Saturday, June 13, 2009

not quite

I saw this fantastic shirt in Domino magazine and ripped it out intending to try to make something like it with or without a pattern.  Finally yesterday I attempted it without an exact pattern, so I pulled out the most similar pattern I had - this Built By Wendy- that I tried a few times last summer.  The shirt I made is out of black and white striped shirting fabric.  I think this shirt has potential. I am trying to figure out how to make it what I want.  I wore it today and I think I like it enough to wear it, but I am always a bit self conscious wearing something I have made.  So, it might be back to the drawing board to see what else I can come up with. 

Here's what I did -

  • widened the shirt half way to the bottom
  • enlarged and lengthened the sleeves
  • took out the back seam and cut it on the fold instead
  • lowered the neckline - oh la la
  • added elastic to the waistband

Here's what I want to change or am unsure about-

  • more flow to the sleeves and maybe a bit longer - not quite as much as the one in the Domino mag photo though
  • not sure I like the elastic in the bottom of the waistband.  don't want to be bunchy in the waist!

So please let me know of any ideas or suggestions you might have.   It might just be that I need to buy a pattern a bit more similar to the top, but I just get over excited that I can do it without and when I don't get the results I want, I get a bit (just a bit) frustrated!

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14 comments:

  1. RaeJune 13, 2009 at 8:41 PM

    Oh that's cute! I see what you mean though...and have been there so many times. You may have to find something lighter weight or flowier than the cotton? I don't know. The top in the picture seems really flowy. My first instinct is to say make everything bigger (wider sleeves, wider waist) but with cotton you might end up looking like a big powder puff unless you have a really flowy fabric. (: Definitely the sleeves in the picture are like bells though! I like the new version too though!

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  2. JessicaJune 13, 2009 at 9:26 PM

    That is really cute! Good job.

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  3. RebeccaMomJune 13, 2009 at 10:26 PM

    it looks great, you did a great job with the modifications!

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  4. sharonJune 13, 2009 at 10:36 PM

    hmm, think you need to widen the neckline, and make the sleeves longer and wider (seeing as you have elastic on the sleeves, I think there needs to be more fabric, but not as much as the other shirt). And I agree with #1 - if you want the flowy look, maybe use a really lightweight cotton or poplin or something to have more fabric but not puffy?

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  5. Stacie.Make.Do.June 13, 2009 at 11:53 PM

    I have a similar pattern, but in little girls size 5/6. The sleeves without elastic look more "wingy", so they poof a little more when gathered. The elastic at the waist is at the actual waist, not at the hips, so there is about 6"(?) between the waist elastic and the bottom hem, if that makes sense.

    I think your shirt looks very cute, btw.

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  6. KatherineJune 14, 2009 at 12:31 AM

    I haven't braved sewing clothes for myself yet, so I don't have any suggestions, but I think it's very cute and flattering the way you made it!

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  7. amyksJune 14, 2009 at 12:34 AM

    cute shirt, but I like the idea of widening the sleeves just a bit.

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  8. AnonymousJune 14, 2009 at 2:40 AM

    It looks smart and comfy. :) I think you need to make the sleeves closer to elbow length and fuller - almost double the fullness you have now.

    I think the body of the shirt needs to be a bit fuller too. A bit more poet's blouse than peasant top.

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  9. danaJune 14, 2009 at 3:18 AM

    are you kidding? it's adorable! I really like it.
    And funny....I bought that same fabric at JoAnns the other day. Cute cute.
    Way to make something for YOU!

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  10. BeaJune 14, 2009 at 8:22 AM

    I think you did a great job. It looks really nice. If you really want to make some changes next time, maybe make the sleeves wider and the bodice too. And then maybe have the elastic on the bottom not as tight. In a way so that the bottom of your shirt does not really touch you, but moves around freely.

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  11. sbJune 15, 2009 at 3:55 AM

    I really like your version and you look great! As others have said, to truly copy the picture, you'd need more fabric for the sleeves and bodice, and maybe a lighter fabric, but I do like your look, especially without the winged sleeves. Sure, add a little length and width to the body, though, if you'd like it to be more similar.

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  12. knittinghenJune 15, 2009 at 2:08 PM

    I think you did a great job on the shirt and should have no hesitation about wearing it. It is very flattering on you and looks great with those jeans.

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  13. KMedJune 15, 2009 at 6:04 PM

    Your top looks wonderful and definitely wearable! I have the same Built by Wendy pattern. It does run a bit small doesn't it? And the neckline is high. I made a second one and, like you, made it wider and deeper at the neck (mine is out of lightweight linen). I'm going to try it in jersey next for a more draped look. Good luck!

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  14. JulijasshopAugust 2, 2009 at 2:48 AM

    Your top looks wonderful!! I love it!!

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