I actually sewed something
July 14, 2010
I've been out of sorts for the better part of two weeks. Sewing is normally good therapy for me. So, in an attempt to right myself, I made my version of Anna Maria's Museum Tunic. I'd been thinking about it since I first saw her post. Jennie went and made one for herself which further added to my desire to make this for myself. I only had one panel of the square dance fabric so I opted for a longish shirt, something to wear with jeans or a straight skirt, instead of the dress. I followed her diagram, but serged all the edges before I sewed the panels together. It came together fast - maybe about an hour and a half? I sewed it between trips to the pool and making pickles so I can't say for sure how long it took. Regardless, it was a quick and satisfying project. Like Jennie, I tried it on as I went and adjusted the v-neck and sleeves accordingly. In the end, though, it really doesn't fit me like I think it should. There is something funky about the sleeves at my bust line which could be: a) my body; b) too tight elastic under the bust; c) the open sleeve style; d) elastic in the wrong place (too high or low); or e) none of the above. Who knows? I'm certainly stumped. It's really a shame because the fabric is dreamy. So so soft and light - perfect for the heat wave going on around here.
I keep trying it on and thinking I might be able to figure out what to do, but I am at a loss. It's either destined to sit in my closet or be taken apart. I'm leaning towards taking the stitch ripper to the elastic and seeing if I can resurrect the shirt in some other fashion - maybe with elastic thread? I know Anna Maria prefers the actual elastic, but I've been know to shirr a few things so why not? If that doesn't work, those squares will look great in a quilt.
i like it! (for real.)
Posted by: emily | July 14, 2010 at 08:39 PM
I like it too! I think you should figure out how to fix it for you. I had/have the same question about the elastic. My first row seemed a little loose, then the second row seemed too tight. If you do shirr, I would love to see how it changes the shirt.
Posted by: Jennie | July 14, 2010 at 08:48 PM
erin,
seriously,
i love it.
are you sure it won't work? over jeans and a tank top?
i in my over-forty stage would love this if it came down (ahem) over my bottom/middle. does it do that?
then, i'd say,
clone it.
perfect.
and hour and a half? that's how long it took me to clean up from dinner. and i still don't have anything to wear tomorrow. ;)
xo
tt
Posted by: tara thayer | July 14, 2010 at 09:03 PM
I love this and it looks so easy.
Posted by: Julie | July 14, 2010 at 09:08 PM
I think it looks good- try to make it work for you. I'd bet it's smashing.
Posted by: melissa | July 14, 2010 at 09:23 PM
It looks divine on the hanger - just the colour-way I would have chosen.
I must admit that I saw Anna Maria's dress, and straight away knew that, although it looked lovely, it would not suit me. I am pretty realistic about the shapes that suit my body type.
What would happen if you took out all the elastic, and put a couple of ties at the side seams at the waist, to do up at the back. Could you wear it as a really floaty loose top over a camisole/tank-top?
Posted by: Claire - Matching Pegs | July 14, 2010 at 09:23 PM
Well, it certainly looks pretty hanging there. I like the shirt length better than a dress. Too bad it's not working right. Rip away. You simply can't let it stay hidden away in the closet.
Posted by: Anna - Three Sneaky Bugs | July 14, 2010 at 09:30 PM
what if you put elastic (or a drawstring) in the shoulder seam? to pull the sleeves up - either all the way so that they are more of a tank style or just a bit
so that they are shorter.
this will add lots of gathers to the bust area which might help the problem with the sleeves there but it will also hide the pattern...
you could test it by tying some string around the shoulder seam first to gather it up.
hope this all makes sense.
Posted by: martha | July 14, 2010 at 09:55 PM
it looks cute on the hanger! i've had this on my list of things to make, but i worry a little about it looking maternity-ish on me.
Posted by: beki | July 14, 2010 at 10:14 PM
I like it too! But I know how it feels to think that it just may not work. And yes, then a quilt, cause that fabric is too cute not to use.
Posted by: blair | July 14, 2010 at 10:45 PM
lady, you have been known to shirr a thing or two. It might work. On more than on occasion I have found regular elastic to be just too grippy
sewing is my therapy too. even though I know better, I find it hardest to pick up when I need it most.
Posted by: dorie | July 14, 2010 at 10:49 PM
i have been wanting to make this but nervous about the fit.
Posted by: Amy | July 14, 2010 at 11:13 PM
It is beautiful! I love that fabric. I really hope you can figure out the fit issue because it would be such a shame to undo it. I have issues with fit wit those kinds of tops as well, the armholes always seem too big and show off th side of my bra. Have you tried closing the armholes up a little at the bottom or replacing the elastic with a slightly longer piece?
Posted by: Chase l Oh The Cuteness! | July 15, 2010 at 12:53 AM
It's lovely - what about some darts for your boobs? I know that'll interrupt the pattern but might help fit?
Posted by: nicole | July 15, 2010 at 01:20 AM
okay. what a bummer that you don't like how it looks on you. cause on the hanger it looks SUPER cute.
(maybe i should sew today)
Posted by: leslie | July 15, 2010 at 08:28 AM
Erin -have you seen Jennifer's version?
http://ermieblog.blogspot.com/2010/07/easiest-most-fun-dress-project-ever.html
Posted by: martha | July 15, 2010 at 09:43 AM
It looks lovely, but I think that would be a pretty hard style to wear for most people. Brave of you to try it though...
Posted by: Clare Mansell | July 15, 2010 at 09:55 AM
Thanks for the pickles, Erin! They are yummy!
Posted by: Kristin | July 15, 2010 at 11:15 AM
i know what you mean about it not feeling quite right. i hope you can figure it out, because it would be super cute. and now i'm thinking of making the dress!! (but HEY! you sewed something!! good on you lady.)
Posted by: julia | July 15, 2010 at 11:24 AM
i know what you mean about it not feeling quite right. i hope you can figure it out, because it would be super cute. and now i'm thinking of making the dress!! (but HEY! you sewed something!! good on you lady.)
Posted by: julia | July 15, 2010 at 11:24 AM
Love the look of this shirt but as others have said, that is a hard style to wear for most women I think. Such a bummer because it is such a lovely way to show off that fabulous fabric.
Posted by: kate | July 15, 2010 at 11:43 AM
What a wonderfully airy looking shirt. Great job.
Posted by: VickiT | July 15, 2010 at 02:35 PM
Looks good on the hanger ... I think elastic thread is the way to go.
Posted by: margie | July 15, 2010 at 03:07 PM
I love how you're like, "meh, I dunno, let's see what happens!" It's super cute, but I know it wouldn't look good on my from the start. But I sometimes am known to make something just because it's cute even though it won't fit. :) That fabric IS dreamy, though.
Posted by: tracy | July 16, 2010 at 12:46 PM
It's beautiful and perfect for the hot summer weather. :-)
Posted by: martha-caknitter | July 16, 2010 at 07:40 PM
The tunic looks great--sorry it doesn't fit how it should. Maybe one of your sewing buddies will have an idea of how to fix it. It is too pretty to just hang in a closet!
Posted by: savvy stitch | July 17, 2010 at 03:19 PM
How about just removing the elastic and running a cord through it and tying it? I love it and no matter what you do, that is a win-win fabric for sure!
Posted by: Lana | July 21, 2010 at 02:24 PM
It looks really cute - would also be a great pool or beach cover-up in something light and gauzy. I have a couple of old pareos from trips to Mexico that I just might re-cut and make into something like this -- thanks for the inspiration, as always!
Posted by: Anne K. | July 21, 2010 at 03:00 PM