UFOs

My sewing box is a bit ridiculous right now. I have several unfinished objects (UFOs), ideas for new projects, and scraps leftover from projects that are too big to throw away. Yesterday I worked on cleaning out my box, and decided that I need to learn when to cut my losses and determine that a project is not worth finishing. Here is a peek into my UFO pile.

Numero Uno: McCalls 2401

A simple sheath, this dress was intended to be office-wear. I started it a few years ago, found the neckline to be wonky, tried to cut corners which didn't work out, realized I had cut it a size too big, got frustrated and put it in the sewing box for later.

Yesterday I pulled it out again. All I needed to do was sew on the neck facing, put a couple of darts in the neckline in the back, and hem it up. 

But it's still too big. So I need to take it in. Will I? TC says I should because we both like the fabric (it's a black with gold pinstripe suiting fabric with stretch) I really like the sleeves. Plus I already wasted a zipper on this thing, so I might as well, right?

Here you can see the darts I added in the neck line because there were major gaping issues. What a strange pattern, or maybe it's the fabric? Or maybe it's the size I cut?





Numero Dos: Simplicity 2497

I cut out a hybrid of basically all the versions. I picked the length of view B, the sleeves of view A, and the ruffles of views C and D. The problem with this dress is simply the fabric I chose. And honestly, this seems to be a problem of mine: I buy inexpensive fabric in the hopes that it will not look inexpensive. I should have the common sense to figure out that if it's $1.95 a yard, there's a reason for it.

This is what I've done so far. I need to install the zipper, sew in the sleeves, attached the ruffle, and hem it, which is maybe 3 hours of work. It's nearly finished.

This is the fabric I bought. It's "designer" but it hangs horribly. It feels like plastic. Blech.

I'm debating whether it's worth it to finish. I think I would rather start again using a silk dupioni, but I have a problem justifying the expense. I don't have any occasion to wear such a dress. It's a bit dressy for church. So, I'm undecided.




Numero Tres: McCalls 5391

I was excited about these shorts. I love how they look on the model, I love that they are long and loose and look comfortable.

My shorts are anything but loose.

They are really just missing belt loops and a hem. However the problem is this: the fit is horrendous. They are tight in the front, give me a wedgie in the back, muffin top all over, and there's a weird smoothness around the abdomen that is just odd looking.

It's disappointing to go from excited about a project to frustrated and disillusioned.

And the back. The back of the shorts is really kind of odd for pants that aren't slacks. They just have two darts and other than that are plain. It's a weird look for denim shorts that are supposed to be casual. Really weird. Plus, in my opinion, the waistband should be thicker, taller, whatever. It's too narrow.



I think if I am going to permanently scrap any of these three projects it will be the shorts. They are a disaster on me. The only way I could see finishing them is with the intention of donating them so that someone thinner than me could possibly enjoy them, but even at that, I don't know if I'm that benevolent.


Now you know three of my deep dark secrets that lurk deep in the darkness of my sewing box.

What's next?

I cut out the Oscar suit (Vogue 2950) and was able to finish off the skirt this weekend. The pattern calls for Hong Kong finishing on all the seams (sewing bias tape on every raw edge), which I had never done. The finished product is quite stunning and I love the look of those finished seams. It's a lot more elegant than serged seams. One issue: I cut it out in a 12 and it was a size plus a bit too bit, so I cut it down to a 10 and then sewed the seams a little bit bigger than the seam allowance. Unfortunately I also cut the jacket out in a 12. So I will likely go back and re-cut all the pieces in a 10. The jacket also calls for a Hong Kong finish, so I'm excited to stretch my skills and give it a try.

Next up this month are the following:
1. Finish the ruffle dress (Simplicity 2497).


2. Make two tops.

• New Look 6732, view E: the cute little white polka dot one with a Peter Pan collar and puff sleeves. I think I will put different sleeves on it since the collar is already pretty cutesy. I'm going to make it in a stretch poplin floral in white, blue and yellow. I'm really looking forward to this project.
  
• New Look 6808, view C: the pink one with a bow on the collar. I may leave the bow off the collar, however, because I realize that so many pieces in my closet are cutesy. There's only so much cutesy I can take. I'm going to make this in an ivory stretch cotton poplin.

