The First White Shirt: Ottobre 05-2010-5

The pattern is almost altered for Ottobre 05-2010-5, view B. The front and back are pattern fitted. As soon as I check the sleeves for fit, I'll be ready to cut. Here are my "pre-game notes".

1. Why did you choose this pattern?

I like the yoke and the pleats on the front and back. I wanted a tailored shirt with some minor design elements.

2. Where will you wear this?

I'll be able to wear this blouse most anywhere I go. Mostly, I'll wear it with jeans for errands and family outings. It can be worn with dressy pants and a jacket for evenings on the town. Depending on my mood, I can wear it with a skirt for a dressier look.

3. Why did you choose this fabric for this pattern?

I have some white shirting with light gray stripes. It came from Timmel's Fabrics, now out of business, so it has been aging in my stash for several years. I've seen several shirts with stripes on the blogs. I like the look and would like to try it.

4. What aspects of construction are you looking forward to as you sew this?

I actually am excited about sewing the collar and stand. I've only done that once, over a year ago. I used Pam's tutorial with success. It took me forever! I'll aiming for "practice makes perfect"! I've never made a sleeve placket. Although the pattern just uses a narrow seam for the sleeve slit, I'd like to add a placket. I'm looking forward to it. Am I sick or what?

5. What aspects of construction worry you? What do you think you might mess up?

The construction doesn't worry me. Maybe it should, but I just kind of jump into things. My biggest concern is fit. The one Ottobre knit top that I made was a fit disaster. That's why I spent so much time with the pattern work. I'm seeing rulers and bust points in my sleep! Hopefully, I've worked most of it out on paper. Me? Mess Up? I'm think positively right now. I'll let you know!

6. Are there any instruction in this pattern that you have alreay decided to disregard? Are you substituting another method and if so what will it be?

I've read through the instructions which are limited. I've decided to disregard them. I know how to do the basic sewing. For the collar and stand, I probably will use Pam's method. I'm considering using Gigi's method to try another approach. For the sleeve placket, I'll follow Dave Coffin's book.

The plan is to start sewing this weekend and get as far as I can. I do have a couple of quick projects that I need to finish first.

Meet Roxy

Roxy will be joining our family on November 16. She is a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel and is looking forward to spending time in my sewing room! BTW, she comes from Orlando, Florida and has never been to Chicago. Yet, she already knows how to put on a show!!

Burda Style Magazine 04-2010-125

I finally finished my red skirt this weekend and wore it Saturday night. As I was finishing some handwork Saturday afternoon, I felt like I was on Project Runway. The bow was doing some big time flopping around. No, I didn't glue it although I'll admit that I was tempted. Burda describes this skirt as : "The posh, slim-cut skirt lends aristocratic superiority to a wearer while a pleated hem flounce and back bow add a delightfully fanciful touch." I don't have any desire for "aristocratic superiority" and didn't feel any. The rest of the description is accurate. I love the skirt.

The pattern did not have any facing. I thought that I could be lazy and sew it per instructions. I've never sewed a lining directly to the top of the skirt. I'll never do it again! The waist was not very stable. I did use a woven wool with some lycra so that could be part of the problem. Often, laziness doesn't pay! I'll go back to using a facing or waistband or, at a minimum, elastic.

I used my skirt sloper for the top of the skirt. I have a high right hip so I always have to make this adjustment. Other than that, I made the skirt without alteration and followed the instructions. Yes, I really was able to understand the instructions -- scarey. I made a straight size 40. If I made it again, I would go with size 38 so that the skirt would be a bit snugger. I didn't consider that the lycra would cause some stretching. (Shame on me!)

I love the flounce and the bow. I think that the back is particularly cute.







Here's a close up of the bow:



I'm working on my shirt pattern and having a fit. Actually I should say that I am not having a fit yet. I've thought about changing patterns, but I am going to be stubborn. I'm determined to make it work!