(raises hand) I, Aleeah, do solemnly swear from this day forward to never sew a garment for myself by following the pattern exactly. I do further swear that I will not cut exactly on the printed pattern lines or stitch on the printed seamlines until I have made every attempt to fit and adjust said pattern pieces, specifically seamlines, to fit me.
I place this photo here and wear the Killer Bees Vest to the day job today as an example of my sewing misconceptions and document it as a means to remind me of lessons that I have learned over the past couple of months. These past few months have been very enlightening as I return to garment sewing after 20 years. I’ve spend much time reading blog posts and tutorials and op ed’s on how sewing and fitting should be approached rather than how I was taught to do it.
This is the last garment I will sew straight from the pattern!
I referenced this vest in an earlier post. Here are the details:
I used McCalls 5252, opting for view D, the hooded full-zip vest. I used the XXXL size, split the yoke and spread it about an inch and increased the width of the underarm side panel piece.
Note the red arrow in the upper right. There is extra fabric there because I pivoted the front to add a couple of inches for a FBA but failed to realize the shoulders need adjusting as well. And yes, you can fit a bowling ball in there.
The arrow on the left pointing to the base of the zipper shows where I could not make the hems match. I hemmed it twice. The zipper, although stitched on the vest separately, matched exactly at the top and I was never able to get the bottoms to line up. Needless, to say, this is the only time today the vest will be zipped up.
The arrow on the lower right seemingly pointing to my right hand demonstrates exactly how much room the pocket opening has. Something about the construction of these pockets totally eluded me. Not only is that pocket very small, the opposite pocket is regular size and both has the fleece selvages exposed at the pocket opening.
All I can say was it was a bad sewing day. Evidently, the thought of trying to produce a good-looking garment for myself affects my subconscious in a very negative way.
Onward and upward!
Oh, and here is what I think I look like with this on.
Fruit From My Hands 
Oh man, that’s a tough sewing experience. Big hugs to you! I’m glad you shared it. I don’t think you look like that picture below, though!
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Thanks so much. You are too kind! The dear husband asked if he could have one just like it!
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How frustrating, but good for you keeping a sense of humour about it all. Sounds like you have a very loving and supportive hubby too, same here. They are an encouraging blessing alright!
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Very funny post 😉 I’m experiencing the exact same thing. I sewed a garment with great care but without bothering to make a muslin and the result is a very neat dress which does not suit my body shape at all. As you rightly say, this is a good reminder that fitting is really paramount, but i find it really difficult! The vest looks good, I love the color, I hope you figure a way to alter the vest though
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