What Not To Do When Sewing Stripes

When sewing stripes please do not follow my rules.

1. Select fabric - I was eager to sew this fat stripey material because I liked the look and it felt nice too. It is from my stash.
2. Select pattern - I thought a raglan style tee would be simple and a nice basic.
Makes sense right, the wrong starts at the next step.
3. Cut fabric without acknowledgment of stripes- Doh! I totally failed
to recognize that this was a pattern that required a plan i.e. - the stripes need to be continuous from the sleeve and front to back.
4. Cross fingers that it will work - I hoped that is would just fall in place when sewn together. Wrong!
5. Purchase only required amount of fabric - I also only had a yard of fabric so zero room for error and of course I made one. Always buy extra, especially when it only costs $2/yd.
6. Wear it anyway - I plan to wear this shirt regardless of my mistakes. I've never sewn with stripes, plaids, or patterns that require matching. Did I mention I like the feel of the fabric so it's a keeper even if it's a stripey mess. I didn't have the heart to show you any side shots but I will when it is totally done.


It still needs a neckband (pattern calls for narrow hem - I prefer a neck band) and a sleeve and waist hem. I just had to share my foolishness. Oh yeah, this is the first knit tee that I've tried that is not oversized. I typically cut a 8 or 10 but the 12 fits me snugly. The pattern is OOP B5104.

FAIL - McCall's 5271

Here's the first FAIL of 2010 - McCall's 5271 and also a fabric from the bin.

The cowl hangs super low which is okay because this can be remedied with a tank underneath. But something else is wrong, there is just too much fabric that causes tons of ripples and waves down the front. The fit in the shoulders is also off causing the shoulders to hang incorrectly and slide off when I move a lot. It does not look that bad on my dressform but on me --Ehhh!

What I do like about this pattern is the fit in the back. I usually have issues with the back being to large or droopy. I also like the way the front and back are sewn together to hold the cowl in place. The top still needs the band at the hip (View F) and hemming at the sleeves. I will try to salvage this garment but not now. I'll pack it up and move on.

I'm eating ice cream and apple crisp right now. I know it is 10 pm but I skipped dinner - LOL.

Happy New Year

I hope you all had a great time bringing in the New Year. I certainly did. I am really excited about 2010 --it sounds so futuristic. I remember imagining what I would be doing in 2000, 2010, 2020 and so on. It sounded so far away but it is here and now! WOW!
My One Bin Fabric Challenge officially begins today - again (LOL). I have swapped out a few pieces of fabric and actually cataloged what is in the bin. If you've made a resolution around buying less fabric or reducing your stash, join me. I am using the bin as a measuring tool because I need a tangible focal point and that's what I store my fabric in. If everything in the bin gets sewn that's great and if not a dent has been made in the collection. I've already cut a few pieces out from before and have a FO or 2 in the bin as well. Time to sew! Happy New Year Sewing Sisters!