Another Chuck Sweater, Another Beignet and Vogue 8772

Despite having not been around on the blog for a while (though still lurking on others), I have been making stuff.  Quite a few things, actually.  Problem is, because I didn't document any of it at the time, I can't remember many details.  I suppose that's not much different to the usual state of affairs around here, since I tend to post a pic and a (relatively) short description most of the time.

So, here I am, posting three of my recent-ish makes.

The first is another Chuck Sweater, but this time in red Cascade 220.  I won't go into details, except to say I made the Small size but it could do with being smaller still (despite having a 35.5" bust measurement.  That's me, not the sweater).  And again, sorry it's a dark photo.  Still having trouble on the old photo front.

Next up are tie-front shirt, Vogue 8772, and a green cotton drill Beignet skirt.  I won't go into details on the Beignet skirt.  I think it's my fourth one (I have a denim one I haven't blogged and, in fact, had forgotten about until now.  I made it last July and still have never worn it - it's a bit tight).  This skirt: it is what it is!  I like it.  It's useful.  And, yes, I have a bow overload going on here.

The shirt.  Hmm.  Yes, the shirt.  It's one I wanted to make for ages, having made a couple of the McCalls M6436 shirts, which are loose-fitting, where V8772 has a closer fit.  It certainly does have a closer fit, and I wish I had kept that in mind when I made my muslin.  Yes, I made a muslin but only checked the bust and the general width of the garment.  I didn't make a complete muslin; I made a sleeveless shell, and didn't realise the shirt was actually a bit too long from shoulder down to bust.  What I needed to do was take it up quite a bit at the shoulder seams, as I now have quite a bit of excess above the bust, which I am always pulling down and adjusting.  I think that is the alteration I should have made, but I'm not sure.  Because the photo was so hurried I'm afraid it doesn't show up.  Other than that, the shape of the shirt itself is great.  Quite form fitting but not too much so.

The instructions have you cut out the huge tie ends on the bias, which means the whole thing is very tricky to iron smoothly, without getting those horrid bias-y unruly things happening (if you get me).  I'm wondering why one would need to cut the tie on the bias in the first place.  Is there a reason for this?

I have quite a few more things to show you and will try to do that soon.  Although I'm afraid the photos don't get any better!