I didn't start out to make a wearable muslin. I figured if it worked, I'd wear it. If not, I'd just toss it. Looks like I'll be tossing it … into the donation bin. Someone will wear it, but it won't be me.
Side note: I was in the sewing room about 9 AM today, but only just now finished it (sans bottom hem) because as it became clearer that I wasn't going to like it, I just dawdled and wasted time and went in and out of the sewing room ALL DAY LONG. Does anyone else do that? Sheesh. If I had just plowed through, I could've finished it and had my next project ready to sew.
It fits perfectly. So what's the problem? Well, never trust pattern drawings — especially those without an accompanying photographed modeled shot. The neckline is way wider than the drawings suggest. I think I'd call it a scoop-neck bateau, which isn't a real style name I don't think, but it fits. The front of the neckline is definitely scooped. It could even be a little lower and I would still like it. But where it's supposed to cover my bra straps on the sides? It doesn't. Not even close. And it's not something I can pin, tape, or bra-saver into place, and since the top half is already two layers (more on that later), there's no way I'd ever wear another layer under it.
Sewing Demons - 1
Debbie - 0
Here it is on me. You can't really see my bra straps too clearly but that's only because it's a nude colored bra and my hair is making a shadow. Trust me, in real life the bra straps are loud and clear. And those two inches I added to the length for insurance? Completely unnecessary. If I were really going to wear this, I'd chop it off at least 2 inches.
Sewing Demons - 2
Debbie - 0
I also had a wild hair and decided to pipe the front seam between the upper chest and torso. I like effect. Too bad it's mostly hidden in the print. Just like the pleats.
Sewing Demons - 3
Debbie - 0
Overall, I still like the idea of this top. But it's got a few stupidities that I will have to correct if I decide to make it again. The neckline for starters. But look at this mess:
Yes, those are full copies of the upper sections as facings. With instructions to hand tack most of it. Yeah, right. Not. If I make this again, I'm either making new facings that don't include the sleeves or (more likely) binding the (corrected) neckline. For this one, I used the "burrito" method for the sleeves so there is a seam at the edge instead of hand tacking and I stitched in the ditch from the front to catch the facing. Besides the PITA factor of using these facings as-is per the pattern, they are just screaming for a stretched-out neckline that rolls to the front and floppy sleeves. I avoided that by edge-stitching the neckline seam allowances to the facing and then taking extra time to hang the top from Zillie and pin very carefully before tacking the facing into place. For a top I won't wear.
Sewing Demons - 4
Debbie - 0
Tomorrow, I'm planning to cut out Michael's shirt in the good fabric. I'm hoping the Sewing Demons have had their laugh and moved on.
I hear you. I also finished a "test garment" today that I will never wear. In fact, I am thinking of throwing it out.
ReplyDeleteI NEVER do that, I was born with a recycled spoon in my mouth.
Too bad. Good luck on the next one.
ReplyDeletehttp://initialed.blogspot.com
It must be the day. I finished a dress - a very finicky one that I may never wear.
ReplyDeleteRats. Well I love the print, and the piping. *kicks demons* There. ;)
ReplyDeleteDarn...I was hoping you'd say it was a fabulous and easy to make top...I have this pattern and was hoping to make a few of these for spring.....
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about liking the idea of a pattern more than the finished product. That happens to me all the time!
ReplyDeleteIt happens to the best of us. Glad you have decided to donate it and move on!
ReplyDeleteThe last time I had a garment in progress that I wasn't liking and had decided to finish and donate... I think my subconsious hated it so much it made me make a baaaaaad mistake. I was able to throw it in the trash without finishing.
ReplyDeleteIs that fabric muslin or is that just your name for it? Your never wears look a lot better than mine ever do.
ReplyDeleteHow about adding a bias strip of brown or white organza all around the neckline to raise the scoop (similar to what you sometimes see on skirt hems). I'd hate to see such a lovely shirt go to waste.
ReplyDeleteDang...that's a cute pattern and print. Too bad it didn't fit as it should have. I hate when that happens too.
ReplyDeleteAwwww, the fabric is GREAT! I would have L*VE to have it :)
ReplyDeleteI am trying to make this top and can't figure out the diagram on the pleats. I think I'll just pleat it by winging it and doing what looks best.
ReplyDeleteAnon - the pleats are a little tricky. But basically, it's fold the pleats on one side and then fold the pleats on the other and the weird pleat in the middle will now look more normal and lay over the others.
ReplyDelete