Do you ever give thought to what "Fast and Easy" really means when you see it as a pattern description? Or how about "One hour?" I've been sewing for 45 years and quite frankly I've yet to encounter the pattern that I can't conquer. Even a potential "wadder" is no match for my skills (said in my best booming cartoon narrative voice). But I wonder how many sewists, especially beginners, are lured into the "Fast and Easy" trap?
"Fast and Easy" usually translates into fewer pieces and minimal details so why shouldn't a beginner be lured by them? If you are able to sew straight from the envelope, "fast and easy" can actually be that. For someone like myself with numerous fit issues, "fast and easy" often translates into "Royal PITA." Fewer seams and details means fewer opportunities for fit.
I should have been able to stitch this pattern up in an hour or less but I had no such luck. I had to first make my usual FBA. I transferred it into a third waistline tuck. When I did finally sew it to the point of trying it on, the real work began. I eventually moved the tucsk to be more in line with my bust. Then I had to remove the third tuck all together but increase the size of the original two. I lowered the neckline but managed to stretch it while stitching. Luckily a self-made infinity scarf will cover it. I was getting some weirdness in the back and had to release one of the back tucks. The hemline is a little wonky but I think that is just the nature of the fabric. The chiffon I was used was not a suggested fabric. I do love my finished product but "Fast and Easy", it was not!
"Fast and Easy" usually translates into fewer pieces and minimal details so why shouldn't a beginner be lured by them? If you are able to sew straight from the envelope, "fast and easy" can actually be that. For someone like myself with numerous fit issues, "fast and easy" often translates into "Royal PITA." Fewer seams and details means fewer opportunities for fit.
I should have been able to stitch this pattern up in an hour or less but I had no such luck. I had to first make my usual FBA. I transferred it into a third waistline tuck. When I did finally sew it to the point of trying it on, the real work began. I eventually moved the tucsk to be more in line with my bust. Then I had to remove the third tuck all together but increase the size of the original two. I lowered the neckline but managed to stretch it while stitching. Luckily a self-made infinity scarf will cover it. I was getting some weirdness in the back and had to release one of the back tucks. The hemline is a little wonky but I think that is just the nature of the fabric. The chiffon I was used was not a suggested fabric. I do love my finished product but "Fast and Easy", it was not!
A lot of the fast and easy patterns are anything but that. Many times they are drafted poorly. Your top turned out nicely even though not as quick as you probably hoped.
ReplyDeleteMaybe "fast and easy" refers to how quickly and without issue pattern companies release these gems to the masses. When it comes to sewing, even the simplest projects take time.
ReplyDeleteI love the outcome you have acheived. Great contrasting fabric.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post! I too can never sew any pattern as is. So fast and easy only ever applies to to my TNT t-shirt pattern - of which I am heartily sick.
ReplyDeleteI love sewing, but I hate fiddling with patterns, but as with your lovely top it's worth the trouble.
Thanks for this post! I too can never sew any pattern as is. So fast and easy only ever applies to to my TNT t-shirt pattern - of which I am heartily sick.
ReplyDeleteI love sewing, but I hate fiddling with patterns, but as with your lovely top it's worth the trouble.
I also have this pattern, in 'the-pile' and wanted to lower the neckline. Fast and Easy it never is! Love your styling with the scarf - off to have a peek around your blog...J
ReplyDeleteFast and Easy is a description of what the designer did to produce it...not what you have to do to make it work. Less pieces, less seams, results in a hot mess unless you are 12 years old and no lumps or bumps or want to wear said item ONLY at home on cleaning day.I have some project clients have brought to me with pattern and fabrics and the thought that seams actually match, notches are there and line up and sleeves fit the armhole...what a joke!
ReplyDelete