It's Time to Raise the White Flag: The DVF Reissued 50th Anniversary Wrap Dress / Vogue 2000

There has been a flurry of wrap dresses appearing on sewing blogs and Instagram posts the last couple of months.  It happened ever since Simplicity announced the re-release of the vintage Diane Von Furstenberg (DVF) Vogue 1549 for the 50th anniversary.  This re-issued DVF wrap dress pattern is now listed as Vogue 2000.  

Most of the early Vogue 2000 wrap dress makers appear to have received complimentary patterns and made their beautiful iconic creations in knit fabrics.  I already have a couple of DVF knit wrap dresses made with vintage Vogue 1610.  I am quite happy with these DVF wrap dresses made with OOP and vintage Vogue 1610.  I'm not sure I want another knit version of a DVF wrap dress.  

I am, however, intrigued by the option of sewing an iconic DVF wrap dress in a woven fabric.  It will certainly be a cooler option to wear in the summertime prairie heat. 

The one thing that stalled this project and jumping on the DVF reissued pattern bandwagon was the cost of ordering it via Simplicity from outside of the United States.  Pattern prices for Canadian residents went up 17% and the international shipping costs--oy!  But then I discovered a copy was available on Amazon, bye-bye twenty U.S. dollar shipping costs, hello Vogue 2000.  Sure, I could have waited until it became available in local stores after the spring release (it is available now).  But Vogue patterns are even a pricey option here north of the Canada / United States border.  Fabricland is the only retailer that carries Vogue patterns and their membership only discount on patterns have decreased to 25% off, while Vogue pattern prices increased to $42.00 Canadian.  Again--oy!  I was really thankful for finding this pattern through another source at a below Canadian and U.S. sewing retailer's listed price plus free shipping.  I would not be celebrating the 50th anniversary and sewing this DVF design otherwise.  

So, now that hunting down and adjusting the pattern is done, it's down to finding a woven fabric for the project.  This also proved to be a challenge, while I was searching through the stash for a suitable fabric I ended up re-organizing the stash.  Ah, sweet, sweet procrastination.  I finally found a soft, light-weight denim coloured Chambray, one of the suggested fabrics listed on the pattern envelope.  

And then the project stalled again after I tried it on mid-completion to check the fit.  Oy!  

The neckline is too low, way too low to feel comfortable while wearing this dress.  After the initial try-on it appears that dress is a must have a camisole or undershirt type of garment and that was not what I was looking for at all.  So much for having a wrap dress in a cooler fabric to wear in the hot prairie summers.  But I continue on despite my disappointment in the low neckline.  

With just the cuffs and hem to finish, I decided to raise the white flag on Vogue 2000.  It has more fit issues than a too-low-for-comfort neckline.   

This project is cut in a size 14, the size I typically cut in Vogue patterns.  I haven't had issues in the past sewing a garment in a size 14, even the vintage Vogue 1610, but this did not feel like it was a size 14 at all.  It is snug.  The bust dart could be lowered an inch.  The opening for the ties found at the side felt like I had reach past the side into the back region.  Yes, I did check to pattern to make sure I didn't cut a smaller size than a fourteen.  As a matter of fact, I added a 1/4" to the side seams.  Hmmm.  

I can't figure it out why I had so many fitting issues other than maybe it's not really meant for a woven fabric.  I would go up a size or two if the pattern had the larger sizes but it is the next size combination and I'm not that keen on spending more coins on this design.  

There are many things that I do love about Vogue 2000.  The interfacing attached to the dress pieces instead of the facing is something I would like to repeat on another project.  I really liked how that came out.  The seam binding technique in the interior seams were sweet.  I didn't get to sewing the French cuffs but I do admire this design feature and even had cuff links picked out.  The fit on the sleeves were nice.  I wish it turned out but I did enjoy the process until I realized it wasn't going to fit.  

I don't want to discourage anyone from sewing Vogue 2000, it just didn't work out for me.  Now to decide if I should finish and donate it or harvest the fabric into another project?  

Project details

Seams:  2.6 straight stitch

Seam finish:  Serged

Fabric:  4 metres

Seam binding:  1 package

Interfacing:  1.5 metres

Pattern:  Vogue 2000

Additional Tools & Supplies:  Cutting table, fabric scissors, paper scissors, pins, pin cushions, tailor's chalk, hand sewing needle, Janome sewing machine, walking foot, new Universal sewing machine needle, Janome serger, screwdriver, seam ripper, threads, thread clippers, iron, ironing board, tailor's ham, sleeve ham and tea.  

