Blast From the Past: I wish I knew... (Simplicity 3964 and 3850)

I wish I knew how to sew cornered seams when I started to sew.

This was the first (or second) shirt I ever made myself:

Built by Wendy S3964

I was really proud of the shirt, but it was too small in the chest!  There is lots of bunching!

I did a really good job on the shirt, IMO.  I knew nothing about sizing, or how to finish seams properly.  I also could not sew corners.  The inset is a little wonky, but I did an awesome job on the neck binding.  Sometimes I wonder how I made this shirt.  

And the Pattern Review:

Pattern Description:

3964 Misses Tops and Dresses

Misses Built By Wendy Collection Dress, Tunic or Top

Pattern Sizing:

4-12.  I didn't know much about sizing and ease. I made a 4 and it was way too tight.  I think I did this because I made another top in a size 8 and it was huge!

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Pretty much, yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yes. At the time I was a true beginner and I could understand all the directions. The only reason I said it was difficult and great for Advanced Sewers is because the cornered inset was very difficult to sew.  Now, I would have no problems with it. 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I thought it was a cool, funky pattern.  I thought the inset was difficult to sew though. I also thought that with the crappy quilting cotton that I used (I didn't know I should use fashion fabric) the sleeves stuck out quite a bit.  

Fabric Used:

Quilting cotton.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

None. I didn't know how.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Maybe I would make it sleeveless.  It was fun to make.  

Conclusion:

It's a fun top. Lots of different techiques to practice your skill set.  I wish it would have fit. 

Oh, in the picture above I'm also wearing the first pair of shorts I made.  I totally forgot about those. 

They are also a Built By Wendy pattern S3850:

I was an ambitious beginner sewist, wasn't I?  

I actually referred to Pattern Review for these shorts and everyone said they ran big.  I still made the size that matched my measurements ( a size 12) and they were huge! I had to take in the side seams to fix that, but in doing so, the pockets got really tiny.  I finished all the seams by zig-zagging and the front fly looks really good.  They are still too baggy so I don't wear them, but I can't get rid of them because they are one of the first things I ever made.

Pattern Review for the shorts:

Pattern Description:

3850 Misses Pants

Built By Wendy Misses Slim Pants, Capris & Shorts

Pattern Sizing:

4-12. I made a 12. They were huge!

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

I guess. They weren't as slim as the picture indicated.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

I thought they were easy to follow.  They were one of my first projects.  My first attempt at pants other than pjs.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

They ran ginormous, but I liked the style.

Fabric Used:

Cotton twill.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

Since they were large, I had to take in the side seams on both the legs and the waistband.  This caused the pockets to shrink.  I could barely fit my hands in them.  Thank goodness for little hands.  

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Now that I know about sizing and flat pattern measuring, I think I would try them again. Maybe for spring or summer.  

Conclusion:

Flat pattern measure.  It will save your sanity and your pockets :)

Do you guys hang on to your "firsts?"