Commas and Snales: Butterick 5826

Optimistically deciding it was time to do some spring sewing, I unearthed this pattern from my hoard. It's similar to a RTW top I have (thrifted, of course!) At least around here, you can't always try things on at the thrift store, but I took a chance with the top anyway. I was pleasantly surprised how much I liked the style on. But I felt guilty wearing it because I hadn't made it. I make it a point to wear mostly self made clothing and if I realize I don't have at least one thing on that I made myself, I'll change clothes. If that makes me a weirdo, well then, I am one unique weirdo.

I purchased the pattern (Butterick 5826) last fall but never got around to making it. I've got about 200 others patterns I haven't gotten to yet either!  PR has a couple of reviews of both views.

I like it. A lot actually. It and its RTW cousin I mentioned above are the only pullover woven tops I own. Perhaps I need to explore this genre further. Its a shirt but not a shirt and it feels and looks feminine. The fabric is an inherited piece of 35" wide mystery fabric. Its very, very thin which is pretty ideal for a top like this with a fair amount of ease.

I have to say I wasn't too keen on the gathers in the back but after looking at the pictures I quite like them. I also thought I didn't like that the sleeves don't have cuffs on them and now I don't think I mind that either.

I cut out a size 12 and added a bust dart (adding an additional 2 inches)

The top and the sleeves were shortened  2 1/2 inches. I'd recommend cutting the sleeve cap down a bit. I got them all in there but they are not perfectly smooth. It seems like to much sleeve for the amount of scye.

I did have a head scratching episode over the instructions for finishing the front neck binding and facing.

I did it like this:

Here's hoping it's warm enough to wear soon!

Call me Ishmael

I made these whales for my step daughter's baby shower next month. Making them was a lot more fun than reading Moby Dick. Also, it did not take as long.
There were a few drawings and re-drawings before I got the pattern quite right. The sewing, trimming and turning was a bit fiddly, but I think they turned out super cute and so does the mom-to-be. They're made from men's dress shirts with the collar buttons for eyes. They'll be put on little stands for the shower (my husband is making those).

Are you starting to see a pattern?

I used my shiny new brain* to make a copy of yet another RTW cardigan from the thrift store.

I picked up the fabric at last year's American Sewing Expo in Novi, MI. I saw a friend there buying the same fabric. (Looking at you, Cynthia. Have you used yours yet?)  It feels nice and comfy and soft, but its one of those knits that sticks to itself. You know what I mean. The background looks black buts its actually really dark brown. The cardigan has the front extending into the collar.

I made the top underneath it a couple of months earlier but didn't show it yet because I knew I was going to make something with this print fabric to go with it. It's yet another version of Kwiksew 3658-one of my Hall of Fame patterns.

*I don't want this blog to stray too much off the topic. I've been recuperating. That's why things have been a bit slow in the sewing room. I am very happy to be back at it.
I want to thank all of you I know in real life and who also follow my blog for all your prayers, kind thoughts and encouragement. You don't know how happy I will be to see you all!