Project of the Week - Simplicity 1589

This week, I decided to re-attempt a previously failed project. When I say “failed,” I mean not to be worn in public. Ever. But with Attempt #2, I made my first garment I can (and do) wear in public!! Big win! 

The failure of Attempt #1 (view B) was a combination of being super new to sewing (my first attempt at making a blouse), rushing to finish, disastrous sizing, and bad fabric selection. Really, it was my first lesson in my burgeoning “the fabric makes the pattern” mentality. 

With Attempt #2 (view A), I fixed some of those issues. I made this blouse out of a linen/linen blend so the fabric was much easier to work with. I still really love the pattern of Attempt #1′s fabric, but it was a somewhat stretchy woven - if that even makes sense. 

Details are so important (duh), but details take time (of course), and I’m still learning to allow myself that time to get it right. This particular pattern calls for you to make your own “bias tape” (albeit without a bias tape maker… hence the quotey quotes) to finish the neckline and armholes. With Attempt #1, this “bias tape” was a complete failure (poor cutting, poor fabric marking, poor stitching). I was about to forgo cutting the bias tape strips for the second time, but I didn’t have time to go to Joann’s for bias tape for the project. I’m happy to say the bias tape worked just fine this time.

When I made this shirt the first time, I did make a muslin before using the actual fabric - which was good because my “measurements” did not yield the correct size. In fact, according to my measurements, I’m supposed to be a size 14, but I thought that was ridiculous so I made a size 10 muslin. That was too large, so I made the actual garment (both first and second attempts) in a size 8. In conclusion… I either suck at taking my own measurements (which is the most likely conclusion) or pattern sizing isn’t that accurate (which I doubt).

My only complaint (and this could be due to the fabric) is that the front bubbles out, for lack of a better word, and doesn’t drape as nicely over my boobs/front as I would like. Maybe the fabric is too stiff? 

All in all, I’m really pleased with this top. It’s light, it’s airy, I love the fabric. 10/10 would make again!

Time to complete: 6.42 hours
Raw Materials Cost: approx $18.29