The Spotty Cowl Top

Daydream Patterns Sophia nursing top

This is one of those “whoops, I thought I’d already posted this” posts! Yep, finally sharing February’s Minerva Blogger Network post over here. You can find it at: https://www.minerva.com/posts/1005905

I have to admit, this is not one of my most successful makes and it’s currently in my wadder pile, hopefully to be harvested for fabric to make something more “me”. It’s not the fault of the pattern, which was really well written and fun to make. It’s not the fault of the fabric, which although a polyester (boo!) jersey is really comfortable and pleasant to wear.

It’s just… not me. I’m starting to realise this is one of the pitfalls of trying out new styles when making your own clothing. With RTW you can try it on in the shop and have a good peer at yourself in the mirror, before deciding it doesn’t suit you. With sewing you generally have to wait until you’ve basted the side seams before you realise that it makes you look like an out of style pregnant hippo. Not that this top does that. But I don’t think it’s terribly flattering on me.

In the final analysis, I think a plain fabric would have worked better, and the neckline is too high for my liking. Also, the whole top is a bit shapeless at the front. Ideal for disguising post-childbirth tummies (this has a cunning–and optional–hidden breastfeeding access design), but not so good now I’m mostly slimmed down again.

So, going forward I’m going to do my best to avoid future wadders by sticking to patterns I know work for me (hello, Cleo dresses!), or styles that I’m pretty sure will work. It might not result in the most adventurous sewing for me, but I figure I can get my fix of adventure by sewing more for the kids. I’ll have more about my personal Ottobre Sewing Magazine kids pattern challenge soon. When I get a moment to write a blog post…

Right, this afternoon I’m going to try to finish a top (black and silver stripy fabric, but taking a bit of a risk with a boat neck), and then maybe embroider or crochet a cactus. Yes, I’ve decided to take part in #The100DayProject in an attempt to get me going on some purely fun crafts again. I’m going to stick to cacti and succulents for motifs as I love them, but will have a go at making them in various different media. I reckon I’ll dust off my crochet, feltmaking and embroidery skills, as well as having a go at machine embroidery and applique. And when I’ve had enough of the textiles I might do some watercolours and drawings. Maybe even a lino cut. Who knows?

I’m hoping that by the end of the 100 days I’ll have a collection of little decorative items and pictures for making gifts and cards. And perhaps a few things for myself too. I’ve fancied a cactus pincushion for years now! Check out my Pinterest boards if you’re interested in seeing some of the things I’ve been contemplating.

See you in a couple of days with one more catch-up post for my Minerva makes.

xx

3 thoughts on “The Spotty Cowl Top”

  1. Your cacti collection sounds so fun! Wish you could visit me here in Arizona where the saguaro is the state tree.

    1. Hi! I’d love to visit Arizona someday. For some reason–perhaps because I live in such a lush, green country–I just love arid landscapes. They’re more… dramatic!

    2. Just wondering: do you grow cacti in your garden? I’d love to be able to but most aren’t hardy enough to stay outdoors here.

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