Friday, September 01, 2006

New Shirts for Me

I decided to continue in my sewing room with a couple of quick projects. Yes, they were quick and pretty successful. I signed up over a month ago for an on-line sewing class at See it Sew it. I have been printing off the lessons but not doing any sewing. Oh, yes, class name, might be helpful Trendy Tees. The line drawings were incredible, one was the exact tank from Ideology, part of my incentive to sign up. I made this one first - it had a CF drape.


I wasn't happy with the drape. The instructions aren't the best for drafting the drape, just a line drawing, no measurements. I thought I had it about right, but I don't think there is enough drape. Also, it was recommended not to finish the edges, I just couldn't do that. Maybe I should have listened. This is what you can see, the stitching, not too great of a look:


Here are the changes I made:

  • stretched 4" of elastic in 6" of the side seams and center front
  • placed a button to hold the drape to the side and create a faux crossover
  • took in 1/2" on the side seams

I am pretty pleased with the final look. I wasn't too pleased with the tank pattern from See it Sew it. I took 3/4" from the armsyce, thought the pattern would be the right size but it was very big. I am anxious to try a couple more of the variations. Oh, yes, my button might be too heavy but that is an easy fix. Does anyone have other suggestions?

The final picture is Simplicity 4076, I love this top. I have a review if you would care to read it




4 comments:

  1. Anonymous8:05 PM

    I think the alterations to the first top pictured make a big difference. Very creative way to "re-design" the drape.

    Love the second top. Reminds me of a shirt I got last spring from Ann Taylor Loft that I have worn over and over.

    Where do you buy your knit fabrics? Do you use a serger for all your knits?

    I have the Babylock Evolve. It has made a huge difference in sewing knits.

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  2. Anonymous3:53 PM

    Those are both so nice. Do you recommend online sewing classes? I've never thought about doing that but I would think it would be so much more convenient.

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  3. Anonymous8:24 AM

    Wow - you have been busy! Both tops look nice - and complicated for a non-clothes sewer like me.

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  4. I love the use of the button to style the drape section. Very creative, but not that button, please. You want the draped take on the cross-over tops we have seen a lot of lately to stand out. That heavy white button draws all of the attention to the button not the drape treatment. I envision a dressy red jewel button about 1/2 the size of the white one.

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