Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Plantain Shirt - Style Maker Fabrics


I found a new-to-me fabric source, Style Maker Fabrics and I placed an order for a couple of pieces, one being this jersey knit stripe.  It is so soft and the aqua is such a nice contrast with the black and white.  It sat for just a bit and then I decided it would be a Deer and Doe Plantain t-shirt.  I have made this pattern a few times before and it was one of the Best Patterns of 2014 at Pattern Review


Deer and Doe Plantain t-shirt from Style Maker Fabrics jersey knit


There is not much more to say about this top but to remind you it is free and your really need this pattern!  Also, check out all the fabric at Style Maker Fabrics, it is organized so nicely, here are the categories
  • fabric type
  • garment type
  • latest trends
  • shop by color (and red fabrics are 14% off through 2-28)


Deer and Doe Plantain t-shirt from Style Maker Fabrics jersey knit

Meredith said I needed to be more relaxed during all the photos, so here I am relaxing with funny hands and then petting Junior, with very wind blown hair. I have notes on the pattern to taper the bottom just a bit more when serging but I forgot this time.  After the photos were taken, I went down and trimmed the front and back pattern piece to narrow the flare a bit. Now I won't forget!

 I wore it to work on Monday with a black cardigan and I loved how it looked.  



Deer and Doe Plantain t-shirt from Style Maker Fabrics jersey knit


Let's talk the binding for a minute.  One thing I do is cut the binding without a pattern piece and with my scissors.  I look at the fabric and find the color I want to emphasize.  In this case, the aqua.  I measure my binding piece and cut it using the stripes as a guide to keep the binding straight.  Then measure the length I need and cut that.


Jersey tends to curl and has a mind of its own, sometimes spray starch helps.  This fabric was not behaving, so I used my serger and serged a narrow stitch with the two sides of the binding together.



A final tip when serging with stripe binding, I like to look at the left side of the presser foot, keeping the presser foot straight with a particular stripe.


That is how I get the stripe to look even, it does take some practice to watch the other side of the presser foot.
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I hope that helps and cutting the neck binding in a single layer following the stripes as a guide makes all the difference.

Is Style Maker Fabrics a new-to-you fabric site?  If no, please share what fabric you have ordered.
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24 comments:

  1. Beautiful shirt, Lori! I like to cut my neckbands in a single layer too and make them a bit smaller or wider depending on stripes or pattern. The aqua is really standing out!

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    1. Thanks so much, Marianne, it is fun to play with the stripes.

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  2. Thanks for the tips...love the stripes!

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    1. Thanks, Patty, I am always drawn to stripes.

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  3. Very timely tips for me - but a question if you don't mind . Are you able to catch the whole serged edge when you top stitch it down ? Thx
    Great job - love the color combo . You are always so helpful with your tips & techniques .

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    1. Thanks, Mary Ellen. and yes, I am able to catch the serged edge when I stitch. I usually sew just inside that serged edge so nothing shows.

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  4. Your top looks pretty! Your method of binding is helpful! Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Thanks, Jennifer I am happy it was helpful

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  5. Love this tee-shirt! The colors are great. I was just using your tutorial on knit neckbands yesterday!! I am going to hop over to Style Maker fabrics and take a look at what they have to offer.

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    1. Thanks, Dharma, they have some great fabric.

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  6. Cute top and a new-to-me shop that I'll be bookmarking!

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    1. Thanks, Melissa, it is a fun site and super organized

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  7. Just found your knit neckband tutorial - great help & great info - thanks

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  8. Love the fabric and the neckband help....my most dreaded part just got a bit easier!! Thanks!

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    1. Thanks, Vicki, it is the part that does show the most!

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  9. Anonymous9:56 AM

    Love these stripes! And thanks for sharing your neckband tips- I never think to remember where the stripes are going to fall and I end up with a weird-looking band half the time!

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    1. Thanks, Sonja, I am trying my best to slow down when I sew and really do some planning. My problem is I always want to hurry onto the next project!

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  10. Cute top, I love the color combo!

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    1. Thanks so much, it is a great color combo

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  11. This is the best looking plantain I have seen.

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  12. Thanks, I love this pattern.

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  13. Thank you for the binding tips. Style Maker Fabric is new to me, but what a wonderful resource!

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    1. Thanks, Joen, I think this will be the first of many orders to Style makers.

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