I think I just spent too much time on it was wasn't able to see it clearly because of that.
There are still things I'm not thrilled with, aspects of the top I'll change next time, but this is a definite keeper after all. Thank you all for your encouragement with this one.
The full review is here, but there are a few things I'd like to point out.
2. The collar band on this shirt is ginormous. I said it before, but now that I'm done, I'll say it again. Freaking ginormous. My neck isn't skinny by any means, but it makes it look that way. And since I just got all my hair cut off, I have no interest in looking like a Q-tip.
Note to self: fix that next time.
4. I'm biased. Not only the ruffle, but the upper collar band and the outer cuffs, were cut on the bias. I really thought it would make the ruffle lay better and also since there was no way to completely match it all the way down (and would that even look good, merging into the pattern but adding that extra bulk on the front?). My other motive there was that since it was a single ruffle (not cut on fold or sewn together), McCalls wanted a teeny-tiny hem along the edge. I didn't want any visible topstitching on this to detract from its already overwhelming plaid-ness. At least cut on the bias it's not likely to fray, and if it does, it won't be as noticeable as a straight-grain fray and I can tidy it up.
Somebody pin it down before it escapes again!
Honestly, she's the only person who makes me yell when I'm mad. Normally when I get angry, I get quiet. Or snarky. Or sarcastic. Betty makes me yell. And then when I yell at her, she tells me I sound just like my mother, who always yelled at her, and that just makes me madder.
Once Thursday is over, I think we need a little vacation from each other. It'll be nice to just go up and visit her as an elderly relative who needs company, instead of the great black hole of need who sucks up all my free time for weeks on end and then tells me I don't do anything for her. Just a little break.
That will be good.
Back to the sewing room. The Colette Patterns Sencha blouse is on the table, and so far, so good.