I am proud of this one because 1. Its a silky fabric I’m not used to sewing, and it didn’t bite me. and 2. I made the pattern for the tulip sleeves myself! I used this tutorial for some help, and used my street sewing smarts.
I took a moment to add a hot pink button, because I could and I did.
Fluttery tulip sleeves in action! I always text Jon a picture of what I’m sewing, because he always gets so excited. I didn’t quite match the stripes on the side, but I think they matched up pretty well from the back view. Patting myself on the back for a job well done.
Making good progress on the cute summer shirt collection over here! This week I added a floral sleeveless top, with a peter pan collar, and an asymmetrical hemline for a flowy, breezy look.
The fabric is a lightweight cotton for summer, and I like the watercolor look of the floral print. I also like that this is one of those kinds of pattens where, if I drip ice cream or something, its not completely noticeable (depending on the flavor of ice cream).
I read the directions wrong for the collar. I doubt it would have made much of a difference, and no one would be able to tell, but I would know. So out the stitches came.
And then it looked so much better the correct way, right???
And now, a grainy photo of the shirt being modeled. I ended up taking it in a bit on the sides because it was tooo flowy, but I am real happy with it now. I might add a couple little buttons near the collar too. (Please note the height of the tomato plants. They used to just be babies!)
Some pictures from the weekend.
1. A perfect sized pickle in the garden.
2. All cleaned up after working in the yard all afternoon.
3. Making and remaking a shirt. Read directions twice, sew once.
I managed to finish three new garments last week. (I watch Project Runway while I’m sewing. Makes me feel more legit.) I only planned on two, but I ended up having a little extra fabric, so I was able to squeeze out one more.
First up is this fancy little shirt with a peter pan collar. The fabric is super light and perfect for hot summers. I already want to wear it everywhere.
Next we have a striped tank dress. I have made this pattern before, but with sleeves. I was really nervous to work with a stripe, since its pretty obvious if it turns out crooked then, but I have to start somewhere!
I had a little extra of the stripe material, since I didn’t make any sleeves, so I made it work with another tank top pattern! I like all the different stripe angles. I think this design would lay a little better with a more flowy fabric, but it was nice to get used to the pattern, and its definitely still wearable!
I’m trying out a couple new shirt patterns this week, which means we had to go get some fabric. Oh darn. I get really sucked into sewing. Following the pattern, moving on to the next step, and the next and the next until its magically all done. I have to remind myself to stop to eat. We’ll see how many pieces I can finish this week!
And we have a final product! And it actually looks like a shirt, and is completely wearable in public, so that is a huge plus.
Its not quite perfect, but I think its a pretty solid first attempt. I also feel as if I have uncovered one of the world’s great secrets. Everybody is wearing clothes, but not everybody knows how they are made. I can join that secret club now.
Its fun to look back through the pictures and remember all the “firsts.” Also, all the calls and texts to my ma asking her if it was looking right.
Sometimes I just had to remind myself to go step-by-step, and it would magically become whatever it was supposed to be.
The continuous lap part. Thank goodness for youtube.
I’ve made buttonholes before, but I’ve never sewn on a button with the machine. The button foot is a little scary looking, but we made friends.
I’m excited to make another one! Maybe some spring fabric? Of course, now that my flannel shirt is done, the weather has decided to warm up a bit here.
My shirt sewing is coming along smoothly so far. Its very fascinating. Like learning one of the tiny secrets of the universe.
A couple things that I noticed this week:
I am sewing my first shirt! It is a button-up shirt, with a yoke, and sleeves, and everything. I love the idea of sewing some of my own clothes, so I am pumped to start practicing! I am instagramming some of the different stages, if you want to follow along. I got my fingers crossed that it will actually fit once I am finished!
This only comes in kid sizes, but I think its true for adults too. (found here)
guy and his girl 
