Yeah. Two weekends of sewing. Two wadders.
To be honest, I didn't have high hopes for this shapeless shift style (V8805) working for me. I was just lured in by the colorblocking and thought I'd try something outside the wheelhouse. I really should've known better. I know me. I KNOW what works on my body, and shapeless shifts are not it.
To make matters worse, I also got a wild hair this morning and decided to line the thing. Or rather, partially line it. Because if by some chance it did work, it was going to be Velcro butt to the max and n aturally I wanted to avoid that. I also substituted a better green for the green that came in the mail the other day. I do like the color combo, but that doesn't help the shapelessness even a little bit.
I shouldn't have bothered.
I'm thinking I *may* go ahead and hem it and then shorten the sleeves and call it a summer house dress. But I've got to cut out the lining for that because this dress is WARM and HEAVY, neither of which are things you want for a Florida summer dress. But before I do that, I'm going to try a chain belt around my waist and see if that helps at all. Probably not, but I've got nothing more to lose at this point.
I think (hope?) the wadders done now, since bad things come in threes and even though I've called this one Strike Two, it's really Strike Three. Oh, what's the third you ask? Remember that skirt I made a couple of weeks ago from the leftover poly print from Joann's. That's the third. I can't go to the bathroom in the thing. It needs a back vent because the hem width is fine to step into getting dressed in the morning, but if you have to hike it up in the loo to do your business (which you do), expect to spend a good 5 minutes wrestling the thing back down. Sheesh.
On the plus side, this pattern is nicely drafted and *might* make a good tee but I'd want to rotate the bust dart out. And, frankly, at the moment that's the last thing on my list.
Don't you just hate that!!! Though, I do like the idea of trying with a chain belt...J
ReplyDeleteOuch! I saw this pattern, thought it was cute, and then questioned whether it would do me any favours. I think your experience has made up my mind. There are lads of new patterns all the time, so I think I'll move on!
ReplyDeleteGood luck on your next project!
How about an elastic casing at the waist to make sure it stays in and a brown leather belt (so as not to upset the colour blocking effect). Or take it in so it sits tight on the hips and the top part says fuller. Both would look good I think. Or a third idea - shorten it - baggy always look better shorter - with tights if need be. Ahh, the options.
ReplyDeleteAs much as I like the colour block idea, I need dresses that have some shape, so I've resisted buying/trying this style.
ReplyDeleteYou had the energy to try this but it's great that you did.
I'm so glad I'm not alone in the world of making something that just didn't turn out like I'd originally hoped. Sorry it didn't turn out, but I enjoyed this post very much! Thanks for reality!
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame you put so much time into this one... but I think I'd like to see it with a belt before you give up on it... especially as you've put quite a bit of time and effort into it.
ReplyDeleteHow about cutting it down the center, adding a shallow facing, and making a long overblouse/light jacket?
ReplyDeleteWhat about making mock-princess seams, in the same positions as that marvelous smock from a few weeks ago? McCall's 6397? Two gathers under the bust might be rather visually interesting.
ReplyDeleteI bought that pattern with the intention of nothing more tha a top so you saved me from trying it as a dress. Try it with a belt before you do anything. I think that might save it.
ReplyDeleteI am convinced that Vogue dress secretly picks its winners. I've seen it look good on so many people, but it looks horrible on me. I don't even know what I did with it. I didn't even bother trying to belt it because I was too through.
ReplyDelete"Try a belt" popped in my mind as soon as I saw the photo. Hope it works!
ReplyDeleteThis is one reason why I'm shuddering at the current Downton Abbey season (along with the Gatsby film and so on) because it's putting 'a 1920s moment' into the fashion zeitgeist and that does nothing for my shape whatsoever. I saw that pattern too and all I could think of was my dearly departed Mum's voice saying (In Violet Granthem's voice), "That makes you look like a bag tied up ugly, dear.."
ReplyDeleteRe: the skirt issue, pretend it's a pair of shorts and pull it down with the panty hose instead of up. Solves the restling problem. ;)
ReplyDeleteI tried V8805 too and it came out awful. No one will ever see that mess of a dress! Sorry it didn't turn out well
ReplyDeleteOh I hate when that happens. :(
ReplyDeleteI hope what ever you sew next is very rewarding.
So sorry you are having a run of bad luck! Very frustrating... I do take some comfort that even pros like you have wadders at times. Sigh... I love sewing but oy sometimes it can be frustrating!
ReplyDeleteC'est la vie in the sewing world! Now that the wadders are over, it is time to churn out the good stuff again. And we all know how capable of that you are!
ReplyDeleteDebbie you should have read my review on PR. I too tried this pattern and failed. The pattern went in the trash quicker than you can say WTH!
ReplyDeleteI love the belt idea.. and honestly, I really liked the green/brown version best..
ReplyDeleteSorry it dissappointed you..
I couldn't read it straight, you know. I read it as "stee-rike uh two!"
ReplyDeleteWow! I have this one in the drawer. You may have save me some time and fabric. I loved that color combination. I hope the belt works for you.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the green had gone on the top where the brown is and the brown was the bottom part, if you would have liked it better? i think the large block of brown is what makes it unhappy? just a thought....
ReplyDeleteI hope the belt tip works, its indeed a big block but the belt might just do it.
ReplyDeleteOtherwise use scissors and voila new shirt ;)
I think you should just make this into a top. Colorblocked sleeves/upper yoke are totally a thing in shirts right now.
ReplyDeleteEvery time I try something without a waist it is hideous. And yet somehow I keep trying them because other people look so great!