Comments on: spring shirt 2007 http://www.kidding-around.net/2007/02/22/spring-shirt-2007/ Just another WordPress weblog Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:44:09 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.0.2 by: Aunt Robin http://www.kidding-around.net/2007/02/22/spring-shirt-2007/#comment-10182 Tue, 27 Feb 2007 17:23:18 +0000 http://www.kidding-around.net/2007/02/22/spring-shirt-2007/#comment-10182 Hi Carol, How fun to get so caught up in sewing a top! It's very cute! I wish we could sew together sometime... Right now I'm sewing 4" patches together to make a new piece of fabric for a cross-over tying vest. I'm afraid it might be too wild... it's purple and red watery looking fabrics, but I love those colors together and hope it will be just right! And I love reading about your China project. How nice to let people share in the fun! I think we all love to help out and share if we just know what's needed! Lovely idea! Hi Carol,
How fun to get so caught up in sewing a top! It’s very cute! I wish we could sew together sometime… Right now I’m sewing 4″ patches together to make a new piece of fabric for a cross-over tying vest. I’m afraid it might be too wild… it’s purple and red watery looking fabrics, but I love those colors together and hope it will be just right! And I love reading about your China project. How nice to let people share in the fun! I think we all love to help out and share if we just know what’s needed! Lovely idea!

]]> by: Krista http://www.kidding-around.net/2007/02/22/spring-shirt-2007/#comment-9930 Sun, 25 Feb 2007 05:55:17 +0000 http://www.kidding-around.net/2007/02/22/spring-shirt-2007/#comment-9930 Hi again... I am learning a lot from your commentors. Just a note I learned this weekend from a vintage baby pattern; yes, it is okay to clip the notches 'in' instead of snipping around the little triangles. I just read that on the pattern (Simplicity) and it calls it the 'easy clip method'. As long as your seam allowance is generous (5/8") it is totally fine. Which I'm sure if you've already done it, you're ahead of me :) Hi again… I am learning a lot from your commentors.
Just a note I learned this weekend from a vintage baby pattern; yes, it is okay to clip the notches ‘in’ instead of snipping around the little triangles. I just read that on the pattern (Simplicity) and it calls it the ‘easy clip method’. As long as your seam allowance is generous (5/8″) it is totally fine. Which I’m sure if you’ve already done it, you’re ahead of me :)

]]> by: Randi http://www.kidding-around.net/2007/02/22/spring-shirt-2007/#comment-9915 Sat, 24 Feb 2007 16:22:03 +0000 http://www.kidding-around.net/2007/02/22/spring-shirt-2007/#comment-9915 Hi, You can do a zigzag stitch on the seams or you can cut the edges with pinking shears. The zigzag will work the best, though. I think your shirt is cute. I was using the same fabric last night to make a quilt! Hi, You can do a zigzag stitch on the seams or you can cut the edges with pinking shears. The zigzag will work the best, though.

I think your shirt is cute. I was using the same fabric last night to make a quilt!

]]> by: mary http://www.kidding-around.net/2007/02/22/spring-shirt-2007/#comment-9891 Sat, 24 Feb 2007 05:19:48 +0000 http://www.kidding-around.net/2007/02/22/spring-shirt-2007/#comment-9891 Great shirt. I was going to comment on using the zig-zag; I finally used it this week to finish some pants, it took less time than I thought it would and really cleaned up the pants. Great shirt. I was going to comment on using the zig-zag; I finally used it this week to finish some pants, it took less time than I thought it would and really cleaned up the pants.

]]> by: Thimbleanna http://www.kidding-around.net/2007/02/22/spring-shirt-2007/#comment-9884 Fri, 23 Feb 2007 22:58:22 +0000 http://www.kidding-around.net/2007/02/22/spring-shirt-2007/#comment-9884 Love your new shirt! Just a little history on sizing...Pattern companies are still publishing to roughly the same size standards that they did 30 - 40 (and probably longer) years ago. Ready made clothing manufacturers, however, have adjusted the numbers downward for the same sizes. This makes women feel better about themselves (they think they're an 8 when they're really a 12 or something like that) and therefore increases sales. Pretty tricky! Size is just a number.... Love your new shirt! Just a little history on sizing…Pattern companies are still publishing to roughly the same size standards that they did 30 - 40 (and probably longer) years ago. Ready made clothing manufacturers, however, have adjusted the numbers downward for the same sizes. This makes women feel better about themselves (they think they’re an 8 when they’re really a 12 or something like that) and therefore increases sales. Pretty tricky! Size is just a number….

]]> by: Alicia A. http://www.kidding-around.net/2007/02/22/spring-shirt-2007/#comment-9883 Fri, 23 Feb 2007 22:45:02 +0000 http://www.kidding-around.net/2007/02/22/spring-shirt-2007/#comment-9883 You're inspiring me to go look through the Spring blouse patterns. SO cute! You’re inspiring me to go look through the Spring blouse patterns.

SO cute!

