I made one big change on this top, taking off four inches from the length. After taking the first set of pictures, I decided I didn't like all the extra fabric under the arms. I left the camera outside, ran up to my sewing room and took out some of the fabric. The first picture in the blog post has the fabric removed. The picture above is before the alteration.
Even after eliminating some fabric, not sure I am crazy about this top. It is a bit big and sloppy for my taste. The neckline is loose and I just don't know. Meredith said it looks cute, so I will give it another try. Plus, running it through the washer and dryer might help the neckline.
Now the shorts, Simplicity 1167, a Mimi G pattern for a blazer, tank, slim pants/shorts. I have purchased this pattern to make a floral blazer I want to make. I mentioned this on my blog, wanting suggestions for floral fabric. A couple of people said I should make shorts to match, which I think might be fun. So really these black shorts (Mood Fabrics' Stretch Twill) are a trial run before I cut into the floral.
My changes
1. Shorten the length
2. Eliminate the cuff
3. Smaller seam allowances at upper leg to keep the shorts from being so tight as in the pattern envelope photo.
4. The pattern has the facing and an inset from the fashion fabric and then the pocket bag from lining fabric. The inset is sewn on top the lining and is what you see above the pocket. These extra pieces seemed like too much work and only necessary if your fabric is thick. I just used the pocket bag piece from my fabric. It is lightweight and was perfect.
5. Took in the center back one inch -
Simplicity's instructions were amazing and very helpful. These shorts were really quick to make and the fit not too bad out of the envelope. My fabric really stretched out while wearing these shorts tonight, which was surprising as a cotton-lycra blend.
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Changes for the next pair
1. Might add some height to the shorts back. I have a very flat bum and feel like the center back is too low.
2. I made a size 12 which was good in the hips and legs but was too big in the waist.
3. I might size down considering the fabric - these just stretched too much, so a size 10 might have been better.
The verdict is still out on these two garments. I am going to see how they come out of the washer/dryer and hope they shrink a bit. One thing for sure, I loved making the shorts, they were just fun to sew. The length of these shorts might be bothering me. As I have gotten older, I have tried the longer shorts but they just don't look that great on me. I do a lot of walking and yoga so my legs are fine for a 5 to 6 inch length short and that length just looks better on me. Make sense? Guess it is like a skirt length, everyone has a length that looks good on them - same for shorts.
What do you all do when you aren't excited about something you have made?
Usually if I'm not happy, I take out my seam ripper and consider the possibilities. I think the problem is the balance between the shapes of the top and the shorts. You may find that the top looks better with a pencil skirt or jeans.
ReplyDeleteI compared this top to a RTW one I loved - it was all in the sleeves - so I chopped off 4 inches and now we will see if I like it better. I think you are right the top will do better with jeans Thanks
DeleteRemake or reject...
ReplyDeleteI remade the top - cut off several inches on the sleeves and wearing it tomorrow so I will see!
DeleteI've given away to Goodwill or tossed it.
ReplyDeleteOh, me too, I am going to give both of these one more chance and then decide their fate!
DeleteI like the proportions , but they have to work for you . I switch to making bags or things for DGD when I think I have a miss. I need to stop doing that as for me then it's really hard to get back to garments -(I lose my mojo)
ReplyDeleteI followed your advice and after the silk dress, I finished a bag for Meredith. Then went back to garments, thanks!
DeleteIt's not a bad look on you at all Lori. When I make something that I don't love, I keep it around for a while, I'll wear it in a when in a pinch.
ReplyDeleteI think you are right, Faye to keep it around, part of my problem is the actual garment didn't turn out like the picture in my head!
DeleteI think your outfit looks cute, love the shorts! It is disappointing when a project doesn't turn out like we thought it would I usually try to sew up a TNT pattern that I like and know fits before moving on to another new pattern.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Joen, I love the shorts, too, just hope they don't stretch out so much after going through the dryer. Fingers crossed.
Deletethose shorts look great and I like the length as they are. I think longer shorts are a bit more dressy. and I agree, Simplicity patterns have quite good instructions these days.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Beth, I think maybe if I had some cute sandals with heels I would like them more. I have been buying new lights for the house during the remodel and not shoes this summer!
DeleteWhen I make something I'm not sure about, I will hang it in my closet for a while, and come back to it in a few weeks. Sometimes the garment and I need a little "break" from each other. Haha! Love your outfit, I think both pieces look good. Maybe try splitting them up, wearing with other pieces?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lisa, I think a break is good but I did cut off 4 inches on the sleeves and going to wear the top to work tomorrow. We will see.
DeleteWhen I make something I'm not sure about, I will hang it in my closet for a while, and come back to it in a few weeks. Sometimes the garment and I need a little "break" from each other. Haha! Love your outfit, I think both pieces look good. Maybe try splitting them up, wearing with other pieces?
ReplyDeleteI do like the shorts, the length looks good from here. . .I am on the fence about the top, it does have a lot of fabric. I would wash them and then relook at it in a few days and see if you like it any better, if not. . .remake it. . .you have lots of fabric to work with there.
ReplyDeleteI know the top is not what I had in my mind. I did compare it to a similar RTW top and the sleeves on mine are much longer - I cut them off and going to wear it to work tomorrow, we will see.
DeleteFirst thing I thought was wow those shorts look great. Maybe as someone else suggested style them both with other clothing items.
ReplyDeleteThanks on the shorts, I am thrilled how they turned out.
DeleteIf you love the fabric, the top could possibly be reworked. It looks like such a lovely print.
ReplyDeleteI did cut off the sleeves, so we will see if I like the top better.
DeleteIt looks like a good outfit, think the top looks better with smaller batwings and the shorts look fab.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much and I appreciate your feedback. I did cut off 4 inches from the sleeves - I compared it to a RTW top of similar style and that was the difference.
DeleteJust catching up on blog reading and like seeing these shorts especially. I think you made exactly the right call about the sleeve length. One of the reasons photos help me is that I can see my clothing proportions from a distance and my eye can catch those subtle changes. Don't always notice that in the midst of the sewing project
ReplyDeleteYou are right, photos are so helpful. I am wearing the top and it is okay but not a favorite.
DeleteWhat was the verdict on this top. I hate all the bulk at the bust on most patterns... and with a large bust uggh. I had almost given up on these styles until i came up with a fix. so disappointing when you invest time sewing a piece.
ReplyDeleteI took it in on the sides more and then compared it to a RTW one a similar style. It was the sleeves, I chopped them off to the length of the RTW.
Deletegreat... hope you got some wear out of it. that top shorts combo looks good on you. if not your fave then hopefully a hanging about the house combo! love all your posts.... so helpful for someone that has little time to sew.
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