Chairs, porridge, beds, shirts, too big, too small

[clevermanka]

In short, nothing is Just Right.

I've been mulling over what to bring for gifts to my hosts when I visit Italy (if I get to go) at the end of July. I eventually settled on a shirt for Luca (the husband) and a kimono wrap top for Sabina (I don't have to worry so much about fit that way).

This weekend saw the completion of Sabina's top, and a shirt that would house two Lucas. I can't find the pattern I used to use for 0verdrive's shirts, which is what Mommy recommended, as he and Luca are about the same size. I made a shirt based on the measurements that Sabina sent me, and there is Just No Way this shirt will work. Unless he plans to use it as a tent. A pavillion tent.

Last night I traced a pattern for a smaller shirt--different style, kinda funky, and naturally out of print (thanks, Butterick). I finished it up, eyeballed it for buttonholes and thought--"waitaminnit." I tried it on. It fits me, except it's too narrow to fit over my giant ass. But the shoulders? Perfect fit. OK, so now it seems I'm playing The Three Little Bears with this damn shirt-making process. Incredibly frustrating.

I'm debating whether I should give it another go, or just admit defeat in the face of inadequate measurements and the fact that I've never met this person and he might very well hate any fabric/color combination I come up with.

groan

And in the background of all of this is the nagging worry that my passport might not arrive. Of course, that would mean I wouldn't have to worry about bringing a gift.

Comments

[amjhawk.livejournal.com]

When would you be leaving and coming back?

I'll likely have some sort of celebration - but it would only be a party if you were there... ;)

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

I'd rather not put days I'm out of town in a public post. I'll email you.

And awwwww. You're sweet.

[grnvixen.livejournal.com]

Hope your passport makes it, I've been hearing horror stories lately. You might want to think about giving your local representative a call NOW, that seems to help some.

And could the measurements you were given have been european?

You keep inspiring me to get back to sewing for myself, just have to find the time........

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

I've been told by someone who works in a representative's office that there is nothing anyone will do for me until it's two weeks before my departure date.

The measurements were in centimeters. I asked for body measurements, not clothing "sizes" (whatever those are).

And hurray for providing inspiration!

[redheadfae.livejournal.com]

How frustrating! well, if you cut it short and put cute lil ties on it, you have a new crop shirt :\

As for the huge shirt, I'm sure we know a big fella somewhere who can wear it, or eBay will!

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

I already have a taker for the big shirt, and am hoping a certain adorable skinny fella on my flist will take me up on the offer for the little one.

I sell similar custom shirts for $50-$60, ya know? It's really frustrating to be giving them away because I keep making the wrong fucking size.

[redheadfae.livejournal.com]

Yah, it's a bitch to think of the time that you've just put into two shirts, and you're still without the present! Gah.

[maibe.livejournal.com]

Italy = very cool! The farthest away I'm going is Colorado, and I'm cramming into a cabin with family...

I'll keep my fingers crossed on the shirt-making!

[chronovore.livejournal.com]

Everybody I know has got a big 'but'...
—Pee Wee Herman, Pee Wee's Big Adventure

...and there's nothing wrong with that.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

*mwah*