Simplicity 5581-YUCK!

I don’t care how talented you are. Some patterns are just duds! Take this one for example:

About 2 years ago, my smart-mouthed hubby said, (and this is a direct quote, I could never forget these words) “It’s too bad you can’t make men’s shirts, but they are probably much tougher than women’s stuff.”

WHAT?!?!?!? Has he failed to notice that we women have waaay more curves than men do? What is he talking about-tougher?

So, taking that dare for what it was, I marched right down to Hancocks and picked up 2 men’s patterns and 2 pieces of fabric just for him!

Fast forward 2 years…(babies, kindergarten, and wardrobe contests got in my way.)

I pulled out Simplicity 5581 and the beige and blue seersucker fabric I’d originally selected for him. I guessed on measurements, based on the shirts in his closet. (No way, I’m gonna tell him I’m working on this until I’m done!) I cut the pattern in an XL and set to work.

I’d assumed that the pattern would include flat-felled seams, like most men’s shirts I’ve seen. It didn’t, but since I know how to do them, I figured I’d just finish my side seams like that. Well, that led me to wondering if the shoulder seams needed to be finished in the same manner. So, off to his closet I go–only to discover that every single shirt hanging in there had a back yoke and a collar stand (in addition to the collar)! Even the beachy, Hawaiian ones!

Well, this pattern doesn’t! It doesn’t have flat-felled seams. It doesn’t have a back yoke! It doesn’t have a collar stand! But being the frugal-minded (Ha!) person I am, I’m determined to finished it, even if it does look cheap and homemade. And tomorrow, when he opens it as his Father’s Day gift, I’ll snap a picture to prove that it does look cheap and homemade.

So, yes, Simplicity 5581, Views A and B, are destined to be a complete loss. Why waste your time even drafting a pattern that will look cheap and homemade when finished? And–note to self–always, always, always look at the line drawings on the back of the pattern envelope first!!!!

Thankfully, Hancocks had a sale on McCalls patterns this week. I picked up 4518. It doesn’t have a collar stand, but it has a yoke. (And done in a tacky Hawaiian print, I don’t think it will look quite so corny.) I think I’ll try this one next:

Then I may give this one a go. I have a nice piece of french blue linen that would look nice on him. It was suggested by Kristine who is making a dress shirt for her hubby.

Two weeks of tee-shirts…

I cleaned out my closet this weekend. A dreadful chore, but well worth my time. I made the most amazing discovery–even with the 2 wardrobe capsules I’ve finished lately, my closet is still terribly out of balance. I have 16 great casual skirts and only about 6 tops to coordinate with them! And, you probably know what that means…

Simplicity 2971: White cotton Jersey

Simplicity 4020: Kimono-sleeved top in Teal Jersey

Simplicity 4074: Red slinky knit

Vogue 7799: Red ITY knit

Burda Style: Sadie: Cowl neck in hot pink jersey

I think I can knock these out over the next two weeks (once I finish 2 orders and a couple of father’s day gifts!)

Book Review: The Vogue and Butterick Step-byStep Guide to Sewing Techniques

The Vogue/Butterick Step-by-Step Guide to Sewing Techniques
by the editors of Vogue and Butterick Patterns
Published in 1989
ISBN: 0-13-944125-5

Some Chapter Headings:

  • Applique
  • Bindings
  • Collars
  • Facings
  • Gussets
  • Linings
  • Overlock
  • Shoulder Pads
  • Yokes

I liked:

  • The quick, easy-to-use format. They certainly don’t waste any words. The only text not in a tutorial is the opening page, where the book is explained.
  • Opening any one of the 47 sections to find well-illustrated instructions on sewing techniques.
  • The “Binding” section. It starts with a quick tutorial on making your own binding strips and then covers those icky situations like turning corners and neatly joining binding.
  • The information in the “Layout” section that covers cutting plaids and stripes. It includes gentle reminders like, “Avoid placing a heavy, dominant horizontal stripe at the bust line or waistline.” (page 209) Sounds like really good advice to me!
  • The “Pocket” section. I wish I’d had that information the first time I tried to make a self-faced pocket. The illustrations are very clear.
  • That this book even includes a section on “Shoulder Pads”. Should they ever come back into high fashion, I’ll know just where to turn!

My dislikes:

  • The “Lining” section
  • No “invisible zipper” reference
  • The entire book is dedicated to garment sewing. Sure some techniques could cross-over into home decorating, but all the examples illustrated are garments.

Conclusion:
At first glance, this was one I wanted to put back on the shelf. But, as our local branch of the library has such a limited selection, I figured I better at least have a second look. I’m so glad I did!

This book is one to have on your shelf if you are moving toward an advanced beginner and intermediate sewing level. Not every sewer has mastered every technique, so having a quick, well-illustrated guide is quite handy. While I had the book for 2 weeks, I managed to use the sections on:
Binding
Buttonholes
Collars
Edge Finishes
Gussets
Hand Sewing
Layouts
Pressing
Vents

Would I buy it for myself? I have it “Saved for Later” on my favorite book-buying site. But, I’ll probably pass. At least, as long as I can find it on the shelf at the library.

Would I buy it for a beginner sewer? Maybe. This is definitely a great addition to the library of an advanced beginner.

My Retro-’60s Top

I made this top, hoping it would work as part of mini-wardrobe. It didn’t (the collar was wrong), but now I’ve got another great top.

Vogue 8392

Very Easy Vogue

Misses’/Misses’ Petite Top: Pullover top has front pleats. View A has short sleeves.

As always, I made a few alterations to the tissue paper pattern:

  • Folded up 1 inch at the petite line.
  • Folded up 1/4 inch to raise bust point.

But other than that, I made this top as is. The instructions were great and the top was very easy. I finished it in a Saturday between swim team practice and an end-of-the-school-year party. I have already pick out another piece of cotton to do it again!

I love the collar best of all!

Home of Needles, Nuts, and Bolts Sewing Classes and Personality Children's Clohtes