]]> by: Emily http://www.kidding-around.net/2007/02/22/spring-shirt-2007/#comment-9860 Fri, 23 Feb 2007 15:58:50 +0000 http://www.kidding-around.net/2007/02/22/spring-shirt-2007/#comment-9860 Great blouse! Here are some ideas on finishing the seams: 1. the quickest and easiest is the pinking shears. 2. Next up would be zigzagging, but I find that it pulls the seam in a little bit unless you are using a serger. 3. a nice a strong way that doesn't take too much more time is to pink the edge, press both seam allowances to one side, and then topstitch that down on the front, either 1/8" from the seam or 1/4". 4. A beautiful finish that works well for the straight side seams of a blouse and the straight seam of the sleeve is a french seam: If you seam allowance is 5/8, then sew a seam of 1/4 with WRONG sides together. Press it open and turn the RIGHT sides together and sew a seam 3/8. Voila, you have just encased your raw edge, it looks fantastic, and it sounds like a lot but it's only the extra step of one seam plus pressing. 5. I usually do the french seam for the straight seams and for the curvy armhole I trim it to about 1/4 and then zigzag both raw edges (together at the same time). Great blouse! Here are some ideas on finishing the seams:
1. the quickest and easiest is the pinking shears.
2. Next up would be zigzagging, but I find that it pulls the seam in a little bit unless you are using a serger.
3. a nice a strong way that doesn’t take too much more time is to pink the edge, press both seam allowances to one side, and then topstitch that down on the front, either 1/8″ from the seam or 1/4″.
4. A beautiful finish that works well for the straight side seams of a blouse and the straight seam of the sleeve is a french seam: If you seam allowance is 5/8, then sew a seam of 1/4 with WRONG sides together. Press it open and turn the RIGHT sides together and sew a seam 3/8. Voila, you have just encased your raw edge, it looks fantastic, and it sounds like a lot but it’s only the extra step of one seam plus pressing.
5. I usually do the french seam for the straight seams and for the curvy armhole I trim it to about 1/4 and then zigzag both raw edges (together at the same time).

]]> by: Carrie http://www.kidding-around.net/2007/02/22/spring-shirt-2007/#comment-9856 Fri, 23 Feb 2007 15:35:59 +0000 http://www.kidding-around.net/2007/02/22/spring-shirt-2007/#comment-9856 For ease and time, I second the idea of either zig-zag or pinking shears. My mom taught me how to do a flat-fell seam which isn't hard, but more time-consuming. I only use it if I'm giving something as a gift. Because my own explanation of it would surely only be confusing, I've turned to my DK Complete Book of Sewing reference book. 1. Stich a plain seam, wrong sides together. Trim one seam allowance to 1/4". Opening out the fabric, press the untrimmed seam allowance over the trimmed allowance. 2. Tuck the untrimmed seam edge under teh trimmed edge and press. Stitch the seam allowances onto the garment close to the fold. Here's another version with graphics: http://www.sewing.org/enthusiast/html/el_sewamflatfell.html For ease and time, I second the idea of either zig-zag or pinking shears. My mom taught me how to do a flat-fell seam which isn’t hard, but more time-consuming. I only use it if I’m giving something as a gift. Because my own explanation of it would surely only be confusing, I’ve turned to my DK Complete Book of Sewing reference book.

1. Stich a plain seam, wrong sides together. Trim one seam allowance to 1/4″. Opening out the fabric, press the untrimmed seam allowance over the trimmed allowance.

2. Tuck the untrimmed seam edge under teh trimmed edge and press. Stitch the seam allowances onto the garment close to the fold.

Here’s another version with graphics:
http://www.sewing.org/enthusiast/html/el_sewamflatfell.html

]]> by: beki http://www.kidding-around.net/2007/02/22/spring-shirt-2007/#comment-9843 Fri, 23 Feb 2007 15:01:27 +0000 http://www.kidding-around.net/2007/02/22/spring-shirt-2007/#comment-9843 I agree with everyone else, zig-zag the edges. About the sizing, like Sharon said, you need a smaller size with a full bust adjustment. How I determine my size is to measure my upper bust, then use that as my bust size. I then do a full bust adjustment for the difference in that measurement and my full bust. Oh, and always, always flat measure your pattern and measure yourself. It sounds like a pain and a lot of steps, but it does give you a better fitting garment. I'm sure that was as clear as mud! I agree with everyone else, zig-zag the edges.

About the sizing, like Sharon said, you need a smaller size with a full bust adjustment. How I determine my size is to measure my upper bust, then use that as my bust size. I then do a full bust adjustment for the difference in that measurement and my full bust. Oh, and always, always flat measure your pattern and measure yourself. It sounds like a pain and a lot of steps, but it does give you a better fitting garment. I’m sure that was as clear as mud!

]]> by: erin http://www.kidding-around.net/2007/02/22/spring-shirt-2007/#comment-9839 Fri, 23 Feb 2007 14:07:46 +0000 http://www.kidding-around.net/2007/02/22/spring-shirt-2007/#comment-9839 To finish the seams, I do like Melissa says - zig zag all the way. It is fast and easy and does the job. Sizing is so screwy. I have been taking a class to make a lined jacket and thought I would be making an 18 (I wear a 12 off the rack), but the instructor had me make a 16 and do a full bust adjustment and add some width to the hips. I am also long waisted so I had to add a bunch to the length (some at the bust and some at the waist). I had to make three versions in muslin before I cut the real fabric and I am so glad I did! The best part is now I know it will fit and if I ever want to make it again, I have a pattern to go from. Good luck! It looks like a good pattern. To finish the seams, I do like Melissa says - zig zag all the way. It is fast and easy and does the job.

Sizing is so screwy. I have been taking a class to make a lined jacket and thought I would be making an 18 (I wear a 12 off the rack), but the instructor had me make a 16 and do a full bust adjustment and add some width to the hips. I am also long waisted so I had to add a bunch to the length (some at the bust and some at the waist). I had to make three versions in muslin before I cut the real fabric and I am so glad I did! The best part is now I know it will fit and if I ever want to make it again, I have a pattern to go from.

Good luck! It looks like a good pattern.

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