1. New Look 6071 in brown
This was my third and final try with this pattern. For the first two, the fabric I chose was a little too thin; on this one, the cotton/lycra fabric was too thick, and incredibly, too stable. As soon as it was off the machine it was too tight for me in the hip area. I did wear it once with the sweater, but felt uncomfortable the whole time. This one has already been donated.
2. Burda 02/2013/#127
The problems: inappropriate fabric, wrong style for my body
This project was fraught with problems. First the fabric arrived mangled, thicker than I expected, and a yard short. I thought I could save it with this pattern, but sadly it just wasn't for me. I have seen so many cute versions of this pattern out there in blogland, and I have to choke back a tiny sob every time I do. I don't mind having broad shoulders, but I don't want to look like a linebacker! Not a good style for us broad-shouldered gals. This one has also been donated.
3. Burda Emily Shirt
The problems: poor fabric choice, poor fit
I got really gung-ho about making shirts last spring. At that time, I was still suffering under the delusion that I could get a perfectly fitting shirt if only I had the right pattern. I chose this Burda download because I could have it immediately, and because I'd gotten a pretty good fit on the Burda coats I'd made.
But this pattern was just really weirdly drafted. The fit was wrong in so many places. Added to that, I'd decided to try a fabric with a significant polyester content, thinking, "Lots of people wear poly - I can too." Folks, I'm a natural fibers gal. I tend to perspire easily at the best of times - this fabric didn't let me breathe at all and just made me really hot and sticky. Such a pity, because I think hot pink dotted Swiss is a pretty great thing. I wore it once and then donated it.
4. Victory Patterns Anouk Dress
The problem: poor fit
I know - it's so pretty! Even with my funky fitting fixes! After spending so much time planning this dress and then executing it, it was really a let down that the fit was so bad. I did wear it once, but it was a pretty uncomfortable experience - the front of the armhole digs into my flesh. I'd like to revisit this pattern now that I've taken the fitting class. Next time we go to Turkey, I'm going to take this along with me; my sister-in-law commented that she really liked it, so if it fits her (she's smaller than I am) I will give it to her. I couldn't bear to put this one in the donation pile!
5. Midi Length Ballet Dress
The problems: poor fabric choice, lack of correct undergarment
I liked this dress OK - until I wore it. Because it's so long, and because I don't have a slip of a similar length, it kept sticking to my tights and getting hung up. And I've already discussed how the fabric is too thin so it's not super flattering over the lumps and bumps. Still, it's very comfy - this is the dress I wore when I did the three-hour drive to Michigan a few weeks ago. I haven't yet decided what to do with this one.
When I look back over my knit projects, I feel like a lot of them have problems because the fabric I got in my online order isn't what I was expecting. This one was listed as a heavier weight, but I would call it a light mid-weight. I've gotten disappointed enough this year that I haven't been tempted to order from Girl Charlee for a very long time. Which is probably a good thing, as my stash overfloweth.
Conclusion:
No surprise here: my major problems are with fitting and choosing the right fabric. I've started to tackle my fitting problems; now I need to get better at picking the right fabrics!
And finally, as a special end-of-year treat, I leave you with this:
Remember to check your pattern placement, folks!
I love your Anouk!!!! Is it so ill-fitting? I can't really tell from the photos but the color combo is so great! It's actually inspiring me to get out my Anouk pattern and finally give it a go!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Eleyna! No, you can't tell from the pictures, but it is quite uncomfortable. I've read other bloggers saying that the armholes on Victory Patterns are quite high, and I know that I prefer mine to be rather low. An easy enough fix for this sleeveless version, but it can't be done after the fact! I think eventually there will be a next time. Don't let my experience put you off!
DeleteIf only my successes could look as good as your misses! Fabric choice has definitely done me in on several makes. Unfortunately JoAnn's is my only option to actually see and touch fabric. Ha, ha, the infamous PSA! I really needed a laugh today so that was a perfect ending :).
ReplyDeleteGirl, please! You have made some incredible stuff!
DeleteChoosing fabric online is a gamble. Sadly, it's my favorite way to shop for everything except groceries!
oh knits... so hard to buy online! i have a small selection at my local shops, so i don't feel the need to buy too much online. i'm glad you're hanging on to the anouk, it's so gorgeous! hope it finds a happy home. ya know, i'm always raising armholes so maybe i should give that pattern a try!
ReplyDeleteOne of my locals has a pretty nice selection of higher-end knits, so I'm thinking it might be time to up my game :-)
DeleteI think the Anouk would look awesome on you! I've heard that the Victory Patterns in general are drafted with a higher armhole - don't know if that's true though, as this is the only one I've tried, and obviously my body is totally whack!
LOL at your knickers!!! I also struggle with matching the correct fabric to the pattern ~ all trial and error ... Merry Christmas ... J
ReplyDeleteIt's all a learning process, isn't it?! Have a great holiday!
DeleteHello Gail - yes, buying fabric online is hit and miss - what I am learning to do is accept it will be pot luck, and I choose the garment I will make accordingly - that's the theory, anyway. The practice is quite different. It's funny how dresses that turn out to be flops (your long knit dress) can actually turn out to be useful for some things. Merry Christmas :) -
ReplyDeleteYes, I tried that approach too :-) But I have to accept some of the responsibility: still not always sure how a certain fabric will translate into an entire garment. I think that just takes practice. Have a great holiday!
DeleteThe knickers are adorable. My mum is anal about pattern fabric placement too. You don't know if you don't try, right? At least you tried.
ReplyDeleteHehehe - I was a little too keen to use up Every Scrap of fabric, LOL!
ReplyDeleteIt's such a shame your Anouk is so uncomfortable, as it's gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sam! Hoping my SIL will be able to wear it!
DeleteYour face on the photo of that Burda top shows a huge amount of disappointment, which is too bad because the fabric is so pretty. I'm surprised by the green dress because I thought it looked good on you. Do you think if you shorten it to match the length of your slip that would make a difference? Oh, and I totally hear you about the poly fabric. I made my Jasmine out of some poly stuff and that's one of the reasons I seldom wear it. You’ve had so many sewing successes this year that, to me, even your so called fails look great!
ReplyDeleteI was trying to hard to pull a sad face, but cracking myself up doing so!
DeleteI think chopping off some length from the green dress would make a lot more workable for me.
There's not much wrong with most of these pieces - the construction is fine. It's just about learning which fabrics and styles work for me. I think that's an ongoing process! I'm not super concerned about it, as I feel that even my "fails" were worth the time and money I put into them, as they helped me hone my skills.
I loved the last picture, too funny. I must agree, I have found my fabric orders online to be lackluster and totally not as described. There really aren't any places around me here in WI to find good knit fabric though, so I have to take my chances :( I enjoyed reading your fails - as bad as that sounds - it is comforting to know that not everything works out for others as well! And, your successes were amazing :D
ReplyDeleteOh, most definitely not everything works out! And I've found that it's really hard to show the flaws in photographs. At least, with my photography skills! In pictures a lot of these things look fine. But the way they feel on the body is SO important - really a deal breaker for me if it's not comfortable.
Delete