Happy Sewing!

Stash busting and Sewing Bloopers: Butterick 6296

Other than the sewing machine and serger, the seam ripper has been my most valuable tool for seeing this project to the end.  I was working on this project while feeling under the weather, not the best condition for sewing.  But I digress.  

The collarless feature of this pajama top, Butterick 6296, was part of the countless sewing bloopers that happened throughout the day.  I didn't realize this blooper until I reached the ironing board to press the facing.  At that point, I didn't have the energy to open up the neckline and try to make the correction.  

And there were other bloopers, I lost count but let me try to recall. 

1. Tailor chalk markings were made on the wrong side of the fabric.   
2. I forgot to stitch down the facing on the pocket before stitching it in place.  I had to hand-stitch it down afterwards.  
3. I sewed the wrong side of the pockets to the front of the pajama top.  
4. I sewed the front facing pieces to the wrong side of the back facing and had to tear those stitches out and try again.  
5. Did I mention that I cut out the collar pieces, interfacing and attached the interfacing only to forget to sew the collar and attach it with the facing pieces?  

Yup, it's a miracle that I ended up with a finished pajama top.  

There were also some intentional changes / alterations to the pattern.  The sleeve length was shortened, and the front pockets are from vintage Simplicity 6851.  There is an extended back facing top-stitched in place to the shirt back.  

This pajama top is the matching piece to these pajama bottoms that were made earlier this month.  The set has been gifted and thankfully well received.  We both agree that even though leaving off the collar was not intentional, it may be something that will be revisited on future pajama top project.  

Project Details

Seams:  2.6 - 2.8 straight stitch

Seam finish:  Serged

Fabric:  1.9 metres

Buttons:  3 - 1"

Pattern:  Butterick 6296

Additional Tools & Supplies:  Cutting table, scissors, pins, wrist pin cushion, tailor's chalk, tailor's wax, hand sewing needle, sewing machine, serger, buttonhole foot, regular presser foot, threads, iron, ironing board, seam ripper, thread clippers, Vick's, tea with lemon and honey and many breaks.  

Happy Sewing!

July in Review...

 Sewing

There were dreams of sewing a denim jacket, caftan and a wrap dress this month and then things changed after a slow start and stumbling along the way.  The wrap dress managed to be finished after many sewing bloopers and the amputation of the pockets.  And then a detour.  It wasn't my finest month in the sewing room due to sewing bloopers and fitting miscalculations.  I guess my head wasn't into it this month.  Oh sewing mojo where are you?   

Of course, I love the DVF wrap dress, out-of-print (OOP) vintage Vogue 1610, because the fit is absolutely lovely and I feel comfortable wearing this item even though I had to nix the pockets.  The DKNY flared shorts, OOP vintage Vogue 2092, need to have the crotch length shortened, something that I realized after the fabric was cut.  The short pants / culottes, OOP McCall's 6748, is my least favourite make mainly because of the fabric choice.  As a wearable toile, I won't complain. 

 

Stash-busting

This month's sewing projects were made with supplies found in the stash:  7 metres of fabric, 1 metre of elastic, 7 metres of Knit 'N Stable tape, 1 zipper, and 1 hook and eye.  There was a trip to the fabric store when I couldn't find any white Knit 'N Stable tape while sewing the wrap dress only to find my roll days later.  This lead to a re-organization of the sewing workspace and re-organization of the fabric binder.  Some fabrics were sewn and no longer in bins however not removed from the listing in the binders.  Something that was long overdue.  

I did recently add to the fabric and pattern stash.  Remember that caftan pattern I keep dreaming about sewing?  Well, it takes almost five metres of fabric and there isn't that much yardage in appropriate caftan fabric to be found in the stash.  

So, when I stumbled across an animal print satin in the discounted section at 70% off.  Well, I couldn't resist the thought of sewing something I've been dreaming about.  

Future Plans

Other than sewing Vogue 1886, I would still like to sew that denim jacket, OOP McCall's 5191 I've been talking about for many moons.  The black denim fabric has been pre-treated and is waiting for a press before hitting the cutting table.   And while re-organizing the fabric stash I found an undocumented piece of white linen that would be lovely for OOP Vogue 1204.  Both of these are from July's wish-to-sew list that I hope to finally get to in August.  Until then... 

