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Pink Flounce Top – Simplicity 2554

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This is another version of my “what was I thinking” face.

If I was Jack Donaghy and this shirt was Liz Lemon I’d have to say “Good God, Lemon!” (I’ve been watching a lot of 30 Rock lately).

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Excuse me if this is a more philosophical post rather than technical sewing post.

This top is not working. Sure, it’s not terrible and it is certainly comfortable. There’s nothing wrong with it per-se but I’m just not digging the style.

I saw this pattern in the store and liked the look of the flounce sleeve effect of this shirt (and no, I did not purposefully try to make an exact copy of the top in the photo, I just happened to have a lot of this pink jersey in my stash). However, in real life I find these flutters just plain annoying. I mean really. What am I supposed to do with these things? They never lay – I don’t know, what’s the word? Normal? Flattering? Un-blob like?

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Maybe it is because the flounces are set so close together? Perhaps if they were set more off to the side I’d like it more? Who knows?

So since I’ve decided I don’t like this top I will probably send it to Goodwill and chalk this one up to experience and learning – more experience sewing knits and learning what I don’t like.

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By now I’m at a skill level that I don’t dislike my creations because they don’t fit or they have some structural problem. Instead I’m facing the fact that sometimes things aren’t my style – like this shirt design. With sewing you don’t have the luxury of trying on something ahead of time to decide if you like it. And lately I’ve bought and sewn patterns that I look good in theory and are disappointing as a finished product.

Does anyone else have this problem? It can be an expensive one and one that I’m determined to learn sooner rather than later because I want a wardrobe that reflects my personal style – a style that I haven’t quite defined as of yet…

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So here’s the question – How has sewing helped you develop your style? Were you interested in fashion before you started sewing? I never was, now I find myself oogling over NY Fashion Week runway photos. How would you define you personal style and how is that reflected by what you sew? Do you feel like you are proficient enough to sew clothes that reflect your style or are you still learning?

Comments (12) for post “Pink Flounce Top – Simplicity 2554”

  • I’ve definitely had this problem in the past too, I think I’m better now about what fits into my “style.” I still buy patterns that don’t fit in but at least I don’t get to the point of making them up as often anymore.
    I also pay attention to fashion alot more than I used to, though most of the time the stuff that walks down runways I always think “that’s interesting, but I would never put in the effort to actually make something like that”

  • My style is eclectic, but I’m learning how to edit my choices into shapes/silhouettes/lengths that flatter my body, not just my style….

    What if you moved, or added, ruffles towards the center of the shirt so they met more in the middle? This would help draw the eye inward 🙂

  • I’ve learned that I prefer very simple clothing. I love a funky print or maybe one cool design feature, but overall I like it clean and simple. I made that same top a while back, too– and hated it. It never say the light of day (or the blog 🙂

  • I’ve sewn some things that suit me that I would probably not have tried on in a shop. Something about the fact that I can change the fit on things I’m sewing makes me more adventurous. However it can be difficult to pick out patterns that will work. I’m trying really hard to get better at that. Looking at technical drawings rather than photos seems to help.

  • I’ve made this shirt twice; however, both times the flounces were nixed because of problems hemming the fabric. I think if they were drafted just a bit differently or, like you said, sat differently they’d be much better. As it is though, I wear my flounce-less blouses a ton!

    I didn’t care about fashion before sewing, either. And like you, now drool over NY Fashion Week. Sewing has had a major impact on my fashion sense mostly because I’m finally able to wear all of those wonderful clothes I could never fit into before. Before sewing, I’d get so frustrated trying things on that I just never ended up with something I adored. With sewing, that’s changing. If I dream of it, I can do it (with in reason… I’m still learning).

  • First of all I think the top does look cute on you, however I made a top like this and hated it myself. I was like you, I just didn’t feel comfortable in it, like I always had to be messing with the ruffles. I think this style looks great in pictures but is just plain annoying to wear.

  • My interest in fashion before sewing went as far as ‘What not to Wear’ but now I am always jotting down notes of something I saw in a magazine or an expensive shop window.
    Thanks to sewing I have developed a style, based on a flattering silhouette and pieces that work together as a wardrobe rather than randomly. And a look that is practical to my lifestyle. I never knew how to make a wardrobe work together before sewing. What’s better is that I can create my look on my dime, rather than overpriced shops.

  • I like the top, but I hear you on you not liking it. I have made a few things I just couldn’t wear in the end.

    I was never into fashion either and I am looking at the runways and actually subscribed to InStyle. Crazy stuff for me. On the other hand, I have learned a lot about my body shape and what does and doesn’t work on me, and some of the “do work”s have surprised me. I’m jealous of girls that just get it, but I’m muddling through.

  • Thanks everyone, I like reading other people’s opinions on style and sewing and I’m glad I’m not the only one to make this pattern and not love it!

  • I think that you shouldn’t be so demanding with yourself! The T shirt is very nice and the color is beautifull. Provides light to your face. It’s good sometimes to have something different 🙂
    In my case I don’t know if I have a definite style, I’m not sure call it that. From what I’m really sure is that exactly what I want and I know at a glance if a garment is for me, that is, if I feel comfortable with it or not, if I look good or not and especially if I’ll use it much time or is one of those clothes that are only used once and then sleep in the closet forever.
    Sorry if there are mistakes. My English isn’t perfect yet. I’m learning and also “Google translate” helps me. 😀

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