Most of the time, my dressmaking projects work. There are times when I need to adapt or tweak the piece to make it work, but in the end I have something usable. Just occasionally, there is nothing that can save the piece. Nothing.
My latest project is a case in point. Summer top for me. The pattern shares several design features with one of my favourite tops – three quarter length sleeves, the style of the yoke and slight gathering under the yoke. Okay, it is a scoop neck and there is gathering on the sleeves, but they looked acceptable.
Wrong. Oh…. so ….. very wrong. The scoop neck was more plunging than I realised. Not my style. The sleeves are more puffed than easing gathers. Again, not my style. It is too short. I’ll spare you a photo, but the combination of the puffs and the scoop make me look like a wall wearing it. A bit too square and broad. My husband even bravely suggested that it looked like maternity wear. Sigh. He’s right.
It is almost finished. Just the hems and buttons to go. I tried tweaking, but it really is a lost cause. Good job the fabric was only £2.99 a metre. Lesson learnt. I need to move on. Don’t be deceived by the photos. It really is a mistake!
Ah well. I have had other projects to distract me. Four and a half pounds of strawberry jam processed. I used my usual recipe, except I was all out of lemons. We had oranges and I think the taste of the jam was a success. A sheep’s fleece is now ready for spinning and the greenhouse is bulging with plants. The garden is bursting with life. Some stop long enough for my camera. Like this froghopper.
Some projects are worth pursuing and others need to be put to one side. Time to mark another one down to experience.
What a shame -but I guess you live and learn and you have had a lot of great successes lately! I’m looking forward to strawberry season up here, a while off yet, as we’re nearly out of jam too. Juliex
We’ve been out of jam for a couple of months now, but there is nothing quite like fragrance of strawberry jam being made to start the jam season off again. My kitchen smells divine! I’ll make several more batches before the season is over, but it never lasts long enough.
You’re right. I have had lots of successes recently. I think that probably makes it easier to drop this project.
Hi Cheryl
I understand that some dressmaking projects just don’t turn out right. I usually find that the fabric I have chosen looks fine in the shop but awful made up as a garment.
The strawberry jam looks fab.
Do have a go at the tatting, maybe in the winter, I just know you’ll love it.
Briony
xx
Wrong fabric. Been there! So disappointing when it doesn’t turn out as you imagine. I guess we all learn from times like this. I have a couple of really lovely projects for the children, which I shall throw myself into. 🙂
I am sorry about the top, but your failure does give me hope!
I have had loads of failures, so it’s kind of reassuring to read that even experienced crafters sometimes make mistakes too.
Ha! I’m sure we’re not alone. I wish I could claim this as my only mistake. Oh well. Live and learn.
you’re so funny – at least you have other things to distract you! and such lovely projects for distraction!
sorry the shirt didn’t work out though… there’s always next time!!
I just didn’t see it coming! Oh well. Moving on.