Stay Safe and Keep Sewing!  

In Sewing News Today...

Even though I am pleased with how the shirt turned out yesterday, the hem length just didn't sit right.  So, after trying it on this morning the shirt ended up back on the table to be tweaked a bit.  

One and a quarter inches were cut and the lower portion of the front facings were open so that I can shorten the length.  If I looked more closely at the notes from the first time I made this shirt I could have avoided this alteration.  Sometimes I forget that I'm not a pattern model size.  

In other sewing news, I'm slowly working through my MMM pledge to edit my wardrobe.  I've been trying on clothes and sorting what can be recycled, donated, or altered.  

These are some of the clothes I pulled out and wore during days five to eight.  I'm starting to notice that I don't usually wear pants unless it's part of a pajama set or I'm doing yardwork.  Other non-garment items used during this time include reusable grocery bags, reusable coffee filters, knickers and my sunglass case.  

Next up on the sewing table are another pair of men's pants.  

Stay Safe and Keep Sewing!

In Sewing News Today...

Remember when I made this top?  

And I mentioned that it was gifted and well-received?  

That didn't last long.  

lol.  

It ended up back at my sewing table to be fixed.  

It came with a complaint that it was too loose and the neckline was too wide.  

When I made it, I was asked to make sure it was loose.  

This is why I don't love sewing for others.  

I stitched a seam down the centre back with a 3/4" seam allowance.  

The original pattern has a centre back seam.  

It seems to have done the trick.  

But wait for it.  

I'm sure another complaint will come my way.  

That seems to be what happens when I sew for others.  

Either crickets or complaints.  

Remember this one?  

I've offered to fix this after I was told that it was "too big."  

I even tried to make arrangements to have them try it on so I can see the problem in order to fix it.  

Both times they forgot to bring it.  

I've given up, I've tried.  

It just makes me sad at the thought that I wasted that beautiful Katia print fabric on something that didn't fit the person it was made for.  

In a way, I wish I didn't know about the issue.  

I wish if someone tells me about a problem with something I create, that it would be an opportunity for me to fix it.  

That would make me happy.  

Well, I'm off to see if I can fix that jean jacket project I abandoned last year.  

I will certainly be happy if I can fix that one.  

Stay Safe and Keep Sewing!

October in Review...

Quilt pattern from this site

Well, I guess I should start off with wishing all the trick 'n treaters a safe and happy Hallowe'en this evening.  Did anyone spend part of their October sewing costumes or decorations?  Not I, but there was some spookiness going on... 

There wasn't a lot of success in my sewing this month.  I know, SCARY!  

The one dress that I made was several sizes too big.  Even though I've been losing some weight, I didn't lose that much.  The SCARY part is that I cut a beautiful cotton instead of sewing a toile.  And it was the last of the bolt, so there is no going back for more.  Oh well.  The other sewing was a charity / gift project that was not well received and that broke my heart.  My intention was good even though they are sitting unused and untouched.  And there were more sewing bloopers as well, as a jean jacket project was abandoned and still haunts me.  lol, I couldn't resist.  I promise, no more Halloween puns.  

And then some strange witchcraft happened:  

Yeah, a successful sewing project.  Happy Halloween indeed!  

Output

Fabric:  12.60 metres and 6 towels (October)  + 64.2 metres and 1 recycled skirt (previous months) = 76.8 metres, 6 towels and 1 recycled skirt.  

Zippers:  0 (October) + 1 - 20 cm regular zipper and 1 - 55 cm invisible (previous months) = 2

Buttons:  2 (October) + 35 (previous months) = 37

Seam binding:  24.6 metres (October) + 10 metres (previous months) = 34.6 metres

Knit 'N Stable tape:  0.05 metres (October) + 9.5 metres (previous months) = 9.55 metres

Elastic:  0 (October) + 19 metres (previous months) = 19 metres

Twill tape:  0 (October) + 0.5 metres (previous months) = 0.5 metres

Thread:  1 - 1 200 metres (October) + 4 100 metres (previous months) = 5 300 metres 

Sewing machine needles:  0 (October) + 6 (previous months) = 6

Hand sewing needles:  0 (October) + 1 (previous months) = 1

Sewing Labels:  5 (October) + 1 (previous months) = 1

Sewing patterns:  3 (October) + 3 (previous months) = 6

Input

Fabric:  5 metres (October) + 57.1 metres (previous months) = 62.1 metres

Elastic:  0 (October) + 4 metres (previous months) = 4 metres

Buttons:  0 (October) + 22 (previous months) = 22

Sewing patterns:  2 (October) + 9 (previous months) = 11

Seam binding:  18.25 metres (October) + 3 metres (previous months) = 21.25 metres

Stay Safe, Happy Halloween and Keep Sewing!  

