Woman of my word

"Do I or do I not deliver?" That's what I'm asking in that first photograph. Because last week when I said I had plans to retrace Vogue 8495, I meant it. I wasn't just throwing that around like, "Yeah, we should get together sometime. I'll call you." I was saying, "Mark my words, we WILL do lunch next Wednesday." Wouldn't that be so intense if you really said that to someone?

Anyways, I worked up the nerve to retrace this pattern in the next size down, and it turned out much better than my Sound of Music-esque curtain attempt. This time I used some thrifted shirting fabric. Here's what it looks like up close. Unfortunately it's already acquired a few snags, so I don't think this shirt will last past this Summer. Overall, the fit is much nicer. It's comfortable and relatively easy to sew. I really like the look of the smaller front yoke and the center pleat.

What? No complaints? Oh, yes. There are some concerns about this pattern. First off, both times I sewed this pattern the yokes didn't completely line up--with each other or with the main body of the garment. I had to do a lot of hand-maneuvering, but up close it still looks a bit janky. That's frustrating. Also, something about the back yoke is just awkward. I'm not sure if it's too big or too round. It just doesn't look right. If I made this again, I'd probably ditch the back yoke. The neckline's a bit wide too.

It's really starting to sound like I don't like this shirt, but I do. I swear. I'm not leading you on. I just wish there needn't be so many alterations.

So, now you know. I keep my promises. A woman of my word. Oh, and did you notice? The teeny sleeves showed up this time. Pretty nice.