Well, it looks like my sewcation ground to a bit of a halt there at the end! I had a nasty dentist appointment (having the crown I chipped in Italy replaced,) which took me out for a bit, and then there were actual social obligations – family visits, birthday parties etc – to attend. In the middle of all that, I had to show our condo for rental (our great renters are finally moving out!) Luckily, it was rented very quickly! In addition, I’m experiencing a bit of frustration with my current sewing project.
This is Butterick 5491 in rayon jersey from Joann’s. I had enough fabric to line the bodice, but what I didn’t realize was that it also called for underlining to bodice – that’s 3 layers of fabric in the front! I didn’t have enough, and I wasn’t going to buy more, so I decided to take away the underlining and just line the bodice normally. That’s gone fairly well. The problem I’m having has to do with the neck binding.
The patterns calls for topstitching through the lining and fashion fabric to make the casing for the binding, after the lining has been sewn to the fashion fabric (the gathers for the shoulders are in place at that point.) I can’t get to look nice at all, which frustrates me. I think it’s my fabric – the print has so much contrast that I can’t get the topstitching to be invisible, so any unevenness shows. In addition, the dress is really heavy with all the gathered fabric, and I worry about stretching. I’m seriously considering creating a tie neckline (as I did in Vogue 8380.) I think a black grosgrain ribbon would look really good there, and it would provide more support for the dress (I’m glad I left out that other layer – it’s so heavy already!)
But on the bright side – I think the dress is really cute! This photo is a few days old – I’m actually to the point of sewing the side seams (the last thing before the straps!)
I also thought I would show you where I am on my cardigan:
The color is so pretty… I can’t wait to wear it! I’ve been a bit hung up on winding the yarn. Usually, when you buy a yarn that isn’t wound into balls, it will be looped in a circle, which you can put on a swift (or some nice person’s outstretched arms) and wind into a ball. This yarn seems to be wound back onto itself, and it’s taken me over an hour to wind each ball, most of which is spent swearing and untangling. I have seen some tangled skeins, but never anything like this (the yarn is Manos Wool/silk blend. Beware!) I’ve gotten my husband addicted to watching Turner Classic Movies with me, and that’s what we do while I knit. We just got the channel – where has it been my whole life? Love it!
I hope to finish the dress this weekend, assuming I can work through my issues. I do love the crazy fabric! I have a few fun projects coming up, including a shirt for my husband!
I left him in the pattern section at Joann’s the other day while I was shopping, and he requested a shirt with long sleeves (he can never get long enough sleeves!) I let him pick out this poplin fabric, and I’m planning to make a muslin this weekend. I’ve made shirt-like things for me, but I’ve never sewn for anyone else before. I’m looking forward to it!
Green apples - Stitchywitch Creates 
I might be misunderstanding the question but… The problem is that you are sewing over your basting stitches you used to gather the front of the shoulder, and the stitches don’t match up? Usually when I do gathers I use two rows of stitching and that gives better control over the gathers. Some people even use three rows. I would suggesting using two rows of basting stitches to do the gathers, sewing your topstitching between those lines, and then ripping the basting out. But I’ve never done this before, so if someone has a better suggestion… use that!
I love this print, you always find the most interesting prints. My Joann’s definitely doesn’t have any printed rayon jerseys!
Weird about the manos! When I’ve used it before, I’ve never come across a skein wound back on itself – maybe you got a weird batch?
I love TCM too, but sadly don’t have it at present. Sigh. Now my old movie fix comes courtesy of Netflix.
Love that sweater. I just bought yarn to make myself a cardigan last week. I’ve never made a sweater before, and am quite nervous at the prospect, but also terribly excited.
I’ve made that men’s shirt pattern for my husband… trust me, it’s a cinch. I guess it’ll depend entirely on how much fitting is required for Mr. Apples. 🙂 I’ve made a few things for him, and a few things for my daughters. And while it’s not nearly as fun as sewing for myself, I still find it gratifying to see my creations on other people. I find that little girls are the best for gratitude, by far!
I made that shirt for my boyfriend, no fitting required – he was a straight medium 🙂 He loves it, wears it weekly!
I just unwound a horrible skein of yarn called Waikiki that I bought at a thrift store and it was all sorts of tangled, so I completely sympathize. The worst part was that when I was done the ball of yarn was so tiny! I kept thinking, that’s all there is? Really?
I make flannel pajamas and recently a flannel plaid shirt for my husband and it’s great fun to see him wear my creations!
I also made that pattern for my husband–it fits him just fine when he’s standing straight, but beware the lack of ease across the back shoulders. Whenever he reaches forward for something or picks up something heavy it pulls in back. Next time I make it, I’m going to add a back pleat like RTW shirts usually have.
I started that dress pattern and also didn’t realize how much fabric was required. I didn’t have enough and so had to abandon the project. I’m wondering whether to buy some new fabric and start it again.
Looking forward to seeing the finished dress. I like the style of the neckline. I think black ribbon would look fine.
Your projects look good already. I can’t wait to see your hubby’s shirt. CTM channel is awesome; I just saw the movie In The Heat of the Night with Sydney Poitier and Rod Steiger. Loved it.
I look forward to the posting on the shirt, I’ve had the pattern and fabric on my to-do pile for years and dresses keep getting in the way. Really I need to overcome my fear of button holes!
1. Don’t wind it into a ball. Unfurl ten or so yards at a time and rewrap it around your skein. Repeat periodically. 2. Love TCM! Got my husband addicted two years ago so i could do more knitting.
I STILL haven’t finished my husbands wearable muslin lol. I need to get on it lol.
Adapt the straps thingies to your heart’s content! Some pattern instructions are just plain silly. You’ve got so much sewing experience, I’m sure you’ll do beautifully!
The fabric looks really interesting (love the colours), I’m looking forward to seeing what the dress looks like completed!
I love, love, love the fabric you picked for the butterick dress! It’s cool you plan to sew for your hubby—can’t wait to see the great finished product:)