Sunday, September 27, 2009

Finished!

How did the entire day go by before I got around to sewing on two snaps and a button?

I think I just didn't want to face finishing this project, since it took me such mental effort to get started on it. But it's done, and I'm really pleased with the result - and with myself, for actually doing it, instead of just thinking about it until the fabric was no longer usable.

I'll do a proper pattern review for this in a day or so, but I'll "borrow" the format for now and do a dry run.

Pattern Description: Vest with closure and collar variations. Princess seams front and back.

Pattern sizing: NL sizes 4 to 16. I made my standard 12 with very little adjustment.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, absolutely.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? First and foremost, I liked that I could actually get the garment made from my limited amount of fabric. Beyond that, I like the collar variations and I'm always a sucker for a princess seamed garment.

Fabric Used: Do I have to go there? Embroidered velvet purchased at the PR get-together in Baltimore last June at A Fabric Place. Made by Versace. Ridiculously expensive, and I had to have it. Rust-colored crinkled lining fabric. Vintage button.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: Surprisingly, none. This made up straight out of the envelope without me changing a thing (other than the closure, for which I swapped button / buttonhole for snaps with button sewn on top). I think it was fear of messing up my fabric that kept me from changing horses in midstream and coming up with an entirely different vest than I'd started out to make.

I want to add that I think this is a beautifully drafted pattern and very easy to fit due to the princess seaming. NL's instructions remind you to ease the top opf the seam where the two fronts join; a small thing, maybe, but BWOF tends to forget things like that, or bury them so far inside the maze that I don't notice.

I don't read the instructions that often, so when I do, it's nice to see instructions that make sense.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I'll definitely make this again - there's another collar variation to try out, plus the button front. I really liked the single button closure on this one, but that was probably because I didn't have enough buttons to do any other version. Highly recommended.

Conclusion:I'm beginning to think that New Look patterns are really under-rated. They have cute styles, they're well drafted, I've had good results from every one I've ever tried, and they're CHEAP. Cheap as in you don't need to belong to a special club or hope for coupons to come. That kind of cheap.

15 comments:

Julie said...

Wow, that was fast! It's gorgeous! I hope you're pleased with it as well.

Anonymous said...

it's absolutely gorgeous. perfect fabric for this project. Can't wait to see you wear it!

Maryissewfast said...

Sew pretty Karen! Wear it with pride...you done good!

Little Hunting Creek said...

Beautiful! Worthy of the lovely fabric. You're right, NL patterns are often overlooked.

Dana said...

That is fabulous! I love the way it turned out!

Rose said...

Lovely!

Rose in SV

Meg said...

Wowzers! This is a statement piece and I love it. Nice job, Karen! Glad you didn't let that fabric age too much.

gwensews said...

That is really very, very pretty. Perfect for fall/winter and even holidays. Enjoy wearing it.

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

Beautiful vest! You made the right choice for the fabric with that one. I have one complaint about NL patterns...they have great style but don't grade up to plus sizes often.

Dawn said...

I love that button! Your vest looks great.

Nancy K said...

Beautiful, and hopefully cured your fear of cutting into the good stuff! What are you planning to wear with it?

Kitty Couture said...

Absolutely stunning. You did this fabric honour.

Becky said...

I've mostly had good luck with NL patterns-- the last two I made weren't as great, though I was able to tweak one to fit, but mostly good. I love your vest though--the fabric is simply gorgeous!!

Vicki said...

Gorgeous. You did really well with that fabric. Now it is a very expensive vest which you can enjoy. :)

Kat said...

Truly beautiful and one of kind!