Purple People Eater Ginger

For the past month or so, I've been in muslin failure mode. I mentioned before that I tried out the skirt from Simplicity 2215 and it wasn't flattering. Then I dug out the muslin that I started for a Crepe last March (ugh) and after working with my sewing teacher for a little bit, we decided to toss it. I had stitched up the smallest size for the bodice and the chest was still about 3 sizes too big and we just couldn't manipulate the fabric so the bodice would fit. We got the chest to fit, but then there were these huge pockets of fabric on the back by my arms. If my sewing teacher, who has about 30 years of experience, can't get the damn thing to fit, I'm ok with finally giving up on it. Now I'm super hesitant about making any Colette pattern that involves a top because the bodice will most likely always be way too big. Anyone have any solutions? It's sad because my bottom half fits perfectly with their measurements.

But it doesn't end there. After recognizing that I need some summer blouses in my wardrobe, I quickly whipped up a muslin of the blouse from Simplicity 2211. It was too big, but I was able to take it in so that it fit like it was intended to. The trouble was, it just wasn't flattering. The blouse doesn't have any button or zipper closures, so it needs to be baggy enough to be able to slip it on as is. I never wear baggy shirts untucked and, when this shirt was tucked into a skirt, it was way too bunched up in the back. So I scrapped that muslin too.

Then I made the skirt from Simplicity 2211 and was nearly finished with it when I realized it looked like crap on me. It doesn't have a waistband or darts, both of which I apparently feel the need for in a skirt. I started to take it apart to fix it but was eventually so disgusted with it that I threw it aside.

At least I feel like I'm learning good lessons when choosing patterns to try out. I now know that I like to wear structured and fitted garments. I'm not sure why this didn't occur to me before now, because all of my ready-to-wear clothes are exactly that. I guess I'm highly influenced by the cute things that I see other people making.

After all of those false starts, I needed a sure bet project. So I dug out my Colette Ginger pattern and made my third Ginger, only this time in Version 2. The best part about this project is that I was able to pull everything from my stash, hem tape and all! Forgive the weird lighting in this picture. It turned into quite the crappy day, but Nick and I were able to sneak in a few pictures after work while the rain took a break. My crops are peaking in at the bottom to say hello!

I just can't get over how awesome hem tape looks from the inside and it's so easy to use.

It was so nice to finally finish a project that worked out! As much as I love my Gingers, I think I need to find  a skirt pattern that sits lower but retains the A-line shape. A simple A-line skirt has the potential to become one of my wardrobe staples. Anyone have any suggestions?