Well as I posted yesterday I have been toiling away. One toile did not work out - I had problems getting the neckband to work - I am going to unpick it and try putting it on again. I think it should have been cut on the bias even though it wasn't instructed to be.
Here is the first one that worked. It is the Simplicity 2336. I haven't hemmed it as it will be a throw away - or I might use it to practice rolled hemming on my overlocker.
I am not in love with it. The neckline is too wide I think but more than that it has a "large" facing on it that ends across the girls and I am not happy with that. If I do sew it up I will either use a band (as in the review from LauraM) or make the facing full length so that it is a "double front" so to speak. The main thing I don't like about it is that the instructions (unless I am reading them wrong) asks you to sew the large front facing onto the front and then the back facing onto the back and then the shoulders together. This makes the shoulders bulky and front and back don't match up exactly after the facing has been sewn on. Much better would be to sew the front and back facings together first IMO. Another weird thing is that the back neckline curves up but the facing was straight - strange - so I made my own back facing.
I like the length of the top and the fit is okay so I may make it up again with the above mentioned changes.
This next piece is the jacket in this pattern. This I do not like at all. Even picturing it in my mind in a nicer fabric doesn't work for me (the gingham was only a couple of dollars for a complete roll on sale at Spotlight so I thought it would make good practice fabric). I think the shapelessness of the jacket along with my size makes me look real "boxy".
I had intended to make this jacket up in the below lovely chiffon but don't want to waste the chiffon. Mind you - way back in March when I planned this I gelatined the chiffon as per Lena's instructions - it worked fantastically and it has been sitting there stiff ready to be sewed for months now.
I guess that is why we spend the time making up toiles until we get it right or decide it is not for us.
I have great expectations for the top from Simplicity 2344. It looks okay on - once I unpick the neckband and re-attach I will post pictures.
Here is the first one that worked. It is the Simplicity 2336. I haven't hemmed it as it will be a throw away - or I might use it to practice rolled hemming on my overlocker.
I am not in love with it. The neckline is too wide I think but more than that it has a "large" facing on it that ends across the girls and I am not happy with that. If I do sew it up I will either use a band (as in the review from LauraM) or make the facing full length so that it is a "double front" so to speak. The main thing I don't like about it is that the instructions (unless I am reading them wrong) asks you to sew the large front facing onto the front and then the back facing onto the back and then the shoulders together. This makes the shoulders bulky and front and back don't match up exactly after the facing has been sewn on. Much better would be to sew the front and back facings together first IMO. Another weird thing is that the back neckline curves up but the facing was straight - strange - so I made my own back facing.
 |
| Curve of neckline shown yet facing is exact rectangle - am I missing something? |
This next piece is the jacket in this pattern. This I do not like at all. Even picturing it in my mind in a nicer fabric doesn't work for me (the gingham was only a couple of dollars for a complete roll on sale at Spotlight so I thought it would make good practice fabric). I think the shapelessness of the jacket along with my size makes me look real "boxy".
I had intended to make this jacket up in the below lovely chiffon but don't want to waste the chiffon. Mind you - way back in March when I planned this I gelatined the chiffon as per Lena's instructions - it worked fantastically and it has been sitting there stiff ready to be sewed for months now.
I guess that is why we spend the time making up toiles until we get it right or decide it is not for us.
I have great expectations for the top from Simplicity 2344. It looks okay on - once I unpick the neckband and re-attach I will post pictures.
Beajay, that first top has real potential. I like what you're saying about the changes. and yup, that second one isn't doing anything for you. It may look quite different in a super drapy fabric compared with the gingham, but a bit of a risk!
ReplyDeleteI agree MrsC - funny - when I first finished the jacket and looked in the mirror it didn't look too bad (not great but not ghastly) - amazing what the camera shows. I really don't like it on.
ReplyDeleteI am always drawn to 'hovercraft' jackets and they really aren't so great on 'hippish' me. I think the blouse will be very good.....
ReplyDeleteHovercraft - I love it LOL. People do say that I am full of hot air.
DeleteHi Beajay, your top looks fine from what I see. I know what you mean about those neck facings. I try to avoid them as much as possible, unless there is no other way to sew the top. I like the look of your jacket. There is something stylish about draped fronts.
ReplyDeleteYes - the draped fronts look very stylish - just not on me. I am going to try the Style Arc Abbie jacket in a knit - that might drape a bit better on me. Thanks for the comment.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a nice top with lots of possibilities. Perhaps you could try some bias binding instead of those large facings ?? Glad you are back sewing - I want to see your lovely fabrics you have previously shown turned into clothes.
ReplyDeleteThanks Janine. I think bias binding might be the way to go.
DeleteI've seen that sort of construction in facings. I think your idea to bind it with a band is right on. Your chiffon is gorgeous and it's a hoot that it is pre-gelatinized! Gotta try that. I am learning something new all the time. Your blog is great, by the way.
ReplyDeleteThanks Bunny - appreaciate the comment.
Delete