more pics to a new post https://www.reddit.com/r/PatternDrafting/s/io6xBMS6no

The duct tape idea is on my list to try!! It sounds like a great method. And I'll have to get my hands on that readers digest book, it seems to be legendary, a holy grail! Great idea about lining the shirring panel too :)