Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Finished: V1260

Vogue 1260
I took a baby step outside of my comfort zone with this blouse.  First, it's not Burda!  I sew Burda patterns almost exclusively. Lately, I've been looking at, buying and actually sewing other patterns.  Second, it's not a style I would normally choose for myself.  Sandra Betzina wore it at PR Weekend San Francisco.  I liked it on her, even though I passed it over in the Vogue catalog.  I bought the pattern the next day without waiting for a $3.99 sale at JoAnn.

I find Today's Fit designs a little quirky.  Vogue's writers describe it like this: "Semi-fitted blouse. Shirred effect is caused by elastic sewn to seams.  Optional trim or cording. Optional sleeve tabs."  Today's Fit sizing is also a little quirky.  Sandra Betzina devised a whole new table of measurements that seem to suit me quite well.  One of the things I like about this pattern is the many options it provided.  It can be color-blocked or solid, trimmed or untrimmed, long or capped sleeves, buttons or snaps.  I chose individual options, but I like the gestalt of this blouse.  I couldn't name a particular feature that appealed to me, but I knew I had to have this top.

Sandra Betzina provided extra tips and techniques in her Today's Fit patterns.  The instructions were easy and the tips, in this case hemming with Steam-a-Seam and shirring with clear elastic were helpful.  I didn't use the Steam-a-Seam hemming technique because I couldn't find 1/4" Steam-a-Seam.  Sandra has you apply the S-A-S to the right side of the hem and double fold it, the iron to adhere the hem before sewing.  I just serged the edge and double folded using the serging as a guide.  The clear elastic shirring technique is much easier than the technique I normally use.  I cut the elastic to a specified length and stretched it as I sewed it to the seam.  When the elastic is relaxed and returned to it's original length the shirring appears like magic.  No fussing with gathers as I've done in the past.

I used my favorite summer fabric - LINEN!  I love sewing and wearing linen, in spite of the wrinkles.  This color is not the best for me, but I loved it on the bolt.  Still, I'm happy with this top because it represents a change for me.  I usually sew Burda and I usually stick to boring plain designs. This is a nice, light top for summer.  and it will be perfect for the 90º+ days I know are coming.

Another step outside my comfort zone:  I didn't have to crop off my head in this photo.  I use a self-timer to take photos for this blog.  I have a hard time producing a natural looking facial expression when I'm interacting with a camera instead of a human.  I end up looking like I just witnessed (or committed) a vicious murder. So, I spent $75 on Photoshop Elements so I could, among other things,  pixelate or otherwise distort my face.  And wouldn't you know, after spending the money, somehow I managed to squeeze out a natural looking smile.

17 comments:

  1. Hi
    Just wanted to tell you that you look great in this.
    You always seem to pick the right combo of pattern and fabric. Good job.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Beautiful smile and great fit in the shirt. Self-photos are sooooo, I don't know, tooooo much. Congrats on getting both done!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Very nice! I would never have thought of using linen for this top. I'm especially liking the shoulder detail, which looks almost smocked in the linen. I have this pattern and have been meaning to make it forever.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love it. I also love that you stepped out of your comfort zone for photographs. I recently did this and it has helped me a lot with my self-acceptance. I have this pattern and I think you just moved it up in my queue.

    ReplyDelete
  5. You did a great job on your shirt and am also loving the full body shot!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Nice shirt and so glad to see you uncropped lol

    ReplyDelete
  7. You look great and I really love the summer shirt. I am on a pattern diet due to my non sewing record of the past year but stashing this pattern after seeing your shirt.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I prefer seeing your face regardless. Shirt looks great.
    SueC

    ReplyDelete
  9. Dear Elaray,
    This morning I "discovered" your website. Three-and-a-half hours later, I am having to force myself away from your archives so that I can do some sewing. First, I read backwards for quite awhile; then I decided to begin back at your first postings, and I'm so glad I did. You are answering so many questions for me as a novice sewist, and you are making me laugh. The laughing has to do with "Retirement: Leave Me Alone." Or, it's three days into spring break and you're still inclined to curse. Or, you have eighteen days until summer school starts, and you are thinking of having your daughter just slide food trays to you under the sewing room door. Oh, gracious! I sooo identify with those musings! Not to mention, "The Freaking Collar." Dear me, me, me... So, I'm getting up from my computer, and I'm going to go work on cutting out some fabric. I'll rejoin you later today I imagine, dearest mentor. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Having finished your archives, I'm taking back my life now. Taking your idea about creating a pattern index, I have started mine. It is so easy to organize and find patterns this way. Such a good idea, Elaray. You have many, many wonderful ideas.

    ReplyDelete
  11. What a great shirt, I love the shoulder details and it looks fabulous on you :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Great top Elaray! Could you tell me what size you took in the Today's Fit? And did you find the measurements were spot on with the pattern? Thanks!!

    Mary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I used size H. I found the measurements very accurate.

      Delete
  13. This is lovely on you! I have had this pattern in my stash since it came out. Clearly it needs to move to the to sew pile.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I agree with Nancy K - the colour is *brilliant* on you as is the style ... hope you've enjoyed wearing it.

    ReplyDelete