WEEKEND SEWING SAGA...
...not really much going on in here this weekend - I had to do a little pause because I'm having my floors redone and can't get into the laundry room to pre-treat fabrics for my next projects.
The floor is still tacky after almost 24 hours but isn't it pretty!
I did; however, work on Vogue 8731. I made view C (the print one in the picture). I've been wanting to make up some simple tunics to wear with the leggings that I LIVE in when I'm at home, especially during the winter months. I thought the length of view C would cover better just in case I want to make a run to the store - I'd be covered properly.
I haven't made any tops recently since I've been on a heavy dress kick since October. I took a few headless shots just to check the fit. Headless, because refinishing floors and hairdos really don't go together.
The fit of the pattern is just o.k. due to an "oh, I know what I'm doing" alteration that resulted in a "guess I shouldn't have done that" finished product. Want to know what I did??? I lengthened the shoulder area of the pattern (about 2") because I really... it looked awfully short to me. And although I also raised the neckline 1 1/2" - because it looked too low for my liking - raising it was null and void because of the shoulder alteration I had made. I really over-thought this project.
Besides the miss-judgements I made on my alterations, my fabric was soooo very uncooperative. How could this pretty printed knit that I bought all the way from New York's fashion district last summer be so unsuitable FOR ANYTHING! First of all I actually had to have help laying it out on the cutting table. Don't think we ever really got it on the straight of grain! I thought about ditching this project several times, but noooooooo, me and my "must finish every thing I start" philosophy couldn't let it go. Mind you I liked this print so much that I bought not one, but two 2 yard cuts of it - so there is still another piece left. The fabric fought me on the serger and on the sewing machine. And please don't ask me what it is... some sort of poly-cotton-slinky-sticks-to-its-self -maybe-some-jersey-in-it-stuff!
This will definitely be an at home with leggings top - so I will get some wear out of it even though it's not perfect. Glad I chose to make a top rather than a dress - cause with this fabric that would have been an even bigger mess. I did manage an infinity scarf out of my scraps that I've tied slightly different from my others. The scarf was even a mess to sew.
I will make the top again some time soon. After all, it's only three easy pieces with the most time consuming part being the darts/tucks. Oh yeah, I used a self bias fabric for the neck binding rather than bias tape as the pattern suggested. The self binding is just a little bit easier on sensitive skin.
About the only other thing I have planned sewing wise with what I have left of the weekend are two more scarves.
WHAT'S ON YOUR SEWING TABLE...
BOOKS ACQUIRED
- Pants Sewing Guide
- Denim Revolution
- Pants for Real People
- Jackets for Real Peopls
- Easy, Easier, Easiest Tailoring - Palmer & Pletsch - Gifted
- The Sewing Machine Attachment Handbook
- Ribbon Crafts
- Professional Sewing Techniques for Designers
- Successful Serging
- Making Trousers for Men and Women
- Couture Sewing Techniques
- Singer - Perfect Plus
- Cool Couture
- Couture, The Fine Art of Sewing
- Singer Sewing Reference Library - Tailoring - GIFTED
- The Perfect Fit: The Classic Guide to Altering Patterns - Creative Publishing International
- Fit for Real People
- DK-The Complete Book of Sewing
20 comments:
What a hoot! I have also just experienced a "I know what I'm doing so no need to think it out too hard" moment. But, all that aside your tunic looks great. The fit looks good around your neck/shoulders and I love the self-binding around the neck. Perfect top for leggings and something sadly lacking, but really needed, in my wardrobe. I'm feeling inspired.....
Oh too bad you aren't satisfied with it because it is really pretty. I love that print.
Boy, you really wrestled with that fabric, but the outcome was worth it. Cute top!
I made a top from this pattern this weekend also, using an ITY knit. Fit great right out of the pattern envelope: no FBA needed, hurray!
I'll post pics on my blog this week.
Your floor is very pretty indeed! The tunic looks nice on your dressmakers dummy. Sometimes knits are just a pain to sew.
I truly admire your must-finish-everything-started-ness. Me? Man, this thing would have been in the donation pile as soon as the shoulder issue was realized!
Your floors are gorgeous. Hopefully your will be sliding across them in your stocking feet real soon!
I love the top but it sounds like a murderous project. Kudos to you for seeing it through as I think it looks great on you.
Great knit top!
Your floor does look great and the fabric is beautiful that you chose for your tunic. Sorry it's not a favorite of yours but at least it's not a wadder.
Faye I agree with everyone else here, your top is to cute!! Your hard work was well worth it in my eyes! Your floor is very nice too!
I love your floors. The top turned out nice despite the trouble that the fabric gave you.
Oh my... your floors are glossy
gorgeous. Although you battled with the fabric its clear you won. The top looks good on you and sure its comfortable.
As to my sewing projects... I have some baby projects that need sewing.
Faye, your floors look gorgeous....I am glad you were able to salvage the top and make it work, great fabric!
What a shame about the fabric because it really is a lovely print. I'm glad you'll at least wear this top at home. As for what's on my sewing table: three really ugly pants muslins.
Hi Faye...well your floors look great! And I really like your tunic..I have had this pattern for a long time, and you have inspired me to finally make it up! Thanks!
When at first you don't succeed-you know--ditch it! Can you wear a sleeveless cami underneath, maybe? Because it is a pretty top. Love wood floors. I have them too.
That's a nice looking fabric. Too bad it was such a bugger to work with! And I hate it when I overthink patterns. I usually just make a mess then.
My goodness. I know it was hard for you to keep sewing this fabric from you know where. The print is nice though. Good thing is you can where is around the house as intended.
The floor is beautiful. I love hard wood floors too.
I love the print, and the style looks so beautiful, you will really get a good wear out of it.
The floor is beautiful
Your floors look amazing and that top looks great too, even though it was a pain to sew. As for that second 2 yard cut of fabric, I think I'd just let that puppy find a new home somewhere else in the universe. :)
I really like this print and the top with the infinity scarf is such a cute look. I can totally see it with tights for a comfy put together look. Bummer the fabric was so uncooperative, but you did a very nice job with it!
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