A couple weeks ago I tried my hand at making a shirt. While I wasn’t super happy about the final result, I really learned a lot in the process. I finally built up the courage to make another one to see if everything I learned the first time around would improve the final product.
I have to say, I am much happier with this shirt! Here are some of the changes I made:
- I made the shirt in a size that actually fits me.
- Though I altered the original pattern so that it is not a button-up, I kept the darts and made sure to put a zipper on the side so that it would look good but I would still be able to get it on.
- I added trim to give the shirt a more polished look.
- I kept a scooped neckline instead of trying to do a v-neck.
- I added some neat detail to the right side of the neck.
- I took my time and made it over a few days, instead of trying to rush through it in one night.
If you are interested in making this shirt, I definately recommend checking out Wendy Mullin’s book, Sew U: The Built by Wendy Guide to Making Your Own Wardrobe (you might even be able to find it at your local library). I started with her pattern for the basic shirt and made many modifications. If you have her pattern and would like some more information about the changes I made, contact me and I would be happy to give them to you.
To make the neckline detail:
Cut a rectangle out of your fabric that measures 1 yard (36 in.) x 4.5″. Fold fabric in half, length-wise, with right sides facing in and iron. The fabric should measure 1 yard x 2.25″. Sew along the long raw edge, 1/4″ in.
Turn fabric right-side out. