I made the same shirt that is on the model shown above. It's simple and cute, right? Oh, and it's supposed to be easy (more on that later). Well, this is what my shirt looks like...
The details are a little fuzzy because of the print, so here is a picture a little closer up.
What a hot mess! Actually, the inside of the garment looks cleaner than the outside! That is because the yoke lining is slipstitched down, and it gives it a nice touch. Take a look...
I am at least proud of myself for sticking it out and finishing the whole garment. I wanted to just throw it in the trash everytime I picked it up. But, I told myself I could at least learn what I needed to learn by finishing the shirt.
This shirt has a lot, and I do mean A LOT of gathering involved. Some of you may know that gathering is not my strong point, so I took my time and made sure the gathering was evenly spaced. For the bias tape application on the armholes, I used my same fabric and made the binding myself. This is the only part of the project I liked. I will definitely make my own binding for future projects. The last part of this shirt was slipstitching, which you do by hand. I didn't mind this part of construction, either, except that I had to adjust my last yoke lining piece because I cut it way too big. That came back to haunt me when I was sewing the lining down, and it was a touch too small! UGH!
Theoretically, this shirt should be easy. All of the skills I used a beginner can do. However, this shirt, while easy, is more time-consuming. So I would say it is good for an intermediate-advanced beginner. Trust me, it is way too frustrating for someone who is just learning to sew.
OK, I've stalled long enough.
Need I say more?
I don't think I will sew this again. I like what other people who have sewed this pattern came up with, but it is not for me, not a flattering style at all.
I'm not sure what I will be sewing next, but I HAVE to do something quick and easy to get me back on my game again. I hope everyone had a lovely labor day weekend, and I look forward to sewing with ease next time.
PS--I am so excited about all of my followers! I hope you are all finding this blog worthwhile! Thank you for choosing to follow me, it means a lot!
Stay sew-filled!
I like it on you. I have this pattern and have yet to make it up, because of the reviews. I'll store it away for now.
ReplyDeleteAngela
I too think the top looks good on you. I have seen others' comments about all the gathering. People who made the top out of anything but a lightweight fabric seemed very dissatisfied.
ReplyDeleteVanessa, I know what you mean all to well, not liking something that you invested your time in....However, I think your top looks great on you and kudos for finishing the top, can't wait to see what you sew next...I am thinking about sewing butterick skirt 5249 I think...
ReplyDeleteFirst, let me congratulate you for finishing this project. Give yourself a pat on the back! Every time you sew you are laying a foundation upon which your skills will grow. Second, it is hard to see that your top didn't turn out well. From my angle it looks great. You did a good job of picking out a fabric that hides what you may not be happy with. Third, I'm with you, I really don't enjoy gathering, but it's worth learning because sometimes it's such a nice design detail.
ReplyDeleteHope your next project brings much gratification! I'll look forward to seeing it!
Mark it up as a learning opprotunity and move along. Although I think the top looks good on you and I saw a lot of tops like this in the store this pasy week. At least you are finished and move on to the next project. Also I can relate to the yoke being a pain in butt. Wish I knew the secret to sewing the yokes easily.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure why you don't like this top because from where I'm sitting it looks really nice!? But, even though you are not in love with it, you have clearly learnt a lot from this project - and that is very valuable. I'm sure your next project will be a success. btw - I love following your blog :)
ReplyDeleteI found your blog through Pattern Review...Take heart Vanessa...we all have "wadders" from time to time and it's part of the creative process learning what we like on our body and what we don't. Here's hoping you love your next project!
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone for your encouragement! I feel a little better about the shirt now that I have had time to get over my frustration.
ReplyDeleteI like the print and style on you! I do hope you wear it, especially after taking the time to make it. Maybe after wearing it more than once, you will like it more!
ReplyDeleteHi Vanessa,
ReplyDeleteThanks for all of your comments on my blog! I made this shirt last summer and didn't like how it turned out either, the yoke just looks odd on me and the bottom of the shirt puffs out. I tried wearing it with some ribbon as a belt to try to reduce the puffiness, but it still looks odd. I have worn it with a cardigan which makes it a bit better. I think it looks great on you--doesn't look puffy like it does on me!
Also I meant to say, I found it to be a really time consuming shirt too.
ReplyDeleteI'm with everyone else - I think it looks really cute on you! I think sometimes (at least for me) if I have issues on a project, it severely colors my thoughts about the final product. And not typically in a good way. Sometimes taking a break from a garment and then going back to it once you are over the frustrations of the actual construction can allow you to enjoy the garment more. Just my two cents. :)
ReplyDelete