spring shirt 2007
Remember when I made this shirt last year? It was really one of my first attempts at sewing clothing. I promised myself to make more out of this pattern, but never did. It was fun to see others in blogland making shirts from this pattern, whether from reading my blog or just stumbling upon in it in the pattern books.
Since making the Spring 2006 shirt, I have used more clothing patterns and have gained a bit more confidence in the process. Can’t say it has been easy, but I am proud that I have figured out a lot alone…coupled with cries of frustration! Why do I do this to myself? There are just so many cute fabrics and patterns out there that I can’t pass them all up! It is magical to watch a shirt come together- even if I have to tear out the seam a few time to get it right.
Okay, so here is what I learned:
- don’t think you can alter a pattern if you are a beginner and impulsive. I thought I wouldn’t like the exaggertated flared sleeves so I cut my arm pattern and learned the really hard way! After tearing up my shirt 3 times, that is right 3 times I realized that my snipping probably influenced the initial awkward fit.
- putting your project away for nearly a month really does help clear your brain. Sewing this shirt, after buying a new pattern because I HAD to get the sleeve piece literally took me 2 hours to make.
- never use a piece of fabric you REALLY love on a pattern you never have sewn…especially if you are a beginner and/or impulsive. I decided to put my shirt #1 into the scrap pile, saving it for something, but it was very hard to get to that point. The fabric of shirt #2 was cheap, clearance fabric…something like $2.30 a yard. Not bad.
- snipping the threads fairly short as you sew really makes the finishing a lot nicer.
Above is the obligatory shot of me in the Spring 2007 shirt, by the way, it is Simplicity 3887. What does one do while shooting…look straight at the camera, chop off the head, look away?
Now some questions:
- how do you finish the raw edges? I know after a few times of washing, there will be some unraveling which is just so annoying. I don’t have a serger or a lot of patience, so what do some of you recommend?
- the sleeves on the shirt are fine, but I sort of feel like I am wearing a choir robe or an angel. I can’t really remember what I did, but I think I shaved off an inch of the length. This really screwed me up. The neckline and the arm hole did not match up AND it made the bust of the shirt really tight.
- I think I made the shirt a bit too big, but I fear in making it too small. I am usually a 10/12 or a medium depending on the style or store (I hate the sizing going on), but opted for size 14. I have narrow shoulders, but sort of a large chest and don’t really like looking as if I am busting out…especially at the park or library, you know what I mean. I measured myself and I think I need someone to help me because by the measurements I should be making an 18…uhhh, I don’t think so since 14 is kind of big, but I am fine with it. Any tips?
- When making notches, I find cut little Vs into the fabric is a lot easier. Is this okay?
- Would anyone like my second pattern with the crazy arms? I will gladly try to transfer the pattern onto a large piece of paper so that you will have a unedited arm pattern. First person that reads this and WANTS the pattern, leave a comment and you get it.
The Spring 2006 shirt I referred to is Simplicity 4589 and this year’s pick is Simplicity 3887. I know the neckline is the same, but this year’s pick has some varied styles that I really liked…check it out. I decided to use laundered cotton for my shirt, but you can see on the pattern cover the shirt is made of rayon. The cotton worked out fine if you are not so into rayon like I am- plus, I don’t think I could handle that type of fabric and sewing. Yikes.
And looks, maybe, possibly, pregnant mama friendly? Would you recommend?