Wednesday 30 April 2014

Sew for Victory Lobster playsuit! (Wearing History #4001)

YES!!!
I finished, in time! Phew!

I am really happy to show you all my entry to the Sew for Victory 2.0 challenge. To be honest, I wasn't sure how this would go. This project was made using the Wearing History Sailor Girl playsuit pattern, one I have wanted to try for nearly a year. And it delivered! Just look at it! It is awesome!


Ok ok , I know a big ass sombrero isn't very nautical.
I didn't have time to sew one of those cute little
white hats. M'kay?



The shirt is made up in linen for a relaxed summery feel. I should probably gotten a higher quality linen fabric, as the fibres seem short and prone to breaking. But it will do! The design is so perfect, with a side zipper, shoulder pleats and that fabulous sailor collar! It also has a little scarf loop in the front, in the event of using an under collar scarf, which also is very stylish.

I used narrow satin ribbon for trim, and it turned out great. I was thinking about having two stripes, but figured any "wobbly-ness" would be twice as noticeable so I went for the one.



Love that collar!



The shorts are made using my infamous lobster fabric. The print is just so much fun (I really want a lobster dress too!!) and perfect for this playsuit. I had to underline the shorts, because the cotton fabric was really sheer and soft, not the right weight for this type of garment. I wanted it more sturdy. Making these in the midst of Easter, meaning fabric store was closed, I had to use some plain cotton muslin as underlining.
I worked out ok, but in hindsight I would have opted for a lighter fabric. It got kind of bulky in places and finishing the seams called for some creativity. The waist facings also has fusible interfacing, so bulk galore! They feel almost like jeans, but I don't mind (ask me again in the summer when there's a gazillion degrees out). Next time I make up this pattern I will try a loose/separate lining inside, and see how that works.

Oh yes, and then there was the issue of buttons. I actually find that to be the hardest part of any buttoned project. Usually I have no idea what I want, and end up finding 50 different nice ones that I spend hours trying to decide over. But this time I knew exactly what I wanted! But do you think ANY of the haberdashers had large red glossy buttons? Take a guess.







I was running out of time (and sanity) and decided to go for white instead. I found some with anchors on them, and nautical theme is a WIN! Besides, buttons are easily replaceable and if I find the perfect ones I'll just switch.

If yo are thinking of trying this pattern, do. It is great. The instructions are easy to follow, and the pieces come together wonderfully. I didn't make any adjustments other than lengthen the shirt by an inch or so. I also scooped the back of the neck opening on the shirt, as there was some pulling on top of the shoulders towards the front. Other than that, it fit me great right out of the envelope. Still, I am very glad I made muslins of both items. I helped me having a testrun, and eliminated any end result surprises.










That's all folks! Now, go! Make playsuits.
ROLL ON SUMMER!!!!







29 comments:

  1. Those lobsters are adorable! What a great fabric choice. As soon as I saw your pattern choice combined with your fabric choice I knew you had a hit! Red buttons would have been great ( I can never find exactly what I want in button choice either) but your nautical themed white ones fit the bill. Great job! I love it!

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    1. I always wanted something lobster! And it turned out exactly how I wanted it too. Love it when that happens :) I will still be on the look-out for those buttons, though..

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  2. Fabulous! Love the red trim with the lobsters! :)

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  3. Great job! The lobsters with the white top and red trim are so "summer"! This looks great on you.

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  4. Oh, i love this! It fits perfectly and the lobster fabric is awesome! I'm in the midst of finishing my playsuit for the Hollywood Sewalong (Theme: The Notebook) and I would be finished already if it wasn't for choosing the right buttons. I just cannot find any that I'm 100% satisfied with. They are easily replacable, yes, but I'm also not sure about the size and therefore cannot sew the buttonholes until I decide. Ahh. Buttons.

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    1. Thanks!
      Ah, the pain of buttons.. Good luck on your hunt ;)
      I am sure your play suit will be awesome in the end!

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  5. It came out great, looks excellent on you and goes well with those fabulous shoes ;o)

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  6. The shorts in particular look smashing on you!

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    1. Thank you Lauren!
      The shorts scared me the most as I was very unsure the style would suit me. I am very glad they actually flatter my shape :) Who would have known!

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  7. All of your hard work making muslins and underlining payed off, it turned out great! Love the shoes too. Nice job.

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  8. You look fabulous, every bit the 1940's pin-up!
    I love how the outfit has turned out, you have made an excellent job and your trims finish it perfectly.
    It seems that you have learned some great things along the way,which is what this challenge is about.
    Well done Siri!:)

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    1. Thank you! *blushing*

      I really learned a lot from this, and I am stoked I managed to finish in time! I usually run out of steam when the deadline approaches. Although I did take photos in the final hour (literally) and didn't even put make-up on or do my hair, the outfit was finished :)

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  9. Very nice! I love that you used a white fabric for the top. It balances everything out. Otherwise it might have been too much.


    You make me want this pattern badly :)

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    1. Thank you Anthea :)
      Well, it was never the plan to go all over lobster :) It would be too loud, and would lose the shape and detailing. It turned out exactly as I envisioned it in my head. How often can one say that? Heh..

      You should totally get the pattern, you would rock this outfit!!

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  10. It came together so beautifully! It's a really lovely style on you, and those lobsters are amazing...That is the perfect vintage summer outfit :)

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    1. Thanks, Danielle!
      I wasn't sure I would really love the style on me, but I do! Very happy with it :)

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  11. Den ble kjempefin! Og så flotte bilder! En kjole i det hummer-stoffet hadde vært helt fantastisk.

    Jeg er ferdig med blusen, men jeg har igjen å ta bilder. Fristen er forlenget, så jeg har helga på meg. Bildene er et større problem enn syingen.

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    1. Helt enig! Bildene ble tatt i hysteri, samme dag som fristen. Fikk ikke hverken sminket meg eller fikset hår. Men nå er det jo klærne som er fokuset da, så det får duge. Hadde jeg visst om forlengelsen hadde jeg tatt bedre bilder.. gidder ikke nå :)

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    2. Tuller du? Du er jo skikkelig sexy på den krakken!

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  12. Fabulous Outfit and great fabric choice!

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  13. OMG! OMG! That playsuit is wonderful! I'm literally speechless and trying to bring my jaw to its new site ... Love it with all my heart!

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  14. You look really great! I love your shorts and shirt! You make me want to find a shorts pattern! Your shirt turned out really well. All the muslins was worth while!

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  15. you're amazing !!!!! it's wonderful !

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  16. Where can I get this shorts pattern?

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