Saturday, February 19, 2011

The Salvaged Silk Top


I'm continually disappointed by the way some garments photograph; silk charmeuse in particular. The color always looks off, and what appear to be horrific puckers along the seams are, in fact, not noticeable. I'm not sure why; I guess it's just that the particular reflection of light is captured, when it is ordinarily very transient.

Maybe. Whatever. The top looks tomato red here; believe me, it's more deep cherry; not a hint of orange in it.

Anyway, I finished the top last night. I've got the review written, and will post it when I have a photo of me actually in the top. It's got real potential for a wardrobe work horse, but I need to tweak the techniques a bit. Mostly I'll swap the goofy football-folded-in-half sleeve flap for a real cap sleeve, borrowed from another pattern.

And I need to find another way to mark the pleats, if I use a fine silk again. The tailor's tacks left holes.

But, it's wearable and it salvaged some fabric that would've otherwise just sat in a bag, sending out clouds of guilt and remorse, so I'm happy. ;)

8 comments:

  1. Ah! I remember when you bought that silk. Glad to see you've had the energy to sew it up into a lovely new top. WoooHooo!

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  2. ...that would be May of 2009. My chance for silk jammies and I blew it by not ordering plenty of fabric. What WAS I thinking??? ;)

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  3. I think it turned out gorgeous. Even if the color is showing a little off in the photograph. Did you try laying the shirt flat on a table or cutting mat and seeing if that helps the way it lays for photographing purpose? Might be sometime to try next time. :) Nice work, but you always do such nice work.
    ~Jess

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  4. No, I didn't try laying it down; in general, I don't care for photographs of flat garments; they look so...shapeless. A hanger shot is generally better, even if it shines odd. ;) A dress form picture would be even better, but I never managed to get my Grandmother's dressform to stand up straight; I just need to get myself one someday...

    And thanks! ;-)

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  5. Looks great, and I can imagine that the color is so much better in real life! I agree on how to photograph silk - tough to get it looking nice.

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  6. That is a beautiful silk tank. I can't wait to read your review.

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  7. Not as rough as 2007. I'm still trying to get that 'stash busting' finished. It doesn't help that I gained weight and I'm not sure those things left in the queue will still fit... :eek:

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