So now it's a few days later, & I decided it's time to ask for some honest feedback. I tried it on again, & it doesn't seem as bad as I remember, but still. Here's the top, as drafted:
and here's a possible option - I rolled up the overlay to give a vague impression of what it might look like as a neck band of some sort:
I'm thinking that my initial problem with it is simply that I had a vision of it turning out a bit more casual, but what I got was a bit more dressy. I just don't DO dressy that much, so I really think I wouldn't get that much wear from it. (and speaking of clothes you might not get much wear from, there's a whole side story with the fabric, but I'll tell that tale later!)
By the way, the drafting and fit on this top is awesome! I feel much better about the batch of LJ Design patterns I bought - if the fit follows suit, I will get some use of them! And this shell is destined to become a TNT - I really like the lines & the fit, so that part of it is a winner :)
So, dear readers, what do you think? Is it dated? Just not "me"? Will it look better on me if I lose the capelet overlay thingy? Any other suggestions?
Since I was in the garden, I took a shot of one of my all time favorite flowers (albeit still in bud mode) the Sunset Cala Lily:
30 comments:
I like it on you. Yes, it does look a bit
dressy with the black slacks, but how
'bout trying it with white capris?
I also had the thought (if you had more
of the b+w fabric) that if it were all
that fabric, it could look more casual.
It's sure not something to keep in the
back of the closet, that's for sure.
You're just adorable .. keep up the
sewing adventures.
~Joy~
I think the top is interesting, but it looks a lot more sophisticated with the overlay rolled up into a collar. I think the overlay in the original is somewhat dated and not very flattering...
Jillian, I agree with Joy above that you're adorable. The shell is so lovely and flattering on you, but I feel the overlay is not your best look. I do like the overlay rolled up as a collar. Have you considered a scarf? You have a great figure and the overlay hides that I think.
Love the flower - my favorite color.
You always look great, but, I agree, the overlay is a bit dated. It definitely hides your cute figure.
I like this, and think it is worthy of moving into rotation. Did you try it with tight jeans?
I have always admired this pattern, and actually made something similar from M6244 https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LMtKIbXrae4/TuvDfg6x7eI/AAAAAAAAEEo/nFL49v2KjiA/w399-h532-k/IMG_0179.JPG
The McCalls pattern is longer and sleeveless, and goes over a long sleeve tee. That tee, BTW, is a wonderful loose tee with just the right amount of length and looseness for slouch.
I think the overshirt on your top is too short when compared to the width of the sleeves. Perhaps try it again in a drapier fabric and add some length. Compare the proportions of your finished top with the illustration and you can see that the pattern is drafted differently than illustrated. I would add length to make the overshirt longer, and reduce the triangles on both sides. I do like the look, but feel it needs another fabric.
Good thoughts Mary, & you're absolutely right about the fabric - I knew going in that the overlay fabric (a cotton voile) was a bit crisp & wouldn't give the drape that the envelope drawing does, but I thought it would make it a bit more casual. What I didn't think through was how the proportions - the width - that the crispness creates would throw everything off.
I'll definitely make the shell again, & will detail what I like so much about it when I write up the review, but I don't think I'll attempt it with the overlay again, unless I had a specific event/dress/skirt/ in mind that it would be appropriate for.
Oh, I did try it on with skinny pants, bell bottoms (the only thing that balanced out the proportions, & it REALLY dated the look! ;D ) & a long skirt. It's OK with length & heels, but as I say, I just don't think I'd ever wear it, & I want to be making clothes I'l actually wear.
lol - I don't remember the last time anyone called me adorable, but I'll take it, thanks! :D
I have NO more of the b&w fabric (that's part of my next story....)
My thoughts too.
Adorable! Twice! In one day! ;D
We seem to be getting a consensus here.....I believe the overlay is losing....
Yes, loose the overlay. Maybe try one where the underlay doesn't match your pants? Or one where the underlay and overlay don't contrast so much that they look like two different shirts? The two latter options might help the overlay work better, but simply removing it will for sure work!
