So what actually went wrong with my Leia? Simply, it is beyond my level, especially the curved/heart-shaped yoke. Even though Yoshimi posted her great tip of using glue instead of pins, I couldn't figure it out and still used loads of pins.
Then, it's a case of choosing the wrong fabric combination. I used the thin Swiss Dot used for the Simplicity top for the yoke and a blue lightweight linen. Bad choice (mainly in the yoke fabric), because all the raw edgings of the yoke and bodice peeked out along the seam line. And it took me a few tries to get the curves sewn together. The armholes, didn't align when I sew on the facing, etc, etc. There are just too many mishaps to count. Here is how it looks.
Oh yes, I forgot to mention, I made the smallest size and it is a tad too tight for me. If I would sew it again, I would make one size bigger. Good thing I didn't cut out the fabric for the skirt yet, otherwise the blue linen would be completely wasted.
Although discouraged with my failed Leia, I did sewed 2 tops for my kids subsequently. Both are from Happy Homemade Volume 5.
I started with the simple peasant blouse in size 130cm for JY. I omitted the pockets because it seems too busy with this polka dot fabric with is a cotton lawn I bought from Shamshuipo. My sewing was so-so, even with this simple design but luckily JY seems to like it.
Then I made the bubbled tank top on the cover, the one on the far right, for CY in size 120cm. The neckline gapping open, I should reduce it by 1cm next time. I bought this floral fabric from Taobao.com, a Chinese equivalent of eBay. And I trimmed it with store-bought cream-coloured bias tape. CY likes it too. And I might make another one.
As for myself, Tamanegikobo, where I got the Leia pattern, has a pattern called Novita which might be doable for me. I'm not sure if I should try it or not. It seems that the sewing bug has left my body of late... ...
Eek! I'm cutting out Leia today and now I'm scared :) The top actually looks fine in the picture. Maybe hem the bottom and the girls can wear it as a play top? That way it's not wasted effort.
Posted by: Redsilvia.wordpress.com | Sunday, September 12, 2010 at 12:16 AM
Don't be scared, Silvia. Your sewing is much better than mine and I'm sure you'll manage alright. I'm looking forward to see yours.
Sent from my iPhone
Posted by: Little Purl | Sunday, September 12, 2010 at 10:07 AM
Could you re-use the blue linen and substitute the swiss dot with another firmer fabric?
But your girls' tops turned out great.
I have a problem sewing bias edging because I can't tell whether the pattern is recommending a particulr length, and I usually sew it on too long.
Posted by: www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawndx3Hs3U5mdsLEhpYRiMs6TWcDcxw9Vjw | Sunday, September 12, 2010 at 07:04 PM