It Wasn't Meant to Be (Blooper After Sewing Blooper): Butterick 6376

I'm waving the white flag on this one.  I give up.  There has been too many sewing bloopers associated with this project.  My heart is not into it anymore.  

Interfacing was an issue.  I didn't want to go out and pick up new interfacing in light of everything under the sun being affected by pandemic influenced inflation.  My first thought was to utilize cotton fabric that I had in the stash until Bunny reminded me in the comment section that interfacing should be similar in weight to the fashion fabric.  She's right.  I then deep dived into my interfacing stash and found enough of a remnant piece of fusible horsegrain interfacing for the job.  With some creative and careful placement of the pattern pieces I was able to cut what was needed.  

The problem with the interfacing was actually not a problem with the interfacing rather an error with my cutting and measuring.  And then throw in that I used a fusible interfacing. ~sigh~

Not only did it make for challenging pressing, the bulk of it all looked horrible on the right side.  

Did I mention the miscalculations and mess I made with attaching the collar?  Oh boy!  

I clipped one side of the collar at the wrong spot not once, twice.  

I'm not happy with how it looks and I give up.  I'm not going to trash this fabric.  I'll try to salvage what I can, maybe use it for bag making.  Who knows.  But as far as a new denim jacket, this project is shelved.  

I think if I return to the cutting table, I'll be looking for something simple.  Hopefully in bright colours.  Something happy, I could use a happy satisfying project.  I need to find the joy that been missing at the sewing workspace.  

Stay Safe and Keep Sewing!

Sewing Blooper #974,326

Just when I was feeling pretty good about the progress on these pants, I realized I did this sewing blooper.  

Good grief!  Where is the seam ripper?  And how did I not realize this mistake until now?  Lol.  

Happy Sewing!

Top Five Misses

 

Top 5 Misses: We all have fails – now is the time to share the items that never got finished, were unwearable, or just didn’t work out how you wanted!

Early in the year I started on a quest for "the perfect white shirt."  This one is not it. As a matter of fact, this one is a little snug and hasn't yet been worn in public.  Although, the quest has been side-tracked, the hope to make "the perfect white shirt" continues.   

I thought this would turn out to be a wearable muslin. The Burda pattern envelope states it's a petite sized pattern but somehow that was not how it fit.

Shortly after I finished sewing these silk pajama bottoms, pandemic pounds mysteriously appeared and made them unwearable.  I hope to fit into them one day.  

This project never came to be and broke my heart.  

In theory, I thought a pair of corduroy pants would be a cool thing. The fabric for this style of pants was all wrong. 

Stay Safe and Happy Sewing!  

Troubleshooting Thursdays: Broken Needles

In the quest to save money on sewing machine repair bills let's explore possible issues that may appear to behind a sewing machine that breaks needles.

1.  Remove obstacles. 

Don't sew over pins!  If you break a needle while sewing over a pin make sure to take the time to check under the needle plate that make no lingering parts of the needle are left behind.  And sewing over pins even if the needle doesn't break, can cause the needle end to become blunt or can bend the needle.  

2.  Incorrect needle for machine.

Make sure that you're using the correct needle for your sewing machine.  Most sewing machines can take generic (Klasse, Schmetz and Lammertz) needles.  Check your sewing machine manual if your sewing machine will only use a variety of needles.  

3.  Incorrect needle for fabric.  

Use the correct size and needle type for the fabrics you are working with, specific fabrics (leather, knits, etc.) require specific needles.  Most sewing books have a fabric - needle - thread chart that provides a general guide to follow in testing out your options.  

4.  Pulling the fabric.

Let the feed dogs guide the fabric under the presser foot to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the needle.  If there are several layers of fabric to be guided under the presser foot consider using a walking foot.  For bulky sections in your sewing consider using a Jean-a-ma-jig to take some of the stress off the sewing machine and needle.  

5.  The needle may be incorrectly inserted.

Make certain that the needle is set all the way up against the stop when changing the needle and securing it in place.  