3. Finish the shorts I cut out several years ago (McCalls 5391). They will be in a stretch denim.


4. Play with a Lucky jeans remix that is probably not worth the time. I bought a pair of Lucky brand jeans from the DI forever ago. When I got them home I realized that they were entirely mom jean style. And bigger than the size on their tag would indicate. So I decided that I would pull the fabric apart and see if I can re-purpose it. I'm hoping to make a pair of capris.

Also, I wanted to thank you readers for the support in my projects. It's great positive reinforcement to keep me going. Plus, mentioning projects here keeps me motivated to finish them. You guys are so much cheaper than therapy, or shock treatments.

So that's what I have on the docket. Have I ever mentioned how much I enjoy planning ahead?


Update: I wrote this yesterday (Monday) in the throes of boredom. Last night I cut out the two tops in number 2 above. I did cut out the bow on the second shirt, and on the first, I decided to go with the puff sleeves, but I shortened them a bit.

Take a deep breath Gordi.

I'm wound up. Tight. I came home from work yesterday really wound up. I found myself getting angry and swearing at dinner because it was ugly (despite its resemblance to vomit, it did taste good). I went to bed wound up. I woke up in the middle of the night wound up. I found myself clenching my teeth and tensing my muscles while trying to go back to sleep. (In case any of you are wondering, tensing and clenching do not easily lead to sleep.)

This morning, I'm finding I need deep breaths. I would love to be in a warm, good-smelling place that's quiet and peaceful. Just thinking about it helps. Ahh... Peace...

Okay. I'm done with the whining for today. Yada yada yada. Life sucks sometimes. Just deal.

Now on to some news: I ripped out the sleeves of the pepto pink ruffle top, made normal looking sleeves and sewed them back in. Much better. I took pictures to show you, but the pictures are in my camera, so for now, you'll have to use your imaginations. Imagine the shirt not looking like a clown shirt. TADA!

Other news: I wore the red pleated neck knit dress on Sunday and took pictures. But again, the photos are on the memory card in the camera still. But I like the dress. TC likes the dress. I think it's a hit.

Even more news: I have a What I Ate for you. We ate something I found exciting and wanted to share with you, and I even took pictures, but... Can you guess what I'm going to say next? ... The photos are in my camera. Pplltt.

And one more item: I have been working on the navy Cynthia Rowley ruffle dress and I had to rip out a TON of stitches last night because I realized that I cut the waistband too big (that was kind of a nice surprise). But in this case, the stitch ripping was a bit therapeutic. I think I may have found my niche as far as stitch ripping goes: do it while you're angry and wound up. It's more enjoyable. YAY.

Photos to come soon. I hope. I love you all!

More ruffles.

Last week I cut out Simplicity 2497 in my plastic feeling navy blue taffeta. I started sewing it last night, and the good news about sewing plastic is that it is really easy to manipulate and shape. I'm just not sure how wearable it will be. Oh well. At least the fabric was super discounted. And if it's not wearable, I'll call it a muslin and start over with a different fabric. I'll let you know how it goes.

The last item on the docket for February is the Oscar de la Renta suit (Vogue 2950) which I plan to cut out some time this week. I doubt I'll get into the jacket this month, but I would like to complete the skirt for sure-izzle.

I hope my arm doesn't cramp while I reach back to pat myself on the back, but I wanted to say that February has been a break-through month for me. I've set sewing goals and ACTUALLY accomplished them. I set out to sew a few items, and I've done that and I have even finished other projects (like the wool coat, and a night gown that is not very exciting so I'm not going to bother posting it here) that I hadn't planned on finishing. So on that hand, I'm really pleased.

On the other hand, I also set some exercise and weight loss goals, and I have not met them. I have exercised more in the last month than I had in all the time since November, but I didn't meet my ambitious goal of six times a week, or even my back-up goal of five times a week. And I lost one pound (it took me two weeks) only to gain it back in one week. *sigh* Losing weight was so much easier the first time around, back in 2003, when I was a wee lass.

Have a great Tuesday.