Taming the Beast

Did you ever have one of those projects? The one where as soon as you cut the fabric, you knew it was going to be a fight to the end? This was that. But I think I beat it into submission won.

I added bust darts for fit and side vents for some interest. It's a fairly boxy top, which the belt is hiding.But it will be comfortable in our Florida heat, which will be sticking with us for a few more months. And I do mean sticking.

I used an embroidery thread and a rolled edge with my serger to finish the neckline flounce. There was no way in the world I was going to narrow-hem this poly. It was hard enough getting a sewing machine needle through it for a seam. It's very floaty, pretty fabric but it was like sewing through a tin can.

It's supposed to close with buttons, which would be hidden under the flounce anyway. I decided I didn't want to tempt fate even further by attempting buttonholes so I just overlapped the two front sides and sewed them together from the top side, in the ditch under the flounce. I did test that it would fit as a pull-over before making the decision to sew the front shut. And let's not even speak of the facings, except to say understitching AND overstitching AND Steam-a-Seam all were involved. It was a Tim Gunn moment (make it work).

At some point soon, I'll drag out the tripod a get a couple of selfies with me wearing the Beast and the skirt. But right now I need a cocktail. Or three. ;-

On another note, work is going well after my first week. I still have a lot to catch up on and, well, just plain fix, but they know that and are giving me the time and space to do so and I already see light at the end of the tunnel. It's great to not be micromanaged for a change and to have my brain appreciated. Yes, read between the lines. ;-)