The other day I decided that I wanted to sew a sleeveless top. I don't currently own any patterns for such a top, and my printer refuses to print unless every single ink color is filled to maximum capacity, so I went off on my own.
I had been browsing Pinterest, doing serious research, and saw lots of crafters successfully draft their own tank pattern from a shirt in their closet. Easy enough, right?
Since I was leaving my comfort zone by going pattern-free it was an it was an obvious decision to not use any of my good fabric. This seemed like a good idea, but it might have been the biggest contribution to this project's ultimate fail. Years ago, I had picked up some highly discounted mystery fabric for a steal. (I think it was something crazy like fifty cents a yard.) Well, it's some sort of polyester blend (I guess) and it melts when ironed. It also frays like crazy.
In theory, I really like this tank. I love the long back. (Which I totally free-styled! My original tank was just a boring hip length shirt.) I managed to get the bust darts in about the right place to give the front just a teeny bit of shaping. The fabric is lightweight, airy, and has some nice drape.
In practice though, it's rather a fail. The hems are atrocious. I hadn't quite realized how much I rely on my iron to make my hems neat. The neckband screams "I'M HANDMADE!" in a bad way. Again, I hadn't realized how much an iron helps. I also used bias tape that was way too wide. It's just a disaster.
From a distance it doesn't look too bad, but up close it's just not good. What do you think? I did learn things through this process. I also did enjoy my time while creating. I am reminded of this post by Melly Sews, "Why You Should Sew -- Badly". I might wear this top around the house a few times, but I highly doubt I'd wear it in public. (Other than on this public blog!)
What was your most recent craft fail? What's your favorite tank sewing pattern? Have you worn some of your fails?
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Well, in the photos it looks quite lovely. I do like the colour a lot. Great job on making your own pattern - that is impressive. Maybe try again with a better fabric? If you like the basic shape and feel of it when wearing, it would probably work out fine next time around.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. I tend to just get rid of fails and pretend they didn't exist!
From the photos here you can't notice any of those things. I quite like it, especially the pattern and color of the fabric. It looks good for this time of year. Sorry it wasn't what you expected though! I hate when that happens, but always a good learning experience.
ReplyDeleteI am currently working on some resin coasters for a client, and after three failed, gooey attempts, I think I finally have gotten the hang of it. Fingers crossed for the one drying to be it!
Alexandra
EyeLoveKnots.blogspot.com
I agree with the others! We cannot notice any of the things you find fault with and it looks quite lovely!
ReplyDelete