Saturday, August 17, 2013

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. ;-)

12 comments:

  1. Congratulations and hugs on your new job, that is getting it and it being better (reading between the lines) than the last one. Oh and congrats on taming the beast too - looks pretty. I look forward to seeing it on you.

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  2. New outfits for a new job! Glad you're enjoying it!

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  3. Great news on the new job. And I love your 'fixes' with that fabric. You are more persistent than I am - I usually resort to the 'bag at the back of the closet' trick.

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  4. Congrats on how the new job is progressing and yay! on the new, cool outfit.

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  5. After I read the first sentence of this blog post, I bet it was a poly knit. And YES I HAVE SWORN at that stuff, too. Some of them sew up nice and easy, and some do not.

    So glad your brain is being appreciated and you are not being micro-managed. Been there and done that.

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  6. You've tamed more than one beast, I am thrilled for you! This orange beast is very cute, though!

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  7. I think you'll enjoy wearing The Beast after you've gotten over the difficulty of sewing it. I'm so glad your new job is working out well! It's great to be appreciated and trusted.

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  8. It is a very pretty looking beast. Glad you were able to tame it. Love the rolled hem flounce.

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  9. I love the look of this blouse and clever way to turn it into a pull over top. For such pretty fabric, sorry to read it was a beast to sew.
    Glad to hear that the new job is turning out okay. I can so appreciate the micromanaging feeling.

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  10. Shame it was so hard to tame. Looks lovely.

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  11. Isn't micro-manage a synonym for w-o-r-k?

    So glad you have sewing (&) cocktails to keep your spirits up.

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  12. New outfit looks nice. When it gets hot here though I can't stand wearing polyester so you are brave! But we alrleady knew that!

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