The Metropolitan Domino Sweat-Shirt

My last completed project in January and it falls in my intention of sewing a "new-to-me" pattern each month.

I loved this pattern when I looked at the line drawing.  I am a huge fan of the slouchy-chic look and this pattern had a lot of appeal for me.  Unfortunately, I don't think I have the body type for it. It's just not my best look.

(And I'm apologizing ahead of time for the poor, poor photos.  We were having to get them indoors.)

 

So,I had no problems with the pattern itself.  I traced and sewed a straight size 16.  It usually works pretty well for me.  I did change the order of construction a little so I could put in a rolled hem and still have the front facings look neat.

The pattern says "mixed media sweatshirt is designed for medium-weight knits with a little stretch and body, like ponte, sweat-shirting or sweater knits". I used a sweater knit that was given to me, very little stretch, and I have no idea about the fiber content.  I think if I were to sew this again, I might go with a knit that had a little less body and more drape. 

And just for reference, see on the pattern drawing how the bottom of the shirt-tails look they should hit right about at your hip crease?? It may be hard to see on my picture, but they are quite a bit longer on me and I'm 5'10". About 4" taller than the patterns are designed for.  I would need to take about 3" off to be closer to the pattern drawing.

DH thinks this would be more flattering if the bottom of sweat-shirt were lengthened and no contrasting fabric for the shirt-tails, but I doubt I make this again.  Again, just not my best look.  This one will be worn around the house, it is very comfortable, and I won't be ashamed to answer to the door.

So this pattern may be finding a new home soon. 

Happy Sewing, Suzanne

The Blouse Back T

It's really the HP 1170 Fast & Fabulous Blouse Back T. Times 3, ya'll!!! I'm pretty sure I've never done this before in the years and years that I've been sewing.  I tend to be kind of magpie, new, shiny, NEW patterns.  Must try the NEW patterns.

But I was happy with the fit on the first one and it's so, soooooo comfortable, that I sewed it twice more.

The only alteration I did was a forward shoulder adjustment of approximately 1".  Otherwise, based on my reasonably good luck with HP, I made a straight size 16.

Version uno is made from a really drapey rayon blend (the navy was in the stash forever) and a cotton jersey (chevrons from Girl Charlee).  I'm not sure how long either will hold up, because they are so thin, but I will enjoy while I can.

Looking at the picture the rayon seems to be give a Velcro effect, but it is so comfortable I will wear it anyway!

Version dos is made from some poly ITY.  The black was in the stash forever and the print has resided there as well.  I do remember getting the print from Gorgeous Fabrics, I just don't remember when.

And version tres is made from a striped cotton/lycra from Girl Charlee fabrics also purchased a while ago.  The back was made from a very lightweight cotton in my stash.  It started it's life in my home white and with the help of a Craftsy class (The Art of Cloth Dying with Jane Dunnewold) I tried to give a little design and color.  I'm not sure I was entirely successful in that because it turned out a whole lot more subtle than I was imagining.  Turns out I like the subtle, but I was picturing those rings as white. Note to self: but get the rubber bands tight!  Oh well, I still like the yellow with the navy, so it will be worn. I also cut the neckband and arm bands on the bias, because I liked the stripes like that and I can!

 

Although I am not convinced this pattern is my best look, all three of these will be worn, because they feel like pajamas.  So on those days when you just need some comfort clothing, out one of these will come.  I doubt I make anymore right now though, it's a pretty distinctive pattern.

Not sure what my photographer was thinking or what I was talking about!

I should say I doubt I make anymore for me, I may be persuaded to make 1 or 2 for dear daughter, because when she saw version uno and I quote "OOOOOOO, I may want to swipe that".  Hah, can't beat that with a stick.

Happy Sewing, Suzanne