Oh, I didn't realize you'd used a voile! Yes, I agree, a drapier fabric would be more flattering. At one time, I thought about making this pattern for myself, but have since realized that the silhouette wouldn't do me any favors.
I agree, ditch the overlay. As a scarf effect it's OK. I do like the lines on the tunic. - Heather
Though I think it would be perfect for drinks with me, Shams and Margy when we have to look like classy ladies, if you don't 'do dressy' then nah - not you. It's floaty and airy and you just seem to grounded for something like that. But you still look cute!
Mary...I looked for M6244 at McCalls and it's out of print. :( Cute pattern!
Overlay be gone. I love the shape of the hemline though. I agree btw you ARE adorable.
I'm going to post this anonymously, since I hate to say something not glowing. You look wonderful! That top... not so much. I like it much better without the overlay. There's just something too fussy about the original design. But I like it with the neckband idea. I think that would look great!
A
I like picture 2 better than picture 1 too. The proportions are better. And you look more confident and happy.
I think I would like picture 1 better if all 3 layers were solids (or almost solid), maybe even in the same intensity but not necessarily the same color. Perhaps adjacent colors on the color wheel. Almost monochromatic.
You are so brave to ask us! HTH.
Martha
I, too, agree that the overlay just isn't right. If it was several inches longer, it would look better proportionally. But I think the fabric would be better used as a scarf. The shell does fit you well, and I like the asymmetric hemline.
I'm so happy you're sewing again!
Jilly...I LOVE that top, the fabric and especially the overlay. Major cute! But that's not the consensus. :(
A - I hear you :). I'm one of those people who really DOES appreciate honest feedback & constructive criticism, but I'm really loathe to post a negative opinion of something on a blog - you just never know how someone will take it. (even when they SAY they want it!) :)
Judi I really thought I would love it, and frankly, it looks OK when I really lengthen the bottom attire & have heels (short legs = my visually proportionate downfall), but I really wouldn't wear it much. If at all. So I'll be going with the consensus here :)
If I ever do make this top again (with the overlay...I WILL make the shell) I'll definitely take all of the comments under consideration - drapier fabric, longer overlay....we'll see...
Perhaps that why the pattern illustration has fabrics like you suggest? They actually knew what they were doing? ;-D
Nah, not brave on my part at all. I know that asking for someone else's perspective can be very eye-opening, and if I was feeling all delicate & insecure about something, I would ask close friends, not the internet world! ;-D
I do like it rolled up as a collar- much smarter and more interesting.
I also like it better as a sleeveless shirt and the overlay as some sort of neckband. That said, it's certainly not bad the other way, and the fabric is pretty.
JillyB, you do look adorable in both pics. But to me, the sleeves are what I dislike. I just don;t like this type of sleeve. And I wonder if the top would look better with white pants or jeans. That black with black is what I don;t really love (along with the sleeves.) BTW, I always enjoy seeing what you sew.
Karendee
Ummm...I don't get the "dated" reference at all. I like it both ways! That could just be me. However, I have problems with patterns that only have a sketch to show you what it looks like before you buy it. How ever do you tell what it *really* looks like without a real garment on a real body? Serious question.
I agree - you are adorable. And you look cute in everything!
The overlay may look more fashion forward if it is more balanced with the opposite side. Using the calla lily as an example, I think some verticle interest would enhance the look. Elither a vertical neckline addition or just a simple long necklace with a favorite funky pendant. Just my musings. In general I like the underlay.
I am happy you recently discovered my blog. I have had yours in my google reader for quite some time having found you through your posts and inspiring pictures on Stitcher's Guild. I actually pulled this pattern out recently when I was looking for patterns to make with sheer fabrics. I like the top with the overlay. But somthing about the proportions of the overlay and the print size on you is not quite right. Too big maybe. The overlay rolled up looks great!
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