Earlier this year I made my first pair of trousers, using a Simplicity Amazing Fit pattern, 2562.
The main aim was to make a pair of trousers that fit me - and they do, despite the wrinkling in the above photo. The problem is the style is NOT flattering to me at all. The wide legs, combined with thickish fabric make me look shorter and dumpier than I am. I would never BUY a pair of trousers in this style, so why did I think making them would be a good idea.
Consequently they haven't been worn for months, and are unlikely to be worn again.
My lovely red Vogue 1194 dress is also a fail, because I haven't worn it.
It fits well and is comfortable, but it never seems the right garment for any occasion. It's too red and I always feel I stand out too much when I put it on - that is without even leaving the house. I love red and have worn it on and off for years, but realise that I only ever wear it in separates, never top to bottom.
Another dress fail comes in the form of Simplicity 1652.
Look at that gorgeous cut out back.
Well, in reality the back stretches when I wear it, so the bottom section of the cut out ends up standing away from my body in a very unflattering manner. The fabric is a linen blend, which was probably not the best choice - I should have used something more stable. It's also too "look at me" with that bold black and white print. I think I've only worn it once and felt quite self conscious in it the whole day.
These three garments are the only ones I could think of that I would class as failures, which I'm pretty pleased about. It could have been a lot worse! They are all pretty well made, and nicely finished, the "failure" part comes from the fact that I made poor choices with either pattern or fabric. Definitely something to consider when I'm picking patterns and fabric in the future.
Yes, I have made some poor fabric choices too - and like you, always the dramatic "look at me" fabrics. It is certainly sensible to work this out Sam:) Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteThe dramatic fabric always looks so much fun when you buy it, doesn't it? In reality the plainer ones are much more wearable though.
DeleteI like all of those garments Sam, and they're obviously beautifully made. Sometimes that's the trickiest bit of sewing for yourself - you can't try it on first to know if you're comfortable in that print/colour. I particularly like the red dress, it's very flattering. Do you think you might make it again in another colour? :)
ReplyDeleteThat is the down side of sewing your own clothing, isn't it? I do have some grey jersey in my stash which is probably more me. If there's enough I might try the Vogue dress again.
DeleteAww. I really like the pants on you and that black and white fabric is gorgeous. Ahhhhh.
ReplyDeleteA new year to sew is here! :)
I love the black and white fabric, its just not "me" in that dress.
DeleteSam, I really love these garments. Sorry you didn't "like" them.. You have made some gorgeous things this year.. As, I tell my self... all of them can't be keepers..ha Happy New Years to you and your family. Look forward to seeing what you will make in 2014,
ReplyDeleteThank you Judy. I've already got some projects planned for 2014, I hope you'll like them.
Deleteonly 3 fails across a whole year is impressive! i really like that trouser pattern tho - i'm going to look out for that as 2014 will be the Year of the Trouser (i said that about 2013 too!)
ReplyDeleteIt's a great pattern, I just don't feel the trousers suit me.
DeleteOnly three "fails" is great! And as you say, they're all beautiful and well made!
ReplyDeleteThere probably were more "fails" in reality, I can think now of a couple that never even made it to the blog!
DeleteThat red dress is gorgeous! I think both color and shape are very flattering, too bad you don't feel the same. I like your observation about the trousers, why would you make anything you would never buy? Happens to me! Food for thought.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the lovely comment about the red dress, I like the style and may well make another in a less bright colour.
DeleteI never thought that about the trousers until after I'd made them! I think I was seduced by the "Amazing Fit" part of the pattern.