This pattern is McCall's 5931.I picked this pattern because I thought the bustline gathering was very flattering, and there is a curved piece sewn into the front side which creates a little pocket for the boobs. Does that make sense? (I think you can see this the best on the side view.) However, the neckline was a super low scoop, so my first order of business was to bring that up 1.5 inches. Under the front gathered piece there is a lining that is ungathered. I didn't notice until it was sewn up, but that only allowed 5.5" between bust points. That is very small, maybe the size of a child? And there is no way the girl on the envelope is that tiny. Measure yourself and see what I mean! So no problem, I have extra fabric, I'll just add in 2.5" extra and start again. Only now the front side pieces are way too long, and those have to be trimmed but trimmed to where the sleeve will still go in at the appropriate spot. Okay, I can make that work. Not too too bad, right?
Check out these ginormous sleeves! And people, I took 9" in width out of them! And then they might not be so bad if there wasn't so much fabric under the armpit. They are at a 90 degree angle with the bodice! No shirts are made that way.
But, here's the clincher. Do I look a little, um, pregnant?! Augh!!! This fabric is a polyester charmeuse border print. Now, had I followed the fabric suggestions on the back of the envelope - crepe do chine, handkerchief linen, challis, etc. - these gathers would not be standing out so far away from my body. So I am owning that mistake.
I am not loving the fact that I started this project to get a break from the contest but all I get for my efforts is an ugly wadder. Now I'll probably be scrambling at the end to finish all my garments and lamenting the fact that I spent a week on this horror!
I feel so guilty wallowing in someone elses bad fortune, however, it makes me feel just a little bit better for just spending a week hacking up my ONLY piece of Fall knit fabric only for it to end up in heap on the sewing room floor. I guess the lesson in this is that it happens to the best of us but darnit I wish I had my fabric back. (pretty fabric by the way)
ReplyDeleteSo sorry this happened to you, it's such pretty fabric maybe you will be able to salvage it somehow, though I must admit when I make a wadder I just want it in the trash.
ReplyDeleteYou know the sleeveless side doesn't look that bad. But those sleeves are T E R R I B L E. Shame McCalls shame. Perhaps you could use the sleeve fabric to make some straps and wear it in summer.
ReplyDeleteYou inspire me - if you have a wadder (as one of the most experienced sewers I follow - then I guess it's okay if I have one!!
ReplyDeleteAww, that's too bad. Those sleeves are enormous indeed! Is there no way you can save this project? What a shame... Your work is always so fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI like Gail's idea: take off the sleeves, add straps, use it in the summer. The flowy bottom doesn't make you look pregnant, so many of the popular tops now are cut that way and you're too thin for anyone to get the wrong idea. Woule a 1-2" band at the waist gathers help smooth down the puffiness? Pretty fabric, it's a shame to toss the whole thing...
ReplyDeleteIt seems it is an absolute law of sewing that, no matter how good and experienced you are,sometimes things just don't work out like they're meant to. However, I don't think all is lost with this one - that fabric really is pretty and suits you so well. I think Gail's idea is absolutely right - take off that sleeve immediately (what were McCalls thinking?!)and put some straps on. I, personally, don't think it makes you look pregnant but you might think about using some of the sleeve fabric (or another co-ordinating fabric) to make a double band at the hem so that it is longer and a bit heavier, that might pull it down a bit and counter the sticking out effect?
ReplyDeleteThe sleeves seem to have been drafted huge indeed. I love the print in your fabric though and how you have placed it. I think the idea about making straps out of the sleeves and wearing this in summer, as mentioned by the previous commentators, is a pretty good one.
ReplyDeleteThe good news is I don't think you look pregnant at all! Wadders aren't fun, but we all have them. The fabric is very pretty. Do you have more for another project?
ReplyDeleteYou are too funny, been there and it's frustrating, but I always seem to learn something in the end. Can't wait for the next fab project because all the rest are awesome!
ReplyDeleteI'm with Gail that the sleeveless side looks good. Could you do the same with other side and wear this in the summer? The fabric is just so gorgeous. I hope you are able to salvage it. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteTwo things:
ReplyDelete1) I NEED that fabric!! Where did you get it?
2) I concur with everyone else about the sleeveless version. You could do straps or make it strapless and it would look good. I don't think anyone would necessarily think you look pregnant, considering there are so many other people wearing similar style shirts.
I love that fabric! I agree with others about the sleeveless version if you're willing to try to work with it. I know that when I have a wadder I just want to chunk it across the room.
ReplyDeleteCountrygirlcouture - the fabric is from JoAnn's. Nobody in my city seems to like it as much as I do. I just bought another 1 3/8 yard because it is still there and I love it.
ReplyDeletelove the fabric ! I am going to joann now to get some.Which section did you find it in?
ReplyDeleteOthers gave good ideas for fixing it, but I can understand if you are at the point you just want to throw it away and forget about it!!
ReplyDeleteYou always have such great results so it is nice to see that you are human! But that pattern, that fabric - it just wasn't meant to be. Salvage nothing and walk away.
ReplyDelete~~You gotta know when to fold 'em, know when to wad them~~
I have just muslined this top and found the same with the bust points. I realised it is low but wasn't too worried as it is a top I plan to have for a beach holiday. However maybe I will have to re-visit the sleeves? I am using a softer fabric so hope some of your issues won't affect me. Your fabric is very pretty - I am glad you were able to get more! Thank you for sharing yor expereince with this pattern.
ReplyDeleteAhhh...it is so frustrating to work so hard on a garment and you don't like it. I feel your pain. I love, love the fabric.
ReplyDeleteDon't trash this project. Finish it and then maybe make it a 3/4 sleeve, it you still don't like it then make it with straps. I've done this many times and through trial and error come out with some winners. My motto is Never Give Up!
ReplyDeleteI love the fabric! I wish we had a Joanns. Poo. Well, at least you bought another length & can make something else! I will most def be skipping past this pattern. Yikes.
ReplyDeleteThe fabric is beautiful. Too bad it didnt turn out like u expected. Good luck for ur next try :)
ReplyDeleteJust for a little perspective ... The sleeves are **raglan** sleeves, that is why they are at a 90 degree angle to the shirt. Also, a lot of the bulk under the armpit would have been taken out had the sleeve been gathered at the top as it is in the instructions.
ReplyDeletefor the boob thing, I really don't have an excuse for that. Patterns are drafted for a B, so if you're not one, you're screwed. However, I've read your blog for a while and feel like you would have accounted for that.
Finally, I think would would have really liked this if you had the time to finish it. It looks great, keep up the good work!!