Previous Troubleshooting Thursday posts:

Skipped Stitches

Puckered Stitches

Broken Upper Sewing Machine Thread

Broken Lower Sewing Machine Thread

Happy Sewing!

In Sewing News Today...

To be filed under sewing bloopers.  

Vintage Simplicity 6851 is back on the sewing table because I sewed the buttons and buttonholes on the wrong sides. At first, Mama R said she didn't mind because she loves her new robe but when she went to put it on last night it didn't feel right. She wants me to close the buttonholes, move the buttons and then make new buttonholes. It breaks my heart that I made this mistake and that I feel I've ruined this project.   

I did something this morning that I never thought I would do. I left a sewing Facebook page because I just couldn't stand all the negative and insulting political comments. Usually, I'm pretty good at filtering all the rhetoric out but this morning I thought why am I reading this?   

Sewing and talking about sewing is supposed to be my joyful space. If that is what people think is what makes America great, belittling others, (in a sewing group none-the-less) I want no part of it.  

I agree with you on this one.  I'm leaving the group, one that I really enjoyed being a part of, because reading political insults about other countries is not why I joined.  I hope you all have a great weekend and start being kind to each other. 

And this decision was based on the negativity over someone's post over vintage hooks and eyes. Seriously.  Hooks.  And.  Eyes.  But it honestly wasn't this one post or one individual's post. It was a reoccurring occurrence over several posts and posters. I just wanted to be part of a sewing conversation where people would

and encouraging. 

So, talking about kindness, I'm going to take that into the sewing room and work on some charity items on this rainy weekend. I'm going to sew some little boy's pants. Sewing little wee clothes always puts me in a good mood.  

Happy Sewing!

July in Review...

New Fall Collection

Half the year is gone and I haven't made a pair of jeans yet. I've been talking about sewing a new pair of jeans since the beginning of the year. It might change with the new fall pattern release from Vogue. 

 

I wouldn't mind making up Vogue 1644 in a denim fabric. I have to admit, it has been quite awhile since I've been taken in my a new pattern release but this one is an exception.  Could it be that I'm thrilled that designers raised waistbands? Perhaps.  

This Vogue 1642 pants pattern has captured my interest as well. Or it could be the wide leg design that has me all smitten over sewing a pair of pants? The one fact that is certain, there will be some pants hitting the sewing table sometime in the near future.  

Sewing

There has been some actual sewing this past month. Nothing too challenging, mostly gift and practical items.  There was one project that I abandoned before it was finished, Vogue 9370.  

The pattern is perfect, my sewing and fabric choice, not so. I think this design would work best in a cotton shirting as recommended on the pattern envelope. Instead, I chose this denim-like fabric from the stash. It was labelled as 100% cotton but it didn't drape or feel so. And then I made an error on the front facing that would have been difficult to correct and there wasn't enough fabric left to recut the required piece. Sewing bloopers happen.  

I do plan to re-use the fabric for something else. Maybe I'll bring out-of-print (OOP) Vogue 1455 out of retirement and create another reversible bubble-hemmed dress to be gifted for a little gal.  

Happy Sewing!

Vogue 9370: A Work in Progress

Vogue 9370 is a lovely pattern that popped up in the latest summer 2019 collection.  This one has an asymmetrical button front and just one flaw, no pockets. Adding pockets an easy fix as I just borrowed the side pocket pattern piece from another pattern.  There now I will have a place for my keys.  

Pockets made the design perfect in my humble opinion as well as this collar.  It really is sweet.  The pattern is well-drafted so it was a easy make. Sadly, what I hoped would be my wearable muslin wasn't meant to be.  A sewing blooper occurred while sewing the front band to the right front.  

If only I followed the pattern instructions and the markings this wouldn't have happened. My only excuse is that my mind has been elsewhere. Obviously thinking that I didn't need to look at the pattern instructions and mind the markings. Yup, completely my mistake and I'm taking full ownership for this.  

So I'm going to abandon this version of Vogue 9370 for other reasons as well. Don't worry, I have intentions of revisiting this pattern in the near future.  The newer version will take into consideration some things I learned along the way.  

1. I need to be weary of fabrics labelled 100% cotton that look like denim but don't really feel like denim.  I think this is actually a tencel faux denim except it is prone to wrinkling.  I thought that tencel doesn't wrinkle?  Perhaps, it's a rayon blend?  All I know for certain is that it's not anything I enjoyed sewing.  This fabric was an epic fail in sparking joy.  I would love to make this dress in a cotton shirting fabric.  
2. I need to give this design a more A-line shape so that I feel more comfortable with the fit / ease around my mid-section and hips.  
3. Remember to add pockets and that I shortened the longer length by 1 1/2 inches.  

