Finally I'm done with my challenge garment for January. I haven't had a lot of sewing mojo the last couple of weeks so it's taken me a bit to finish it.
Overall I think it turned out okay. I have a couple of tweaks to make before I will wear it again.
I challenged myself to work on learning pattern alterations this year. Ironically, I decided not to make any alterations to this pattern. I did make a muslin but I only attached the front and back. I didn't make the sleeve. And I was a little confused as to how the button placket and all of that would effect the fit as I've never made anything like this before. So I concluded that this wouldn't be the best garment to use for my first alterations attempt. Also, after reading some reviews on PatternReview.com, one reviewer stated that she didn't need to make her usual full bust and sway back alterations so I took my chances.
The front is okay without the FBA because the pattern has quite a bit of wearing ease included. PLUS the poplin has some stretch.
However, I do have some gaping at the back. So if I make this pattern again, I will definitely need to do a sway back adjustment. For this version, I will simply increase the back darts.
Even though I have a couple of fitting issues, I'm still calling this a success. I stayed up to finish it last night so I could wear it to work today. I think this would also be cute belted with a cardigan.
Pattern review for fellow sewers...
McCall's 5929 (OOP)
Pattern
Description:
MISSES' SHIRTS: Fitted shirts A, B have darted front and back, front band, front ruffles and shaped hemline; shirt A has stand-up collar, below elbow length sleeves with sleeve band; shirt B has collar and collar band, full length sleeves with placket opening and cuffs; dresses A, B have sleeves gathered at cap and lower edge.
Pattern Sizing:
6-14. I cut the 14.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
I thought the instructions were pretty clear.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I loved the ruffles and the length of the shirt. It's long enough without needing to be altered.
Fabric Used:
White poplin from Joann.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
After reading other reviews I decided not to do any fitting alterations. The pattern has quite a bit of shaping already. In hindsight I could have used a sway back adjustment. For this one I will increase the back darts to take out some of the slack.
Previous reviewers also mentioned the sleeve bands being small. The band as drafted probably works fine for the long sleeve version but for the short sleeve version, it does not fit well for a girl who has an occasional cheeseburger and French fries. I added 1 inch to the band length and they still are quite uncomfortable. I actually created a pseudo vent at the seam just so I could wear the blouse today and it is still quite snug on my arms. I will need to replace the band before I can wear this one again. Luckily I still have quite a bit of fabric left.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I plan to make View B (sans the ruffles).
Conclusion:
This was a pattern I purchased about 3 years ago when I was first getting into sewing. I didn't attempt it right away because I was so intimidated by the ruffles...and sleeves....and buttons LOL. But now I'm happy to say that even though I have a couple of fitting issues, I tackled this pattern with no fear or hesitation. With a couple of minor tweaks, it will be a great addition to my wardrobe.
MISSES' SHIRTS: Fitted shirts A, B have darted front and back, front band, front ruffles and shaped hemline; shirt A has stand-up collar, below elbow length sleeves with sleeve band; shirt B has collar and collar band, full length sleeves with placket opening and cuffs; dresses A, B have sleeves gathered at cap and lower edge.
Pattern Sizing:
6-14. I cut the 14.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
I thought the instructions were pretty clear.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I loved the ruffles and the length of the shirt. It's long enough without needing to be altered.
Fabric Used:
White poplin from Joann.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
After reading other reviews I decided not to do any fitting alterations. The pattern has quite a bit of shaping already. In hindsight I could have used a sway back adjustment. For this one I will increase the back darts to take out some of the slack.
Previous reviewers also mentioned the sleeve bands being small. The band as drafted probably works fine for the long sleeve version but for the short sleeve version, it does not fit well for a girl who has an occasional cheeseburger and French fries. I added 1 inch to the band length and they still are quite uncomfortable. I actually created a pseudo vent at the seam just so I could wear the blouse today and it is still quite snug on my arms. I will need to replace the band before I can wear this one again. Luckily I still have quite a bit of fabric left.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I plan to make View B (sans the ruffles).
Conclusion:
This was a pattern I purchased about 3 years ago when I was first getting into sewing. I didn't attempt it right away because I was so intimidated by the ruffles...and sleeves....and buttons LOL. But now I'm happy to say that even though I have a couple of fitting issues, I tackled this pattern with no fear or hesitation. With a couple of minor tweaks, it will be a great addition to my wardrobe.
For a first attempt, this is a great success - and the back is not too bad - as you say, if you let it out it will fall straighter. It will look gorgeous with a cardigan :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Sarah Liz
DeleteGreat white blouse and making those back darts higher and taking them in will help.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sharon
DeleteLove your white blouse..The ruffles are so pretty.
ReplyDeleteThanks Judy
DeleteIf you read my blog before, you know I love white blouses and tops...this is a great one!! I love the fit and styles! Also thanks for the kind words on my faux fur vest! In answering your question, I specifically cut the lining pieces smaller than the fashion fabric. Hope that helps! (and you can steal any idea from blog you like, that's what we're doing, "sharing the wealth"!)
ReplyDeleteThanks Myra!
ReplyDeleteWow. This sounds so intricate. You did a great job.
ReplyDeleteThanks
Delete