I'm saying all this to say that my lavender 'n gray skies jacket looks like cr*p! How did this come to be? Well I ran short of fabric even though I purchased 4 yards. I thought I bought more than enough to felt but obviously it shrank more than I thought both width and lengthwise. And then in a fit of inspired stupidity, I added the sweater knit to the jacket as sleeves thinking I would emulate this Valentino jacket.
Since this is the basis for my wardrobe, I started to get a little hysterical at the thought that I wouldn't have the main piece of the collection. And that's when from the back of my brain I pulled the remembrance of the Valentino mixed fabrication jackets. Now in Valentino's collection the sweater knit used for the sleeves matches the jacket fabric exactly...but since I don't have the Valentino designers fabric budget or influence, I used the heather violet sweater fabric that I'd bought for the cardigan.
At first I was concerned because it is darker than the base fabric but then I thought that it would be funky and fun so I went ahead and cut out the sleeves and sewed them onto the jacket. Well ain't funky and it ain't fun! It just looks crappy!
So I have to come up with a new solution. And since I had to go into work today for a couple of hours, I've only gotten as far as picking this all apart so that I have the base of the jacket and nuthin else. Anyway, I think I have a solution. I'll work on it tomorrow and hopefully this will solve the problem. If not I really don't know what I'm going to do...*sigh*...because Fabric Mart has no more of the lavender wool jersey.
...as always, more later
Ah, the creative muse. She can be a harsh mistress. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThese are the hard moments in sewing. Just a thought - I think it could look cool if you added the sweater knit as bias binding at the collar and the hem (maybe even front join). I think it's just a lot of contrast at the moment.
ReplyDeleteWe've all been there before. Hope you are able to figure out a way to salvage it.
ReplyDeleteGee, doesn't matter how old we are or how much experience we have, we still have the occasional wadder. Good luck. Hope the salvage plan works.
ReplyDeleteAwwww, good luck! Hate when things don't work out quite right. Recently I was making a skating costume and I had 2 yards of this blue material, which I swear said it was 60" wide when I bought it, but ended up being only 42" wide! I had barely enough to eek out a dress, but the skirt was much shorter than intended. Very frustrating when thing don't work out the way we would like!
ReplyDeleteDon't you hate it when things dont work out as planned!? Good luck with the change of plans.
ReplyDeleteO dear, yes we all have these sewing disasters. Good luck, you are so creative you will come up with a good solution.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant idea! I think it will work create with the contrasts!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you'll come through with a beautiful save.
ReplyDeleteGah. I've wasted so much fabric on wadders. I'm sure you'll come up with a solution.
ReplyDelete~Sewjourner
Oh, I feel for you!! But if anyone can come up with a solution, it's you. Do you have enough scraps to piece the sleeves? Either with a horizontal seam or vertical? Would you consider sleeveless (aka vest) instead? I think that could be pretty, esp. with the sleeves and collar of the white blouse to come peeking out. Whatever course you choose, hopefully this will turn out to be one of those "design opportunities" that turn out better than the original plan.
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ReplyDeleteI want to thank you for posting about your less than successful projects as well as your usual high standard of gorgeousness. It makes me feel like less of a failure. I am sure however, that you will find a way to make this work.
ReplyDeleteDang! The Evil Shrinkage Fairy strikes again! Just a thought--you could try an overlay on your knit sleeves. Maybe a coordinating chiffon or lace that will obscure the fabric difference. I know you'll come up with something!
ReplyDeleteDo you have enough of the main fabric to make part of sleeves from the main fabric and part of the sleeves from the knit. Like maybe just use the knit for the underneath part of the sleeves. I've seen this done on some expensive shirts on net a porter, where they have mixed different materials using a knit for the underneath part of the sleeve and it looks pretty good.
ReplyDeleteYou are a better woman than I; the first thing I would probably do is cry.
ReplyDeleteSorry to read this is not working. I am sure you will come up with a fix. I'll stay tuned.
ReplyDeleteMy condolences, Carolyn. I hope you sort something out that makes you happy.
ReplyDeletehow about a shawl collar from the knit?
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your sewing frustration, Carolyn. I know about that all too well. I agree with Debbie, a vest would be especially nice with the white blouse and would still work with the other pieces. Remember, where there's a will, there's a way.
ReplyDeleteI hope you are able to work it out. The fabric is gorgeous!!!
ReplyDeleteSituations like that are so frustrating, but just know that you are not alone and we all take some solace in knowing that others have the same issues.
ReplyDeleteDon't wad this one! Use the sleeve fabric somewhere else on the garment, so that it looks like a design decision and not a mistake: bind the front edges and/or neckline and/or hemline; make a patch pocket; applique a simple shape on the back and/or upper front of the garment. [word verification is "fudoompa" which sounds like a good name for the jacket.]
ReplyDeleteI'm reading this late, but it is fascinating. Not that I'm fascinated by your frustration, but I also bought some shetland wool from FB (4 yds) and I was going to try to felt it. I know from your history that you will come up with a wonderful end to this process.
ReplyDeleteOMG, C, I think I may be about to buy the same lavender sweater knit you're showing here, also from Fabric Mart. If you get this comment tonight, could you let me know how you feel about it in the long run. Does it seem luxe? I knew there was a reason it was calling to me!
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