(Wo)Man with a Plan

I’ve been trying to go through some fabric that either is part of my stash or leftovers from another project. This top is made from leftovers from my Safari Simone. I knew I had enough left of the animal print to squeak out a shirt. While I’m working on other projects I always start thinking about the next. This one I’ve been thinking up for a while.

I figured I take the animal print and use that as the main bit. Then use the black cotton to make it ringer style. Ring for the collar and end of the sleeves. Lastly, add a stripe from the neck ring to the sleeve rings. The last thought is maybe to add a ring around the hem. Not too hard.  I had two different patterns picked out but I went with the vintage reprint of Simplicity 1692. This pattern was used before on my Granny Chic top. It’s got the different attributes I’m looking for. Tight collar, built in sleeves and relaxed fit. That’s how I make this pattern, which is nothing like what the pattern actually looks like! lol

I had to make my own collar piece because the piece is a rectangle and I wanted the ringer t-shirt look. It was honestly the worst part of the whole construction. I had to copy the curve of the neckline and add in the 1″ width and be aware of the seam allowance. I cut two pieces for the inner and outer collar.

The arm stripe and sleeve rings were rectangles. The sleeve rings I made 2 1/2″ wide because I used a 1/4″ seam allowance and folded the piece in half. The arm stripe was 1 1/2″. Each piece was topstitched to help it all lay flat.

Since the collar fabric is cotton with no stretch, I had to include the split in the back. The goal is to wear the clothes right?

I used two hook and eyes on the collar to keep it shut. I also added a little decorative stitch in hot pink because I can. I figure if I do it on every garment it can be my “tag” instead of buying proper ones. So how roomy is my new shirt?

I decided to play airplane to demonstrate.  Weeeee!!! As you can see I didn’t add a ring at the hem. It would have made it too stiff and I liked the floaty feel. The hem is actually high/low but it’s hard to see.

Normally I don’t share what other projects I have going on but I’m compelled to because it kind of gives you an idea what’s normally going on in my sewing room. In other words, chaos!

I have t-shirt bits everywhere because I’m going to start work on a t-shirt quilt. I have a bunch of shirts that I don’t wear anymore and there’s others that I can’t let go. I thought a t-shirt quilt would be interesting to try plus it will be a light bedspread for those super hot months.

I love corduroy. I don’t know when I fell in love but the fabric calls to me. I don’t want to wear it. I want to cut it into little squares and makes bags out of it. I’ve made two so far. This will be my third. I use a string bag everyday on my lunch at work. I toss in my lunch, wallet and a few other items. It let’s me be mobile and I need that because I spend half my lunch walking. The string bags I have are cheap so I’m making my own to withstand daily use.

I’ve been crocheting up a storm. Unfortunately for how much I’ve been crocheting, it doesn’t show. I’m a fast crocheter but crocheting lace is a new one for me. I’m going to use the lace to go around the bottom of a shirt and legs of shorts for a pj set. I’m going to dye the lace with coffee to match the fabric. I’ve tested on a strand and it works really well.

So that’s what’s going on in my world. What’s happening in yours? Oh and this is a proper pic of me in my new shirt.

Granny Chic

I swore my next me-made was going to be some Jamie Jeans but I got distracted. I decided I would spend an afternoon cutting fabric. Usually that’s the most sucky, dreaded piece of sewing for me. I cut out all my pieces for my Jamie Jeans then I still had some cutting mojo so I grabbed one of my vintage reprint patterns, Simplicity 1692 to be exact, and cut a little more.

There’s very few pieces to this pattern. I had some left over floral chiffon (still stash bustin’) and figured I had just enough for this shirt. I picked to sew up version C. It’s has the tighter neckline with little sleeves. I fit a size 8 but since I have some hips I checked the width at the bottom of the shirt. I need the size 14 to actually fit there. Wholly crap!  I decided to cut a size 8 from the armpits up and graded the sides out to a 14 heading towards the bottom. I also didn’t add the tucks at the bottom of the shirt for even extra room.

I didn’t start sewing it up until a few days later and I wondered how the top of the shirt opened up because there’s no way my head is fitting through that small hole. I realized there were buttons on the shoulders that come undone to pull the shirt on and off. I didn’t like that idea. I looked at the other pieces from the other views. The alternative was to split the back at the top a smidge and have a loop and button closure. Much better! 1 button is better than 6.

Here’s a closer look at that button a loop. Pretty proud of that little guy. Even had a button from the button jar that matched.

Cranked most of this floral lady out quite quickly. I tried it on before finishing the hem, sleeve edges and neckline. Uhh…this shirt is designed to be way short. I did not realize that. If it just hits the top of my waistband, that’s unacceptable. I thought about it over night and decided I would fold a piece of fabric in half and attach it to the bottom for insta-length. I also considered lace but then I would have to run to the store.

In the end, I think it worked out quite well. Immediately after putting on the finished product I thought “grandma”. It’s not something I would normally wear but I rather like it.

Oh also, totally can wear it backwards! Ha!  Next time sewing thoughts are to add additional length to the bottom. I’m thinking 2 – 2 1/2″. The neckline is a little tight. Not where I’m choking but taking it down another 1/2″ would be much more comfortable. I may rock a grandma shirt but don’t expect blue hair anytime soon!