Winsome / Lose Some

No doubt you've been losing sleep in anticipation of the post that apprises you about how these items were received.

Quick reminder: The legendary skirt of the horned bum...:

...was painstakingly (and not outrageously successfully) created for my sister. I was able to rework the back pleats - which is to say I largely steamed them out - and which improved the drape of the back of the garment. But, understandably, I do not recommend V8602, (seems almost no info about it on the net, intriguingly) and I'd never make it again.

The seafoam confection, for my mother, was drafted from my TNT Vogue V8634, modified slightly by me, and it came out as I had hoped - pretty and looking like an actual top with no buttressing weird bits (hahaha, get it, buttressing?)

The good news is that the top fit my mother very nicely - and she really loves both the colour and the style.

The less good news is that my sister did not like the skirt - on the basis that she felt it was unflattering - and she returned it to me promptly. To give credibility to her claim, the skirt did not look outrageously flattering but it wasn't styled (she was wearing socks and the wrong top). It fit in the waist, which is great - remember I had no measurements to work from. What did surprise me is that the hem hit dowdily below the knee on her while, on me it has an attractive above-knee skim. How could this be, I wondered, since she's taller than me?

It turns out that one person can be taller than another and, still, a skirt will fit her "longer" if:

• the taller person has a longer waist than the shorter
  
• the taller person has slightly shorter upper legs and
• the taller person is slightly broader in the pelvis

Go figure.

Of course, I could have redone the hem - I didn't top stitch it, remember, I cross stitched in anticipation that the length might need revisiting. But, my sister couldn't wait to get it off and hand it back, albeit politely. For the record, I believe - with a cami, a waist skimming cardigan or unstructured over top (like this - scroll down) and a cute pair of wedge sandals, this skirt will be adorable and chic.

She suggested I might like to make her a bag, next time.

Um, ok. I'll keep that in mind. Can't say I'm totally on board with that.

Update in response to comments: In defense of my good-natured sister, who's graciously agreed to take my child for 6 weeks this summer, she wasn't impolite and she doesn't sew. I don't think she understands how much effort I put into making the skirt. Having said that, sewing friends, I appreciate your commiseration as we all know the craziness of making a garment from scratch.

Seafoam Dreams

As you may know, shortly I am going to visit my family in North Carolina. You've lived the skirt experiment for my sister, here's the (arguably more successful) tunic sweater for my mother:



It's my modified version of V8634, a universally flattering pattern that I can't recommend enough. It doesn't hurt that you can make the entire thing (save edge stiching the cowl seam) on a serger in 2 hours. (Note: cutting time is on top of that.) I like to serge hem the sleeves and bodice in a contrasting colour. IMO, chocolate brown is perfect with muted green.

This top doesn't fit my dress form outrageously well but then it's not my size. I made the medium - remember this sweater fits quite large. Definitely consider going down a size, especially if your fabric is on the stretchier side.

On this topic, do any of you find it really challenging to sew for others (others whose measurements you actually have access to) because you're so attuned to trying to get everything to fit YOU perfectly? Even as I fit to my mother's measurements - and her ease preferences - I was disturbed by how wrong this thing looked when I tried it on me.

I love this fabric. It's a soft, warm, seafoam sweater knit - alas, arguably too warm for NC at this time of year. I've bought it on two occasions now and each time I've ended up using it for someone else. The first time, I cut it against the grain by accident (stupid mistake I've never made before or since) and it was like a straight jacket on me. Fortunately, my friend Nicole (a redhead) fits into it perfectly.

I will go back to the shop to see if, by any chance, some of this fabric remains. I really should buy whatever's left. I don't think I will ever tire of it.

Serging Ahead

Here's Vogue 8634, the version C (tunic) length with the version B (3/4) sleeve:

Sorry for the fuzzy shot... Notice how I removed the empire horizontal seam. Such an easy pattern alteration and it improves the line of this so much!

This is probably the fastest thing I've ever sewn - 3 hours(ish), minus the stitch ripping of the hem. It was 4 seams, hem and sleeve hems. Next time, I'm simply going to hem serge the sleeves as well as the bottom and call it a day.

I've overexposed the shots to try to show detail. Please know that the sweater fabric (some mystery synthetic that looks just like wool) is actually lovely. You know how I am about texture. I cannot stand "screechy" feeling stuff.

I note in the photos that the waist looks really straight but, in fact, it sucks right against one's curves in a flattering way. It has an excellent length for a short-waisted person of 5'3" - in no way too long but still bum-covering. If you are long of torso or tall, you may want to consider adding some length. Looks excellent with skinnies and leggings.

As I mentioned in my last post, this is a deceptively large fit. The pattern sizing suggests that a small is a big 4 pattern close-fitting 8-10 (i.e. 32ish" bust). I can assure you, negative ease notwithstanding, the small fits an upper bust i.e. chest measurement of 33 just fine. My full bust measurement is 36 - 37" and the small works with no problem.

Really, you should totally make this. Especially if you have a serger!