I had this (affiliate link) very cool animal print (snow leopard?) lightweight sweater knit. But I only had a yard!! When I bought the fabric I intended on replicating an old NL6230 top that I really like but the neckline is too wide and the binding is atrocious :) I wear it ALL the time. And then, I decided M7722 would be perfect! But I only had ONE YARD.
I cut a size 14 and did my normal cheater FBA. I did not have enough fabric for the full upper sleeve. And once I got the pattern pieces cut out and realized how long it was, I decided to shorten it. And I laid everything out and huzzah! I could fit the pattern pieces on the 1yard. I folded the edges in toward the center *just enough* to cut the front and back. After I cut those pieces I was able to fold the remaining yardage in half and cut the sleeves. The sleeve pattern piece is pretty wide as it's gathered on top and bottom...but I made it work!
I did not enjoy making the top with all the gathering. So much gathering!!!!! And while the black wool knit (that I used on B6621) was a good match in stretch and recovery, it was quite a bit thinner. I cut the lower bands double - placed the hemline on the fold of the pattern. I sewed the long edge and then folded it over...like any other sleeve band but just extra long.
I finished and thought it was *SO* cute.
And then I tried it on. Nope, nope, nope. And as mentioned, there are no suggestions needed for "trying to make it work". It doesn't and it isn't deserving of more time and I know I won't wear it as is. Into the donation pile it goes.
The combo of ALL THE VOLUME on top and super slim fitting on the bottom, I just do not like it.
I tried to. I love the print. I would say it could be about an inch longer...
Soooo yeah, 34DDD + wide sleeves at the exact same level = nooooo thank you. I still think it's a cute pattern and love that it HAS worked for so many. Maybe I'll keep it in the collection in case I ever make it to getting a reduction :-p
I also wanted to quickly review the Evie La Luve Frankie panty. I've never had a huge interest in sewing undies or bras and almost every time I sew a knit I think, "how on earth are people using the same fabric to sew underwear?!?!" Now, maybe I just buy super thin ones?? LOL! But I made a couple pair in cotton/lycra jersey and will probably mostly stick to making lace undies should I continue down this path.
Evie La Luve Etsy shop (NAYY)
My hips measure into the XXL (~43"). I was skeptical though looking at the pattern pieces and cut an XL. I made a muslin and made the following changes to the pattern:
*Added 1/2" to the back pattern piece - yes, this puts the hip measurement into the XXL sizing. BUT, I needed it in back and not in front. Which makes sense with having to do a full butt adjustment on almost everything.
*In that same vein, I added a little more butt coverage in back. I did this as a curved line, with nothing at the side seam and nothing at the crotch seam, I added about 1/2". It worked very well and provides just the right amount of coverage for a round bottom.
*Added 3/8" to the center front tapering to nothing at the side seam. They seemed to dip a bit in the muslin.
*Narrowed the crotch width 3/8" (so 3/4" total!) I swear, every swimsuit pattern I've ever tried has SUPER wide crotch widths and I knew as soon as I traced this one off that it would be too wide.
I made this pair and they are almost *exactly* the same as my fave VS cotton undies.
from my IG stories :)
I used lingerie elastic at the waist and 3/8" swimsuit elastic in the legs (it was what I had on hand!). I made a 2nd pair and was using braided elastic in the legs and way, way too stiff. I will have to rip that out and either just hem the legs on my coverstitch or use some of my newly acquired lingerie elastic.
I bought a bunch of laces so I will try a few more pair. But don't see myself fully on this bandwagon any time soon (after I purchased like 40 yards of lingerie elastics and a whole bunch of lace! LOL!!)
I have spent many, many, many parts of many days trying to re-learn casting on and basic stockinette stitch. Goodness gracious! But I am knitting a swatch now! Woohoo!!!
I am WITH YOU on big puffy sleeves that end at the elbow: though pretty in theory, in practice, when combined with my full bust, I end up looking like a ship in full sail. D: What a bummer to have to write off your pretty snow leopard knit.
ReplyDeleteEXACTLY! The upper half of my upper half became a giant square. No thank you!
DeleteCan you detach the sleeves and keep it as a tank? Pretty fabric.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fixer. If there was something that I thought would make it workable, I'd try it. But this just doesn't work for me. Which is fine. Every project isn't a success.
DeleteI agree with Max that the fabric is very pretty and that you could ditch the sleeves and turn it into a fun tank. Would be a great layering piece.
ReplyDeleteThanks Summer but as I mentioned to Max...It just isn't my way. It's done and doesn't work then it's done and doesn't work.
DeleteThen use some fabric from the sleeves to lengthen the top.
ReplyDeleteYeah...no. LOL! When I've decided it's done...it's done.
DeleteI'm w/you one the move on approach. Once done, tried, and hate it, there is no recovery. Something more brides and bridesmaids should keep in mind before a final decision. This also illustrates how valuable a muslin is. I realize this is stretchy knit, but I have seen loads of knits marked down to $1/yard. A good investment for any seamstress who sees pricey knit projects in their future. This time? Trust your instincts and make your next project!!
ReplyDeleteYep! I just do not have that much energy for something that I don't like on me!
DeleteDo you know what I do with pieces like this where I really like the fabric, but the garment didn't come out well enough? I keep it and wear it around the house! I have a couple of them my closet right now - I enjoy the feel and look of the fabrics, and I am wearing stuff that is still nicer than the usual casual around-the-house items sold in the stores.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this! That you post a "failure" is courageous! Actually, it looks like you did a fabulous job of sewing it, but that's the problem with sewing...you can't tell what it will look like until it's actually made. This is a wonderful story and a great cautionary tale with those of us with plenty of "stuff" on top. I guess I'll leave the full sleeves for other people. Thanks for this.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the fabric is spectacular, and wish it would have turned out more to your liking. Well, there's always more fabric, lol! I love the swatch you have going with the baby hat, and yay for undies!! i have the free Megan Nielsen pattern that I am still trying to get around to making.
ReplyDeleteThat's too bad about the McCall's shirt because it's stinkin' cute. I bought this pattern for the cold shoulder-ruffle version. I didn't even notice this version was part of the same pattern until you mentioned it.
ReplyDeleteIt was so interesting to learn why this was a wadder - if you'd asked me, I would have thought it was the contrast portion of the sleeves. Everything else looked fine to my unstylish eyes :-p Anyway, goodbye wadder.
ReplyDeleteAlso, YAY KNITTING!!!!!!!
I've been there, and done that. My feeling, when I have to donate a garment I've just spent time on, is that while it did not work for me, but it will work for someone else who will be delighted. Maybe that person has a limited budget but now they have a very nice garment to enjoy.
ReplyDeleteHey Kesha, Your top is cute, and I understand. I in the same boat as you with tops that have a lot of volume. I try to minimum the volume on top and add some to the bottom. On the panties, in good analyzes on making them fit. In the pass I used a favorite old pair to create a sloper. We want the best fit in the front as well as the back coverage. I hate when the undies side to the middle a give me a wedgie. LOL The knitting looks great. This is something I want to relearn as well. Happy creativity! ;-)
ReplyDelete