Let me introduce you to my Squamingos (squandered flamingos). You all were so helpful in suggesting how to use this fabric so I didn’t turn out looking like a 7 year old, so I did feel a bit of pressure to come back to you with something great. (Thanks for the advice; you also inspired me to try the Wanted T-shirt by Vanessa Pouzet, which I’ll show you soon in another post.) But it seems this T-shirt I made using this squee-worthy flamingo fabric I bought at Stoff & Stil in Berlin turned out a little too small. Hence the Squamingos. *Sigh.*
I used Wardrobe By Me’s Wardrobe-Builder T-shirt pattern. It’s a fitted t-shirt with several variations for necklines, lengths, hem shapes, sleeves, and even optional side-ruching — truly a versatile pattern:
I am so used to patterns turning out much bigger than the size charts would suggest that I cut out size 2, corresponding to my measurements, without giving it much thought. But this really is a fitted tee with negative ease and I probably should have gone with a bigger size. (To be fair, the pattern does clearly indicate that the tee has negative ease, and does give finished garment measurements.)
You’ll see from this awkward photo below how the shoulders are *very* narrow — I could’ve used an extra inch at each side. I almost always have to make the shoulders narrower on everything I make, so it was a shock that this was so narrow right out of the envelope, so to speak.
Another alteration I had to make was to shorten the upper torso, from the shoulder seam to the bust. Of course, I discovered this after I sewed it up. The combination of negative ease and too much room in the armscyes made the shirt ride up around my shoulders, like so…
…so I proceeded to rip out the top of the armscye and shoulder seams so I could nip off about an inch at each shoulder seam. When I put Humpty together again, I didn’t do a great job of easing the sleeve into the armscye:
Nothing a little ironing-the-shit-out-of-this-thing won’t fix. Well, maybe. But it’s certainly much better than before.
I do like the curved hemline. And my husband likes taking pictures of my ass, apparently. (Whenever I ask him to do “detail” shots, I usually find some close-ups of boobs or bum but not necessarily of the garment details. Bless his heart for still being interested after 16 years of marriage, though! lol)
To distract from the too-small shoulders, I made myself a lo-fi necklace, literally out of string and 3 wooden beads. I think it’s a great match.
Overall the verdict is that I will likely still use this pattern again, but bearing in mind that I need to shorten the shoulder-to-bust length, widen the shoulders, and beware of the negative ease.
I figure my chartreuse electric scooter is another good technique for distracting from the fit issues, don’t you agree? lol. I think the Squamingos are pretty cute after all. 😉
Thanks so much for stopping by for a read!
— Lori
Frivolous At Last 
Hilarious! I love to read your sewing adventures. We’ve all been there and it’s so frustrating when things don’t go smoothly. I love the hilarity you write into it. This looks like a great pattern and I love the flamingos.
We’ll done! (and the chartreuse scooter is a total win!)
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Thanks very much, Cherry! ❤
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It looks very cute on you and it’s great you have an adoring husband. I also am jealous of that scooter.
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Thanks. I went shopping for a new scooter after my previous (purple) one was stolen, and I almost dropped dead when I saw this colour. I love it!
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So funny! This is still a cute tshirt. Keep in mind that most RTW doesn’t have a perfect fit. It’s a process.
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Thanks, Tammy. It doesn’t bother me too much…I wore it the other day and will wear it again…I can’t resist Squamingos.
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They are lovely flamingos – you did a good job distracting us with the necklace and scooter – looks pretty good to me ;o)
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Thanks! Bright colours and baubles are good distractions. 😉
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What about removing the sleeves and turning it into a tank? The narrow shoulders would be a ‘design feature’!
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Great suggestion! Thanks!
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I was coming to the comments to say exactly the same things. The sleeves can be kept to one side to add cute trims to another project. Win Win!
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LOL…I’ve used the ironing-the-shit-out-of-this-thing technique from time to time myself, hahaha.
It’s too, too bad that the fit didn’t turn out as hoped. I hate that when it happens! If it feels okay on, you can totally get away with wearing it. I mean…we know the shortcomings, but the rest of the world will still see happy pink flamingos. And there’s always a Kate Spade-ish cardigan option as a topper.
That being said, Birdmommy has an excellent suggestion. Depends if you feel I’m-so-done-with-this or not.
Seriously? That’s your scooter? Chartreuse! I love it!
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It’s a technique that comes in *very* handy! 😉 Great idea to wear it with a cardigan…I think I even have one in just the right colour. Thanks, Sue!
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I laughed so hard I just had to read it out loud to my husband – he didn’t say a word just looked down a little sheepishly :)) I really love that pic of you on your scooter – I have a rather bright green electric bike that I adore and you’re so right – who notices me on that joy toy? I love your fabric I must say and the Tee probably bothers you than it would anyone else 🙂
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Joy Toy is a great word for it! It does make me really happy to ride it. And I laughed reading about your husband’s reaction — thanks for that! lol
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Super jealous of the scooter!! (And your jeans, AND your shoes…)
What a bummer about the oddly balanced shoulder/armscye situation–if it makes you feel any better, I didn’t notice it right away (I started looking closely at the area when you mentioned it), so I’m sure few non-sewers will either. And I definitely don’t think it’s too tight–it looks great on you! I’m not normally one for this type of print, but I am really digging the flamingo fabric! *scurries off to see if it’s available online anywhere*
I had to laugh about your husband’s idea of a “detail shot,” as mine tends to do similar things. I have one amazing photo he took of me in my moulage (aka a sleeveless muslin body condom with a zip up the back–he LOVED that) that is entirely of my blurry, in-motion backside, which he managed to make look very bodacious and sexy somehow. I suppose things like that are a small price to pay for their help with our photos, huh? =D
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LOL — so funny Mads! 😀
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NOOOOOOOO!! 😦 Bummer about it being too small, but the pattern looks like it has definite potential in the right size!
LOL @ your husband taking “detail shots”–I usually get at least one shot straight down my cleavage when I ask him to take pics for me. Hazards of having a tall husband I suppose. 😛
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LOLing a lot over here! Nice that they’re still interested, right? haha
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Exactly! Even after 12 years he’s still the goofy guy I married.😂 💘
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the cutest top ever…love it
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