Yesterday I cut the final item in my mini-wardrobe, the black V9032 pants. And I bought a (much needed!) white V-neck tee from Target which will also sub in photos for the below fail.
I don't have any plain white tees or any plain white shirts for that matter, and the white rayon challis Belle Bow blouse was supposed to remedy that. Only it did not work out. Not at all.
Like, I have put it on my body approximately 19 times, made a face and then took it off. So we all know that if it remains in the closet it will never get worn. Sigh. It has such a pretty, almost vintage feel to it :( And I used nice buttons!!!!
I love my first Belle blouse. Love.Love.Love. So, I blame this fabric. I think I like rayon challis a whole lot; in very simple garments (like, front, back, hem, done).
I washed and dried it before use but it seems to grow and grow and grow. And it wrinkles if you consider looking at it.
Ah well.
Vogue 8904
The Christmas dress did not work out either.
Not only did it turn to a giant blob of pepto-pink, it was so short and tight that I can't even SHOW the back!!!
I was careful with all my marking
ooh! Shingles!!!
Err?
I cut a size 16 based on BMV experience as there are NO finished measurements anywhere (c'mon Vogue). Once I had the front fully assembled, I was doubtful of it fitting and sewed it with 3/8" seam allowances - still too tight!
I wonder if, with the shingles cut all sorts of ways; you're not really using the stretch of the fabric. Would this be better in a 4-way (2-way? however it works) knit? Do I just size up to an 18??
It's also short. short. short. And yes, I know I should have measured the length. Bad, bad sewer. I tried adding a band to the bottom; did a crappy job on that, ripped it out (put it on my head as a headband) and continued to marvel how this dress went so wrong when it looks so great on everyone else. Maybe I'll try again this spring :)
But alas, there is hope!!!!! To be fair, both of these wadders occurred in 2014.
Remember this muslin?
I could not stop thinking about this top so I pulled it back out and decided what needed to change to have it be wearable.
1) fabric with more drape
2) more bust room
3) wait, more room everywhere
I used an inky navy blue ITY, still used size 16, but sewed 3/8" seam allowances at the front raglans, 1/2" at the back and 3/8" side seams from sleeve to hem.
After trying it on it was a bit too baggy at the armpit so I took it in to 5/8" from about 2" on either side of that seam.
I liked it SO much that I got up early Tuesday morning to hem it and wore it to work that day!
The color makes it a bit tough to get photos...
I will definitely be sewing this one AGAIN. I just have to be mindful of the fabric choice as it'll affect the way the collar sits.
**I could get zero contrast so I had DD take the pics. I told her I needed "pictures of the shirt" and she cut off my head. Sigh. :)
Vogue 8597 (OOP):
One thing you don't see is that this pattern has 2 piece sleeves. I keep finding myself confused about 2 piece sleeves and then having some sort of epiphany. I suppose this 2-piece sleeve eliminates the need for a dart on the raglan? Did I get it right?!? :)
It has nice deep hem allowances (1 1/4") and a decent length in the body and sleeves. So if you're tall, measure first! I have somewhat long arms for my frame and took a 1.5" sleeve hem and still have considerable length.
The cowl is not low at all and in the right fabric seems to sit rather nicely.
I want to make view C (with attached cowl) in the longer tunic length, with those crazy long sleeves. Mmmmmm in a soft jersey I bet that will be heaven!
