An Unlikely Shirt Among Quilts

What?! Me wear this???!!!

This is most definitely NOT the kind of shirt that I would usually make or wear. I am not much of a floral kind of gal and I am just beginning to embrace my inner appreciation of blues (with the exception of deep indigos and navy's which have always appealed to me). That being said, yesterday I just felt a compulsion to make something wearable. Something easy, loose and summery.

I wanted something quick and something that I could make without fear of 'wasting' my 'good' apparel fabric. What I had on hand that fit that order was plain muslin...meh...and this piece of 2013 Robyn Pandolph "Notinghill" fabric that was a slight mess of several leftover pieces from a wide quilt backing. Since I had a very limited amount of the fabric left I had to address a few considerations.

  • I did want the the large bunch of roses enhancing an area of me that needs no enhancing what-so-ever
  • I wanted to consider a trying a few slight pattern alterations without making a muslin. Good to go! This is a very easy...yes, you can do it in two hours....pattern. Kwik-Sew K3895 which I have had for some time and meets my needs for a good "knock-around-the-house" tee.
  • Since I used various sizes pieces I needed to try my best to make the front, back and sleeves look as cohesive as possible. I was able to mirror the front and back and found small pieces that would allow me to have "roses on both of my shoulders".

I sewed from the medium size this time around and :

  • I raised the neckline 1/4" which worked out very well for me.
  • Graded the pattern to add 1/2" to the sides as they went from the underarm seam down to the hem. Another good result.
  • Added 2" to the bottom. Excellent!
  • Added 2" to sleeve length. NOT good. I went back, ripped-out, and re-sewed them adding only 1/2" to the original sleeve length which was a good compromise.

I have also used the Scout Woven Tee pattern and they are similar. I like them both. For my preferences, I need to raise the neckline just a bit in both and I prefer a slightly longer length for both.

I have my eyes on the Onyx Tee. I like the small details on it and expect to buy it soon.

My quilting commitments have overtaken my life this year and it was so much fun to just "whip-up" a shirt as a diversion. Each time I sew a garment now I seem to get just a bit better at refining techniques. So no,apparel sew is a waste of time! I have a plethora of new patterns and fabrics ready to make some "new-to-me" patterns. I am so looking forward to having the time to learn some more about about sewing by making them.

As for my quilting projects:

  • I have managed to keep up to date with "quilt-that-cannot-yet-be-named" projects (2 versions; traditional and modern). When you finally see it you may realize why it has been so time consuming....
  • I am, more or less, up to date with my version of the "Glorious Hexagons" project.
  • Just slightly behind with the "Sweet Surrender" appliqué project.
  • Left behind, on the back burner, for a bit is my Farmer's Wife 1930's. I am continuing to print the patterns and read the posts but am close to 10 blocks behind.

Just a few of the latest blocks....



Above...this block looked like a frame to me and so I added my maternal grandmother, Thea Elizabeth Kavanaugh Ellery (1898-1976). It is a picture of her taken in 1916 when she was 18 and it has always been an inspiration to me just as she was.

Onwards and outwards...or maybe inwards a times....now I at least have assuaged my garment sewing need just a bit....but I need to be able to find time to try those other patterns that are tugging at me!

  • Vogue 8585 loose pants that will be in blue linen
  • The Sewing Workshop "Mixit Shirt"
  • Butterick B6183 top with princess seams
  • Butterick B6324 shirt
  • By Hand London "Sarah Blouse"
  • Paprika "Onyx Tee"

What has your early summer and late Spring been like?

 

  • Have you accomplished what you wanted to?
  • Have any great sewing patterns to suggest to me?

Enjoy the moments ...each and every one!

 

Comments

  1. Oh, each time i read of your wardrobe boosted by sewing i light up! as a former home ec /art major i remember the 5/8 inch seams well. i like your summer selection and will find time to make some SIMPLE tops and (drawing string pants) for myself...soon. Am in count down mode for for a juried art show i do each July since 1999, that means finishing up starts and starting last minuet good idea seeds.or making just one more painted fabric horse ornament in dapple grey tones.... thank you for the pattern sources.So Marie that is what i am up to between garden wandering/weeding/photo making/procrastination/and watching big fat clouds roll by!!
    Be well, Sonja

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  2. Love the fabric and the t-shirt! Very pretty.

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