Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Sew Persistent

Sew, have you ever created something imperfect, and, even though there were mistakes, you could not be bothered to correct them? 

I tend to be a perfectionist, but even I know that some mistakes are not important.  Not this time.  Sometimes, you can't let mistakes go.  Well, that was McCall's lovely little 6846.  A fairly simple blouse, easy to make, but a pattern mark incorrectly placed left one sleeve a little off.                    

First things first.  I used an off white cotton knit with a rose etched pattern.  The actual top pattern is not designed for knits, but I thought this lightweight fluttery knit would look nice in view B.  Since it was a knit and easily pulled over the had I eliminated the back opening.  I replaced it with a facing that I fabricated using the front facing and the original back facing modified. 

Putting the pattern together is quite simple.  You could do rolled edges but I just used a very small edge and it worked. 

I carefully marked the sleeves, or sew I thought,  and that is where my mistake began.  The sleeves are tulip style sleeves with the back wrapped over the front.  Sew, I originally cut the pieces, wasn't paying attention and made two of the same sleeve.  I had to recut and sew the right sleeve in the opposite direction. 

Even with the recut, the sleeves came together fairly quickly.  Using my carefully place marking for the back to front cover, I then sewed my sleeves on.  Sew confident, I then serged the edge to finish it off.

I put the top on and I felt very happy with the project, but no, there, glaring at me, was the wrap of the sleeve on the right sleeve seated a little higher than the other sleeve.  I swear, it was just a quarter of an inch, but it was enough to drive me crazy.  Sew, I take it apart.  Damn those serged edges.  And I laid it out and saw that I missed my mark by exactly 1/4 inch.  Enough for me to notice.  Enough to know I couldn't just let it go.

The blouse came out beautifully.  I light airy top, despite three layers in front.  The lovely rose pattern is a nice surprise for a plain white t-shirt.  I can't imagine what it would be like in the suggested fabrics in crepe or a voile. 

One other note.  The top is a little longer than most t-shirts, but I kind of like that.  Sew, persistence paid off.

But the next blog will be about these amazing Vogue crop pants that I have fallen in love with.  I have made three pairs..yes three pairs!  Can't wait to share with you.  Ta Ta For Now.