The last three words from my previous post were "easy fast project." Given my track record, I am usually very weary of the words "easy" and "fast". I suppose I was feeling confident from not having a wadder in quite some time. At any rate, here is the state of the easy fast knit top that was suppose to be whipped up in only a day or so:
WHY does this happen to me so often?! I can make a very detailed, fitted, lined garment and it goes together with relative ease. I attempt and easy project and have issue upon issue.Okay, here's the story. I bought this green matte jersey specifically to match some brown & green plaid jacket fabric. I ordered 1.5 yards from Denverfabrics.com sometime last year, and they generously sent me 2.25 yards. I started with Butterick 5354, which other sewers have had good luck with over at patternreview.com. Once the facing was attached, the weight of the front tucked area pulled down on the facing and it showed. I thought perhaps I had picked too heavy of a fabric for the design. Not that matte jersey is a particularly heavy fabric. Okay, no matter, I've got extra fabric. I unpicked all the shoulder stitches as I planned to reuse the back, and cut a new front and facings from Simplicity 2603, view E (the little knit shell.) I turned the inside facing under and slipstitched it to the outside facing for a smooth finish. Except this darn fabric shows every little pucker from hand stitching. It is the peachskin of knits and looked very homemade. Ugh! After two top attempts I am out of fabric and 4 days sewing time. And totally turned off my next jacket project.
I am now going to attempt a fitted blouse, which I'll not describe as either "easy" nor "fast".
Thanks for sharing this...it gives us all a little latitude for failure, too! Good luck with your next sewing endeavor, I prefer fitted items too...and absolutely loved your purple fitted jacket...it has inspired me to fine sewing...something I haven't attempted in some time! Just picked up my worsted wool in a pretty herringbone weave, raisin burgundy brown yesterday with all the goodies to go along with it...thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDelete~Marci
It happens to all of us. I have had my share. And I find it very fufilling to throw that wadder in the trash and be done with it!
ReplyDeleteOnward to your next project.
I just had a failure with 2603 - but with the sleeves. I tried a new method of turning over 1/4 inch, making slits, and then turning again, but evidently it stretched when sewing and looked horrible. I unpicked it - leaving holes - ugh. Thought I'd try to serge off that 1/4 inch and turn over and coverstitch, but I really can't wear it unless it is with a cardigan of some sort. Oh well. BTW, be sure to check out Ann's hints on 2603 here: http://gorgeousthings.blogspot.com/2009/09/tutorial-better-way-to-attach-collar.html Much easier way than the pattern instructions.
ReplyDeleteI struggle with knits in general, despite hearing how 'easy' and 'fast' they're supposed to be. Sorry for your wadder, but glad to be in good company!
ReplyDeleteOh Bummer! Sometimes it's hard to know what pattern will work best with matte jersey. Even though it's disappointing, hopefully you are feeling some relief about moving on!
ReplyDeleteDon't give up yet! I had the same issue on my first attempt with this pattern and modified the neckline finish on my second. I used the facing but attached it to the inside of the neckline only (wrong sides together) to stabilize and support the pleated neckline. I also tacked it to the shoulder seam allowances. Then I used a narrow strip of the knit to make a bound edge finish - lots of info in sewing manuals and on-line. I'm very pleased with the result and the facing does its job on the _inside_ of the garment where it belongs.
ReplyDeleteOh it's ok! I understand your frustration. I wish fast and easy always meant no problems. Wadders come and wadders go. Just be glad that yours are "few and far in between". Hey I'm still excited about your last project (the fabulous plum jacket)! I'm sure your next project will make up for your loss.
ReplyDelete~Victoria
tenthousandsewinghours.blogspot.com
Bummer! I have that Butterick pattern. Thanks for the heads up though. I'll have to brainstorm how to "fix" the facing issue. Or just never sew that pattern...
ReplyDeleteIt happens to everyone, no matter how long you've been sewing there are bound to be some flops! And sometimes the supposedly 'easy' patterns bomb, but the tricky tailored ones like your gorgeous jacket turn out splendidly!
ReplyDeleteToss it and move on, is what I'd do :)
Sorry about your wadder. I had one this weekend and thanks for the heads up..I have that pattern too.
ReplyDeleteSorry I know how frustrating it is. If its any consolation its not you - I really think facings and knits just don't belong together.
ReplyDeleteI looked at the pattern drawing and what I think you could use is an all in one neck and armhole facing cut a little wider than usual. Attached like that to the armhole, the facing has less wiggle room and more support. Attached to neck and armhole, sew shoulders using the technique you prefer and then the side seams. You could also under stitch around the neck edge (you do not say if you did that or not.
ReplyDeleteI have had several wadders lately (I learned this work from your blog, by the way :-)) and I was feeling kind of bad about it. I don't feel that bad anymore, so thank you!
ReplyDeleteIf you had a wadder, I know I'm entitled to many of them!
But I realise how upsetting it is, I'm sure you will get your next project as pretty as always!
I've never tried jersey fabrics...they scare me, still on wovens over here. Yay for you for having the know-how to create garments from them. Sorry about it becoming a wadder though. Did the fabric get pulled out or is it on its way to the dump? I would have loved to attempt something with it, just for practice, even if it would be doll size. :)
ReplyDeleteAs someone who still considers myself a newbie to sewing, it's nice to see that wadders happen to even the most accomplished sewists. So, thank you for posting this.
ReplyDeleteI have that Butterick pattern but per a review on Pattern Reviews, I tacked the facing down inside each pleat and prevented the facing from creeping up from the inside and showing. Maybe you can try it again! I like how mine came out!
ReplyDelete