Well, as soon as I find a suitable fabric from the fabric stash, it will be back to the drawing board with this one.  

Happy Sewing!

Long Time in the Making: McCall's 2447

Another project from the long-ago cut and forgotten pile. I actually cut this project nearly six years ago when I cut this shirt out. I think it was a sewing blooper which made it a short sleeve shirt that lower my confidence at finishing starting the second shirt, until now.

And would you believe that McCall's 2447, circa 1999, is still available? I really do recommend this pattern.  It's well drafted and has classic Oxford shirt detailing that hasn't gone out of style in the past century.  Why mess with a classic?

Okay, I did mess with it, just slightly. I used a RTW shirt as a guide for the button placement because I wanted more buttons down the front. And I omitted the chest pocket.

The fabric is a 100% cotton print. It was prewashed and aged ;) before the construction. Thankfully there was no fading to the fabric after all these years. The buttons were recycled and gifted from Mom's stash.

The Stats

Fabric:  2.1 metres

Interfacing:  0.9 metres of fusible interfacing

Buttons:  10 - 9 mm

Pattern:  McCall's 2447

Additional Tools and Supplies:  Iron, ironing board, cutting table, pins, tailor's chalk, sewing machine, walking foot, buttonhole foot, screwdriver, jean-a-ma-jig, serger, threads, hand sewing needle, tailor's wax, buttonhole cutter, seam ripper, scissors, thread clippers, clapper and point presser.

Happy Sewing!

Long Time in the Making: OOP Vogue 1306

This project has been sitting in my forgotten pile after I goofed and stitched the perfect placket and then ruined it by sewing the gathered bust darts on the wrong side. Thankfully, there was enough left over fabric to cut another front piece. My only fear is that I started my day as day number six with no coffee, will ample amounts of water help to keep me focus?  

I wasn't willing to risk it, and had a coffee because I love the weight of this cotton knit fabric. It would have made me sad if I ruined the last remnant. And if it turned out it would be an item that I'm sure would get a lot of use.

I decided to omit the front placket and make it a plain neckline. It wasn't that I was scared to make the same mistake, I found this photo from Coco's version and thought it would be more practical for my lifestyle. Even though I like the look of the placket opening, without it this would be a more conservative look for work. I'm thrilled with how it turned out. One more change, was to straighten the hemline.

My favourite design feature, the gathered dart, remained. The pattern is now out-of-print (OOP) but there are a couple of copies currently available on Etsy. I'm holding onto my copy as I'm sure there may be another version, maybe with longer sleeves.  

The Stats

Fabric:  2.5 metres

Knit-N-Stable Tape:  2.8 meters

Pattern:  OOP Vogue 1306

Additional Tools and Supplies:  Cutting table, pins, scissors, thread clippers, sewing machine, serger, threads, iron, ironing board, tweezers, measuring gauge, measuring tape, tailor's chalk and coffee.  

Happy Sewing!  

  

Top 5 of 2018: The Misses

Top 5 Misses: Not everything works out, so this is your chance to share the 5 projects that didn’t turn out, never got worn, were accidentally destroyed in the wash, or were otherwise less successful!

1.  I had high hopes for this project but it wasn't meant to be.  It stalled here when I realized that it wasn't going to fit.

2.  Oh dear, looking back at photos I realize there are more misses than I thought there would be, introducing this little number.  

It's once again about the fit, too snug from the waist to hip area and the pleat doesn't lay flat.  Just. Can't. Breathe.

3.  I miscalculated the placement of the pockets on this dress.  At first, they were placed too low.   And then I tried again only to make things worse and they weren't even and lopsided.  I haven't got around to trying again.  Hopefully, the third time is the charm.    

4.  I don't wear this one too often even though I receive compliments and inquiries every time I do. I guess it's just too fancy and I don't feel comfortable with all the attention it receives.  .  

5.  I didn't preshrink the fabric before I cut this one out which turned out to be okay, so I thought, because it came out a little on the big side.  And then it shrunk width and lengthwise.  Oh, and then there is the hemline on the cowl that should have been rolled the other way.  

Happy Sewing!