I ordered some lovely fabrics (more on this later) and started my first project, Sewaholic's Alma blouse. Looking at other blogs I was under the impression that this would take me (a complete beginner) a weekend.
Cautiously I began on Friday. Starting with trying to work out my measurements and using measurement chart found through Tilly's Blog by Miss P. Once I worked out my measurements I decided to go for the 8 and started to cut my pattern and fabric. The fabric I was using was an old cotton valance as this was going to be a muslin.
On Saturday I started sewing. Cue first problem. My darts were awful I didn't know how to do a dart and I had to do 6. After some Google research i found this video and was able to complete my 6 darts. I also found a video on how to use a seam ripper as i was spending a lot of time ripping seems in a very inefficient way.
Sunday I made the collar - I didn't have any interfacing but this is a run through so didn't worry to much and was very happy with the shape of the collar. Especially how it met in the middle. Not sure that I'm a peter pan collar kinda girl though so may try doing the other two collars in the real version.
Monday ordered an invisible zip from.
Tuesday Zip arrived and went about the complex and counter intuitive process of invisible zippers. Used the Colleterie video to help me. First attempt was really good on one side and not the other. I had gone over the teeth of the zip and the zip would not do up. Hadn't realized to switch the position of my needle and had gone over the zip. Used the seam ripper and tried again. This time better, the zip goes up but is far from invisible Used the seam ripper again
Wednesday, tried again with the zip. third time and this much better almost invisible. Will leave this now and move on to the sleeves. Used this video on seam easing. Then used this video on sleeve finishing. I have at the moment one sleeve on the muslin. I also have another sleeve ready to put on today and I need to hem the bottom. Hopefully then first make has taken ,just one week. Look forward to trying on when its complete.
My thoughts on this pattern.
This is advertised as an intermediate pattern. I wish I had started with something easier to begin with...but I have learnt some really good skills this week and am confident that I could make this pattern again.
What went well
1. The sizing is good
2. The darts were easier than I thought they would be
3. The invisible zip is a challenge but definitely worth it
4. Sleeves were easier than I thought and made it feel like proper dressmaking
What I don't like
1. I'm not sure that I'm a peter pan collar person
2. Plain fabric shows off your mistakes
What I will do next time
1. Use the same size
2. Choose an invisible zip to match the fabric
3. try the cap sleeve version
4. try the other two necklines
5. Use a patterned fabric
Fabrics
Yes I've been shopping. With so many different fabric stores online it would be wrong to not try them all - wouldn't it?
Liberty print corduroy- Isla Rose- Sewbox
Navy crepe backed satin - Fabric Godmother
Navy corduroy
Fusia floral viscose
Navy cotton poplin stars
Navy cotton poplin stripe- Remnant House
I'm now not allowed to buy any more fabric until I have used up this little stash.
Patterns
Have bought some more patterns too. Colettes peony pattern. McCalls 2401
I'm not allowed to buy any more patterns... well except maybe some trousers.
