Thursday, July 22, 2010

Sew Challenging!

I just finished sewing a top! I was inspired last year by the "Made by Rae" blog. She had a "Spring Top Challenge" where readers made tops, sent in pictures and she posted them on her blog. It was so cool! I wanted to join in on the fun. So, I went out last year and selected a pattern that I thought I could make, the fabric, and everything I needed to get started. Yup...you read it right...that was last year (2009). I found this to be challenging from beginning to end.


The challenge started with pattern sizing...the same thing that has kept me from sewing many other times. I looked at my measurements on the pattern chart and it said I needed to make a size that's four to five sizes larger than I'd buy in the store! That's crazy and makes no sense to me. Since I don't have much garment sewing experience, I decided to go with it...sort of...I went down a size from what the pattern suggested. But, it's still turned out wayyyy too big! I took in two inches on each side, under the arms and it helped a bit. I didn't wash the fabric before I made this. So, I'm hoping for some shrinkage in the washer and drier. Either way, it'll be a nice top for wearing around the house on hot summer days. And, I do think it's kinda cute. I love the fabric.


Another challenge that I ran into was the directions. I've heard that some pattern brands aren't as good as others. Maybe this is one of them (Simplicity 2962). The directions seemed to leave out so much detail that I needed in order to understand what I was suppose to do. I started it last year but set it aside when I got to a section that I just couldn't figure out. Luckily, I'm currently in the mode of cleaning up, organizing, and finishing up projects that have been either half done or left in the idea stage. This was one of those finishing up projects and I was determined. So, I decided to just figure out a way to make it work and I did!

The back has little ties. I think they're a bit narrow for the scale of the top and I may take them off because I don't like to lean back on a bow/knot anyway. It's uncomfortable.


A couple of steps were easy, fun, and I'm happy with the results... The pleats...


And, the pockets... The elastic gather at the tops is so cute...


The final challenge in this was getting good pictures. The pictures kept coming out too bright and losing detail, too dark, or the colors didn't look right. Oh well, it's done and I'm so happy that I beat this challenge! Yay! And, now I have a nice, cool, comfy, new top for summer. It was so/sew challenging but I just might try making something again. ;-)

7 comments:

judith said...

OH MY Gosh! You did great. I used to sew all the time, made almost all my clothes from the time I was in Jr. High School up to probably 10 years ago. Then the patterns started not fitting correctly. I still have a dress hanging half finished in my sewing room from about 7 years ago. The pattern problems and the high cost of the fabric and the low cost of ready made clothing caused me to loose my desire to sew clothing. I hope you stick with it and maybe you'll find a solution to the pattern issue. I love the fabric.

Erin @Days to Remember said...

It looks great! I've been wanting to try sewing some clothes, but I have to build myself up. lol Maybe I'll start with baby clothes first. :)

KarenB said...

It's very cute! Good job. Plus you posted a picture of yourself! Amazing. There you are using up your stash and here I am adding to mine! See you in a couple of weeks, hopefully.

evergreenknits said...

Looks fantastic! I love that kind of yoked top, and the fabric is really sweet.

Sandra said...

seriously cute! I've made note of the pattern number - I really love the details you highlighted.

Vicki Boster said...

Hi - I just found your blog and I LOVE my visit here! Love your creations - and that you are a knitter - like me! That is the cutest little top that you just made - perfect for summer!

I scrolled all around and have really enjoyed it here! Hope to be back soon~~~

Vicki

Anonymous said...

Cheryl, I Love the material. This top is so cute! It looks so comphy! I used to sew all my own clothes too, But that was wayyyyyyyyy.... back in the 60's and 70's. Then one day the ex tells me I can no longer buy ready mades, and I haven't sewed since... he was such a peckerhead, thats why he is an EX!! Hugs!
ME!