I am so glad to be here sharing sewing projects with you again! It feels like it’s been forever since I published a sewing project post! Today’s was almost without photos of the garment in action, because I couldn’t find the pictures I had taken of the shirt while I was wearing it. Oh, blog photography! It’s definitely the most challenging part of blogging for me.
l
Today I want to talk about Simplicity 4111, a pattern that is out of print but, I would argue, still in style. This pattern is a Built by Wendy pattern (although the line is technically called “Built by You”), a collaboration between designer Wendy Mullin and Simplicity. I’ve had this pattern for ages, since before I started sewing regularly, but haven’t made it until now. I paired it with a fabric I’ve also had for some time: “Aves Chatter Dim” from the “Winged” collection by Bonnie Christine for Art Gallery Fabrics, bought a few years ago at The Material Girls in Dearborn, MI. Originally I planned to make a button up shirt with it (because most woven cotton fabric looks like it would make a good button up shirt to me, actually), but in the end, I think this was a better use for it.
l
After measuring the flat pattern, I determined that I wouldn’t need a broad back adjustment. You can bet I was pretty thrilled, albeit skeptical about that. I cut a size 16 bust, 18 waist, and 20 hip, and chose to make View B with long sleeves. I wasn’t sure where the elastic that is supposed to sit under the bust would hit, but I decided to just go for it.
l
l
It is so interesting that you can both love and not love how a pattern turns out. This shirt in this fabric is so, so beautiful to me. I love it. However…I really did need that broad back adjustment (next time!) and the under-bust elastic is a little high for me, giving the shirt a curious bust-minimizing effect. To be fair, this is the look on the pattern envelope, but I would prefer the elastic a little lower. After running it by my friends at Sip & Stitch, this is what I think I need to adjust for next time: do my normal major broad back adjustment for comfort and lower the front elastic by an inch or so. Thanks (again!) to Stacy, who really knows her stuff when it comes to fitting and pattern drafting.
l
l
Here are a few detail shots:
l
l
l
So, I kind of want to make this again in the next few months while simultaneously regretting that I don’t love the fit on the beautiful shirt that I have. I’m going to try to wear it anyway. What sort of fabric should I use for round two?! (I love planning projects!!!)
After making this, I got on a little bit of a Built by Wendy kick and looked up Wendy Mullin, her work, and her patterns and books, and I have to say that a number of her patterns are ones that I really like. Thanks to this rabbit hole, I purchased two of her patterns: Simplicity 3966 on Etsy and Simplicity 4109 on eBay. Maybe 3966 would make a good spring jacket and 4109 could be the basis of a wool shirt jacket? Both of these and their many possibilities are currently kicking around in my head. If/When I use them, I will report back. 🙂
Recommendations
- Thanks to the Wednesday Weekly blog post from Helen’s Closet, I am finding so many new things! One I am really excited about is the free Stash Shrinker Excel file from SewJourners that you can use to help you sew the fabric you already have before buying more. I have so much good fabric in my stash, but I get distracted by all the new and pretty things that come along and sometimes my good buys of yesterday languish. I’m hoping this will help me bring that fabric goodness to my closet instead of losing it in my fabric cabinet. 😉
- Since we were talking about Built by Wendy, did you know she has four instructional sewing books? I currently have them checked out of the library. I just love flipping through craft and cook books. In case you want to check them out, too, they are: Sew U, Sew U Homestretch, Sew U Dresses, and Sew U Coats and Jackets. They each come with several patterns. You can also find them used at various spots online.
- Here’s a fun time-waster for you! The Akinator will guess any movie or literary character you can think of (although I have tricked him a few times!). Give it a try. It’s pretty amazing. Just make sure to check the “under 13” option if you are using the site with kids.
- Here is a sport I never even imagined! Welcome to the world of cycle-ball:
Pattern and Branch 