I've unfortunately been busy with my thesis the last while, but I have managed to sew up a blouse this past week from NewLook 6407. It was supposed to be a muslin, but I love the fabric I used (an old top sheet I bought at the thrift store for a couple bucks), so I decided to do a wearable muslin.
I actually did very little alterations to the pattern, only shortened the waist by 1/2 inch. I read many reviews over at PR that said that this pattern was quite snug, so I figured I'd just give'er on the muslin and fix any problems in the next try. It's quite comfortable, even in the bust, and I don't think I'll change anything next time.
I found it mostly went together really well, although this was the first time I've ever done vertical darts, and there were 4 of them in this pattern.
The only time I really ran into trouble was with the collar. This was also a new technique for me, and I found the instructions really hard to follow on this one. I attached the collar once, and found I'd completely messed it up.
But I found a video online that helped a bit, and after ripping off the first attempt, re-cutting the collar, and thinking about it a bit, I figured it out.
It's not perfect, but I'm the only one who knows about the problem areas, and for once, I'm not tattling on myself. ;)
I decided to finish the inside seams a bit more than I normally take the time to do. They're also not perfect, and definitely not professional, but it's finished. I just folded in both sides of the seams, then top-stitched.
The only part I didn't finish was the armholes, and I'm not sure if I'm going to go back and fix it. I guess I could add a Hong Kong seam (which would've been an option for all of the other seams). Meh, we'll see.
I think my 3 favourite things about this shirt is the collar, the self-covered buttons, and the curved hemline. Overall, I'm super proud of how this turned out. It was relatively easy but challenging enough that I learned a few new techniques and worked my way through a few issues. My finishing was much better than other projects in the past, and I've gotten a well-fitted, flattering top out of the deal!
I'll be adding this top to my contest wardrobe, since it actually goes well with other pieces I've made. I think I'm even going to make one more, out of a pretty quilters cotton I found at Fabricland yesterday.
A little wild, I know, but I really love the fabric. Heh, I think I'm only going to have my Wardrobe Contest storyboard finalized once I actually finish sewing it all! :D
Cheers all!
I have to tell ya, I made this twice and even after scouring ALL the many reviews of it on PR, I felt like the only one who had nightmares with the collar, (and I'm not a beginner!), so I feel your pain. I ripped and ripped and ripped some more! Yours is quite cute, and after squelching the temptation many times to try it again, I'm wondering if I'll finally actually succumb to trying it again with just the simple band like yours.
ReplyDeleteIt looks gorgeous Heather! Well done! I love the curved hemline :) And such a pretty sheet (and you have given me an idea of what to do with the couple of sheets I have hanging around lol)
ReplyDeleteMaybe try hand tacking the collar before sewing next time - much easier than un-picking :)
Great job Heather, love your top! It looks so crisp and cool, just for summer! I'm currently working on this pattern, (view d) and will be done today. I agree with you, I absolutely love this pattern! Thanks for your tips!
ReplyDeleteThanks guys!
ReplyDelete@ Sandy: I'm relieved to hear I'm not the only one who had trouble. Based on the reviews on PR, I was starting to think I was. It took me 2 days to figure out the collar itself, and I didn't understand how others had found it easy.
I wish I'd taken more pictures while making the collar, just so that other people (and me too!) could see what I did. But I was concentrating so hard on figuring it out, I didn't think to take some until after it was done. Maybe I will when I make the second blouse. :)
I absolutely love how that looks on you Heather! And that curved hemline looks so fabulous, that would be my favourite part of the top too I think. Isn't it funny how one wee detail, that we really take for granted in RTW is what makes our favourite part in something we make.
ReplyDeleteLooks fab!
I pay so much more attention to the details on clothes now-a-days, more so than I ever did before I started sewing. You really start to appreciate the work that goes into them when you have to do it yourself!
ReplyDeleteOMG, I'm having SUCH a hard time with this collar! I'm currently in the process of ripping it off and trying again. I've already watched the video you posted a couple of times... hope I can get this working! The rest of my shirt is looking so good! I'll let you know...
ReplyDeleteYay, I got it! http://leavingthecocoon.blogspot.com/2010/08/things-i-learned-today.html
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle!
ReplyDeleteIf you're still stuck, let me know, and I'll try to put together some photos and a series of sketches to help you out tonight. I still haven't perfected it, and there's a part of the collar that looks pretty ugly, but I'm the only one who sees it as it's not visible to the world. :)
Nice shirt, the fit is great!
ReplyDelete