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Friday 10 March 2017

Snatching victory from the jaws of defeat...or how I managed to rescue a cutting mistake


These are probably also the last photos from my mini-series, the Christmas Tree collection! Never one to waste some good mediocre photos I thought I'd just use them anyway. Call it thrift!

So, yes I made this during the festive break and I like how it's turned out. I haven't worn it yet but that's because I think it's a summer print that's not for steel-grey coloured cloudy skies of Scotland in the winter. What's the cutting mistake? Can you guess? It's staring you right in the face...the central vertical line. That's actually a piece of fabric overlocked to a left front and right front pattern piece. Normally you'd cut this pattern piece on the fold but because of the stripes I was aiming to cut this in a single layer. Except...I cut around one side of the front pattern piece...and then instead of flipping the pattern piece over and cutting around the other side...I started cutting UP the front towards the neckline. So I had two fronts. *sigh*


I was a tad annoyed...until eventually I thought about cutting a strip of fabric and overlocking it to the front pieces. Problem solved, a wearable garment created and actually, I really like it. The fabric is a cotton jersey with a little bit of lycra in it that I bought months ago from Edinburgh Fabrics. The pattern is one I've made before, Simplicity 1463 . I was careful about the pattern placement for the neckband and sleeve bands and the neck band is a smidgeon too long but I've noticed this before with this pattern. The hem is finished with a twin needle. 


All in all, quite a simple top. Have you ever rescued something from a howler of a mistake or disaster?

6 comments:

  1. I think your modified version is much more attractive than it would have been without the modification. Perhaps your unconscious mind saw the possibility and made it happen.

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    1. I wonder if you're onto something here! I remember having a brain snooze when cutting out so just maybe I had subconsciously worked out a better way of making this top. I love it!

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  2. That's a terrific save. And it adds a really nice detail. Win win!

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    1. Thanks, it really is a great detail and thank goodness it saved this make! It is a lovely detail and adds 'something' to this top. I actually think I like it much better now than I would have if I hadn't made the mistake. I like putting my mistakes, saved or not, on this blog and reading other bloggers who do the same.

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  3. You are so clever, this is a great save. I love your total dedication to thrift by using the photos too - very commendable!

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    1. Thanks Julia, and I actually think the top is much better because of the mistake! It's funny how things turn out sometimes, don't you think?

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