Publish that Flop {Vogue 1247}

Pattern:  Vogue 1247

Sizing:  12

Fabric:  silk

Notions:  none

Cost:  7.50 for fabric

Assembly time:  1.5 hrs of cutting, 6 hrs of sewing

Instructions:  so-so

Modification:  did not complete project

Recommend:  no

When do you say, "I quit", on a sewing project?  Do you tell anyone that the project you poured hours into only produced a garment that is horrible?  That being seen in such a mess would only result in questions of sanity and good taste?  And why-oh-why do people only show favorable projects in blogland? 
 

Never fear, I am here to share my flops as well as successes. I swear that there is something to be learned from other's mishaps, particularly when we are all working on the same projects with the same directions.  If I could beg my fellow sewing bloggers, I would ask if every once in while they share their imperfections too. Unwrap those wadders, and share your nasty little secret.

With that said, me and Vogue 1247 are not compatible.   I HATE the shirt and am totally quitting the design.  Here are the top ten reasons why I am totally dismayed with this project.

1. Grain markings on pattern do not help match fabric pieces
2. Five unmatching pairs of darts/pleats
3. Bulky french seams
4. Bust darts and five piece panel front---so many seams
5. Unavoidable wavy front seams
6. Pattern sizing on envelope and pattern ease are two different beasts
7. Low neckline
8. No instructions for successful installation of front center point
9. Resembles fancy hospital scrubs
10. So many favorable reviews but I couldn't make it work

So what did I like about the project?  Ummm...the back is nice, although it has two panels which may not be necessary.  The fabric I chose was nice to work with, and I am confident that it was not the cause of my disaster. Even though I will not be using this pattern again, I do have a couple of suggestions for the people out there who want to pursue the impossible. 

1. Use ease measurement on pattern for selecting size--hips bigger use that ease, bust bigger use that ease
2. Plain fabric will look best
3. Test fabric before using French seam technique to avoid bulk
4. Check front to back pleat placement before basting
5. Notice the top of each pattern piece, the directions neglect to instruct

Best of luck! And please, remember to publish those flops.