Thursday, August 28, 2008

Two duds in a row . . .

sigggghhhhh . . .


Well. I have not been idle these last weeks and days. My mom was here, school started, my husband came home, and I mnade two BWOF duds. siiiiiggggghhhhh . . . I am hopeful however that I've just had a bit of bad luck. The first dud is BWOF 07/2008 #109. I like the model photo and the line drawing. In reality, it's just not me. I think it is partly my choice of fabric. I chose a very drapy cotton I bought from Gorgeous Fabrics. All I can say is meh. The color is okay but it is a little pink for me. The fabric is super soft and beautiful but mehhhhhh. That, and I was being super cool and decided to change the facings. Yeah, all fine and good except I forgot to look a the collor to see if it would work. The collar ends in a different place than I am used to. I made it work but not without a lot of struggles. I haven't put the band and drawstring on yet but that may make it an okay shirt. It is hanging in the closet next to the horrid brown/grey great-fitting dress I made. They are being seasoned. They may or may not see the light of day.

The next dud is 06/2008 #109. Again I think the main problem is the fabric. I chose a gray/green polartec 200 fleece for this pattern. I also found that the zipper was too long. To remedy that I added a band to the top of the jacket. You can see that it just doesn't look right and the back view is not flattering at all. I really need to stay away from this color.


Excuses? I don't have any. I think I just need to make a boatneck knit top or something else where I can get a good result. This reminds me of this friend I have who is a great cook. Last winter for about two weeks she just couldn't make a good meal to save her soul. I'm hoping that this too shall pass . . .

I am still working on the three coats and LBD for me. I am scared crapless to start the LBD when I'm having this kind of luck. Sheesh.

13 comments:

Sue said...

Sorry to hear about the duds - hope it improves for you soon. I actually thought the title of this post referred to pants as often (in Australia) 'duds' are 'pants', never mind, hope your luck turns for you soon....

Amanda S. said...

That is pretty much how my entire summer went. It is so frustrating to put your time and money into something that doesn't come together. Someone told me you just have to make them and get them out of your system.

Paula Gardner said...

Better luck next time, Dawn. I predict your LBD will be a knockout!

Cathy said...

I think the main issue with the BWOF jacket is the fabric--seems heavy and stiff. I like the band on the neckline. What about another go in a different fabric?

Meg said...

What pattern did you decide to make the LBD from? I'm hoping it's the BWOF from 5-08 because I'm dying to see this cute dress on a real person.

Dawn, you'd be proud of me. I'm almost done with my Very First BWOF!

Anonymous said...

oh no! I had two duds in a row earlier this year (though coincidentally, it was your second dud that was my success to lift me out of my doldrums!). You're right, though, - you need a quick knit project to get you back in the swing of things...

Myra said...

Gosh, except for kids things, mine have gone that way too. Your Jalie top with the boatneck is a great one for you. What about drafting that to a LBD with a waist sash?

TwilaO said...

Courage, fellow sewist! It's really disappointing to put time and effort into something that turns out blah, but every single thing we sew improves our skills. Plus, now you know to stay away from that color!

Does it help for you to hear that you inspire me?!

Tamara said...

Yes that is a dud BUT you have had so many awesome successes. You are a fantastic seamstress so get to that LBD. It is going to be fantastic!

Melissa said...

I think mama always says there will be days like these. Sorry you have two duds. I agree the fabric is the problem on the one pictured. Oh well, live and learn.

Anonymous said...

Frustrating, I know. On the other hand, I have sewn garments that I hated the entire time I was sewing them up, right up until the very last step, and then, "Ta Daa!" ...something about adding finishing touches changes everything. Maybe once the elastic in your blouse is added, you might like it? It's spent some time in the "Magic Closet", give it a go! Good luck.

Anonymous said...

This is timely for me as I had planned to make that jacket from a small piece of fleece in a spectacular color. Now that you've worn it, do you think it's just the color or does the style not work with the fabric?
VtMartha

Cotton Picker said...

I've just recently discovered your blog and in reading through all your past posts, I predict you won't be discourgaged for long. You've made some very nice clothes and I'm sure you'll have lots of successes in the future.