Last month I posted a personal project I called the “Dot Top” that came out dog-ugly -I thought. I reworked the pattern and made another mock up of it (shown below, larger image):
List of changes:
- Made the neckline smaller for warmth. Added a tube (collar), intending for it to cowl prettier than it actually did. I haven’t decided if I will open the neckline back up again and add the tube to that or if I’ll let well enough alone.
- I still don’t like the front ruffle (although I think it is better) but I’m wondering if spacing of the gathers is what I don’t like. I didn’t sew this one; if I had, I probably would have moved more gathers toward the center peak instead of spacing them evenly. Can’t blame my sample maker for it either since she doesn’t get much oversight or direction [I cannot abide micro-managing anyone so I have to take responsibilities for the consequences].
- I made the top shorter. Don’t recall offhand how much I shortened it but 1.5″ is my guess.
- I added a very long cuff to the sleeve end. I think that worked out the way I intended. My idea was that the cuff would bunch up to match the collar; the downfall being that the collar didn’t work out as planned.
- I came up with another solution to make the peak portion of the ruffle, fuller -this was a problem in the first version. In hindsight, the correction was so obvious that I felt stupid <insert dope slap>. I’ve included a layout of the pattern if you want to see it.
Anyway, I took the Dot Top to my sister with high hopes that she’d like this one and we could fit test it. She had said she liked the first one but maybe she was only being polite. Unfortunately, events transpired such that we were unable to fit it and I am thinking (at this moment, I vacillate) that I don’t want to see it again.
Having tied up this loose end with the publication of this follow up, I can pull it off the form and call it a wadder. That’s life.
So-what do your projects look like these days? Any promising successes? Abysmal failures? I’ve had so many failures that I can only laugh.
I’ve got a doozy of a failure. I’m posting a sneak peak tomorrow and then the full gory details on Thursday. My friend invited me to dinner. I showed her the failure. It looked OK, even nice on her. So she got the sweater and I got dinner.
I’m glad it’s not just me! Everything I make in adult size feels old, tired and frumpy. However, I started a line of baby things that just keep getting cuter and cuter. I’m taking a break from me-sized stuff for a while.
This makes me sad. Hugs, K.
Thank you Vesta.
The bustle in a house ~ I think I will bury it and plant a tree over it ~ putting love away.
I love it Kathleen–the long scrunchy sleeves, the neckline, and the hem is beautiful. She may not have been able to wear it, but what matters is that she knew you were making it for her.
Garments made with love are always the best, even if they don’t turn out quite the way you intended.
I feel your pain. However, what looks like failure to non-artists is actually a stepping stone to a better idea, or process, or technique. Otherwise, everything would look “old” and tired. And making it is more difficult than my old Betsey McCall Dress Designing Kit.
I have just finished with the end of the bolt of fail fabric – all muslins for designs from it are rubbish, no matter what good intentions (mine or others). Fortunately, they are starting a program here in Seattle to recycle/shred and reuse old dead textiles and shoes. The stuff that is too nasty for the ragbag has a destination that I don’t have to pay for now (which always adds insult to injury for me)
Me personally….even the best seamstresses go through the ‘if at first you don’t succeed drama. I think it looks darn good…..don’t even think about bashing yourself. I used to be my worst critic until I wised up and let me tell you it works.
the fact that you got your idea out of your head and onto a mannequin is awesome!
I like it, am I crazy? The thing I would do is to raise the back V seam about 2″. I would wear it.
I finally figured out what bothers me. I would be worried that the gathered part would get caught in my crotch while I walk, particularly in the front. Don’t think it would happen if it was curved instead of going to a point. Would have to try on to see if that would happen.
Sally, I do like it, just not this one because it was the last one I made her before she died and she never got the chance to fit test it much less wear it.
As this was cut for a taller figure (near 6 foot), I’d recommend shortening the whole thing at the waistline by 2″ which would raise the back godet. I agree that the godet should hit at the back waistline.
If you cut this in a knit, you might need to take it in a little. A woven, probably not. She was about 110 lbs. I can send you a dxf if you want it.
I’m sorry to hear about you loss, Kathleen.
Honestly? I like the concept! I would sleek it out a bit. Remove the gathers from the front (it looks heavy) but keep the asymetrical angle, take the excess fabric from the sleeves, remove the collar and slim down the garment. I wouldn’t raise the back godet TO the back waistline, how about dropping it a bit?
All and all, I think your garment would look great as either a knit or a woven (mixing fabrics) over narrow slacks, leggings or alone (!).
I am SO sorry for your loss :( I also lost a sister…. in 1987 (She was 29 yrs old) :( BURY this top even though it’s lovely. You don’t need to associate it’s design with your loss :( Best wishes from Cheryl
Maybe I just have a kind heart but I actually like it. I’m not sure a cowl is the best solution since there is a lot going on with the front. I’d be tempted to just do a high v neck and call it quits (I’m hot natured so don’t usually worry about fir warmth). I thing the back is cute as a button and I like the front too. If there was any change to the front maybe push the point to one side (I tend to be a bit lop-sided in the way I look at things). But if I could whip up something as cute as that I’d probably strut out the door and sashay down the street.
I’m sorry about your sister, Kathleen.
Thank you for the passion and compassion in all that you do. It must have been hard to say why your sis never got to fit and wear this top. For her sake, don’t wad it up! Give it a viking funeral, or what is appropriate for your life? Was she a good fit model for you? Any of us should be so lucky to have someone in our lives that willingly tried things on for us. The Dot Top is a work in progress, yes? Brave you, Cool Blogger. Take care.