Yes, it’s true… things have not been going well with Vogue 1192, and the time has come that we must part ways.
From the envelope photo, I thought that the side pleats would be lovely and elegant. In truth? Side pleats=an instant extra 10 pounds on me. I don’t like ruching or wrap waists, or anything really that adds bulk and folds of fabric around the midsection, a fact which I conveniently forgot. “But it’s a mock wrap style,” I thought, “Surely that’s not the same!” It’s possible that a lighter fabric might have less of this effect (this is a medium weight,) but the extra fabric for the tucks has to go somewhere.
In addition, it’s rather large through the shoulders. And I think there might be an error with the largest front lining piece. Mine did not come out the same length as the back pieces (but I suppose this could be operator error, I’m not making it again to find out!) And the fabric is rather icky. Does anyone else hate the smell of polyester when you iron it? It reminds me of choir robes… so many memories of overheated Sundays. So oh well – I will rescue the zipper for another project. This was at least not fancy fabric, so I consider it a lesson learned!
I am instead going to start Vogue 8667, since my knit tricot lining fabric arrived today. I can’t wait (I know this style will suit me!) I ordered a few new pieces from fabric.com (love them!)
The fabric on top is rayon challis in a lovely raspberry. I will say that this is not the same challis I bought from them in the summer… it’s thicker and perhaps a bit more rough. I will have to wash it to see, but I think it will work for a 1940s pattern (I was going to use the Vogue reissue 2876, but since I note that it has a side tie I think I’m switching that… I have a ton of 40s patterns and I’ll go through them.) The printed fabric is from Patty Young’s new collection of interlock knits, and I’m going to use it for Vogue 8593 (the Michelle Obama dress.) Interlock is one of the recommended fabrics. I love the print!
These are both Sophia doubleknits. A few of you told me how nice they were, so I had to find out for myself! The green (which in real life is a gorgeous dark teal) is for Vogue 8413, because I love the stand-up color that looks very 60s. I bought the gray for a jacket, but it’s a bit too light and drapey for that – it will also be a dress, I’m not yet sure what. I bought all these knits because I really want some knit dresses to wear for self stitched september -I love my ponte dress!
I’ve worn that dress 3 times already. I wore it yesterday to get my hair done:
I went a bit shorter – it’s shoulder length with an angle in the front, and should be great for lots of hairstyles. It was getting a bit too long to do what I like with it. The color is a cool mahogany. It isn’t this bright in normal light, but I love how it looks in the sun. In normal light it is dark.
Closeup of the color: I love it! My hairdresser is so great, I wouldn’t trust anyone else to deal with my frequent color changes!
I’m off to cut some patterns… my left thumb still isn’t 100%, but luckily I don’t need it for that!
Green apples - Stitchywitch Creates 
Where to start? The 8667 is going to look superb on you – that collar will so suit you. I love that fabric with the pretty flowers on it and the grey looks nice, too. It’s great to see the ponte dress and jacket being worn so successfully, love the hair colour, and… What a shame about the dress. But it’s best to know when to quit. Not every project can be a winner.
I love the floral interlock – where did you get that? Can’t wait to see your new creations 🙂
What a bummer on the dress, but your hair color looks gorgeous! Can’t wait to see your next project. Sounds like you feel good about it, and that’s a good start! I love the floral knit you picked up. That will be a fun dress.
Ah… I love you, when projects don’t work for me I just try and hide all evidence of their existence and get myself all down for a few days… I love the fact that you are showing me things that work, and things that you’re not happy with.
You’re a fantastic sewer, aaaaall of my projects totally look home-made! But gotta keep sewing 😀
That’s a shame about the dress, but great that you’ve got lots of other exciting projects lined up. 8413 is so gorgeous – I’m particularly excited to see your version of that one (I have a white crepe dress in a similar style that I bought from H&M a few years ago and love to bits but it’s a bit tight on my now… and white, which isn’t very wearable – so I’m tempted to make up 8413 in a darker colour – thanks for the tip off!). Ooh and your hair looks lovely – the colour really suits you… and it suits the wall too!
Well, I totally know what you mean about cheap fabrics. Sometimes it’s just not worth the struggle to make something fit if you don’t like the feel of the fabric. But I am wondering if you pressed the pleats flat that it wouldn’t look so bunchy around the waist. Perhaps a cotton would work better for this pattern? But then again you did write that these types of designs are never flattering for you. Sorry for the wadder. I’ve definitely had my fair share of them lately.
I can see on the dressform how this style could be problematic on pretty much anyone, no matter their body type. The new projects you have lined up will be much more successful!
Your hair is looking great!
May I ask how Petal, your knitted top, is coming along? My knitted skirt is slow but sure (so far).
Too bad the 1192 didn’t work out. I can’t wait to see how your fabric purchases turn out!
Oh no! I’ve just had a complete fail too – my beloved 9668 turned out to be a total disaster, despite 3 muslins. I’m still not over it — I had to get my hubby to hide it away so that I don’t keep looking at it and either swearing or crying 🙂
Oh no! Well at least you figured it out now, before you invested any more time in your project.
I love your new hair! Mahogany/cool red definitely suits you!
Janice
http://www.meladori.com/shesinfashion
The 8667 will look fab on you! Great hair color BTW!
Good idea on the swatches. I’m afraid that thus far, I’ve been too chicken to order any fabric online. I tend to make do with the local sources and take a couple of trips a year for better shopping.
I picked up some organza last night for the first time. Do you have any tips for working with it? I don’t have a serger, but intend to do french seams….
Aw, too bad the first one didn’t work out! Frustrating.
Love the new hair colour though! Perfect for fall 🙂
And you have me considering the double-knits, being someone who rarely sews with knits, the double-knits seem nice and stable…
Cute new ‘do and I love those new Sophia RPLs. The teal, especially, is beautiful.
Ah side ruching – perfect on line drawings, less so on bipeds. I feel your pain. I made up something very similar from a Knipmode pattern made worse by the fact that I’d made it in striped fabric (with uneven stripes all of which I’d matched up at every seam). The very thought of it brings on the smashy-smashy-killy-killy XD… actually I still have that top buried in a box somewhere.. On the plus side your hair looks fabulous.