Sewing Update!

I had thought that maybe I would participate in WIP Wednesday for maybe the first time ever, but decided I had too much sewing news today to do that. Maybe tomorrow can be WIP Thursday instead!

Last night was the final sewing class, and we didn't do anything except pick up our shirts. I got a B on mine, which was generous given that I had ripped through the buttonholes with the seam ripper (will use exacto knife next time) and made a few other little mistakes.

Here's pics. I was between sizes 12 and 14 (like 6 and 8 in RTW; 34 and 36 bust measurement, respectively) and had gone down one size. My buttons are a little farther over than they should be, but I can still button it without any problems - the back is pulling at the armholes when it's buttoned though. Also, the lower body is a little too tight. The darts in the front and back change the amount of ease significantly, so next time I will realize that before going down a size as the finished measurements were pre-darts (not fair!) This would fit great in this size if the fabric weren't a woven, though - even a little bit of stretch would have helped.

Here was the critique my teacher gave me, which I thought was super helpful:

I'm thinking I'm going to make another one now in this fabric, in the next size up.

And the jumper? Here it was (this word is significant) prior to figuring out that I sewed (serged - that word's also significant) the seams in the back incorrectly, on two layers (the lining and fabric). I tried to fix it a couple of different ways but it's now a very dignified cat blanket as I didn't have enough leftover fabric to recut the top section. Oh well. I can always try again. I even basted before I serged, but I didn't try it on the model to realize that the back pieces were in the wrong place. It can be confusing to figure out how something will lie after it's turned right side out (after the lining is pulled through) when working on the inside out version. On this one, I determined that I should have gone with the smaller size anyway, once I had got to this point, so it's not a total loss.

I was supposed to be on vacation yesterday, but ended up working from home all day instead. Another day to carry over to next year, so no big deal. Today though I'm hoping to have more uninterrupted time to work on my projects.

Comments

[adrienne]

Girl, I'm laughing so hard at the "dignified cat blanket" LOL, that totally made my morning lol. Love how your teacher gave you such great feedback. THat is how you learn!!!

[Carol]

Dwos kitty appreciate all the work that went into the new dignified cat blanket? (as in, does kitty use it?) Mine ignore the official cat beds in the house and go for other things that were intended for other purposes.

[Bobbi]

oh no! That sucks about the jumper, although I'm sure the kitties love the new blanket :)

[Steph]

I wish there were such sewing classes in Germany. I only learned sewing out of Burda Magazines and trial and error. You can imagine how many pieces went wrong in the beginning (and sometimes still do)and I sadly have no cats to appreciate these "lefovers" ;-)

[Monica]

Wow, both the shirt and jumper look great! Too bad about the back pieces though. I bet the cats are happy with their new blanket! The fabric for your next shirt is really pretty. I'm sure with all the helpful tips and tricks you've learned it will look just like you bought it in the stores!

[Carol]

Love your new clothes! You're a natural, and I'm sure the kitties will appreciate a special blankie;)

[Jenny]

Good job getting the B! Bummer about the jumper; live and learn, though, right? :)

[sharon]

Dignified cat blanket? You're too funny! Congratulatins on the feedback. Looks like you are doing spectacular!

[marjorie]

Just consider all the things you're doing right (the critique indicated that). Everyone messes up at first. If your problem is confusing the right and wrong sides, you can mark them with a thread loop (pins fall out) after cutting. Probably coilless safety pins would work too, but I always mark with thread.

My goofs weren't even "cat-worthy". And my initial reason in starting formal sewing lessons was to cut down on my mistakes. It was only after taking those lessons that I realized how much better I could do with regard to fit and quality finishing.

[JudyMac]

Wonderful, and it was your first attempt? I am so looking forward to seeing more of your sewing. :)

[Maryanne]

The shirt looks great! Sorry to hear about the jumper, but I'm sure the kitties are redeeming it for you :) Hope you had lots of project time today! Enjoy your vacation!

[Michelle]

I love the "cat blanket" kind of like my one felted "bag"

See the sizing with sewing patterns makes me crazy! I have such a hard time getting them right! Even with the measurements on it. Frustrating! Good luck with your next shirt vernture!

[ruby]

Really constructive and useful feedback from your tutor. The shirt looks really well made. Hope all your other projects go well over the holidays.

Ruby xx

[Kasia]

I love your shirt! Looks perfect to me! The fabric for a second one is verz pretty. Can't wait to see how it will look like!

[Stacey_CrimsonPurl]

You are learning so much in your classes!
Haha @ cat blanket!

[Lara]

I think you have done a great job with the sewing! It is not easy (in my opinion). I think taking classes are a great idea. Maybe if I ever have spare time I will do that. I would love to learn to sew. So....are you now adding a ton of fabric to your "stash"? If I got into sewing too I could foresee that being a huge problem for me! I stash of yarn and fabric makes for a very dangerous financial situation!

[Andrea]

I like the positive feedback you received from your teacher. It's information that you can take with you for your future projects. I also like the way your shirt turned out so far. That's something I haven't tried yet but want to in the future. I can't wait to see your next one. I already like the fabric. I purchased fabric for a blazer the other day, but haven't had the guts to cut it out yet. I also liked your jumper. As they say, if at first you don't succeed, try again. All is not lost, the cat likes it's new blanket right =)

[Bev]

Next time you cut the button holes, put a straight pin through each end. Your cutting tool will stop before you cut through the button hole. Enjoy!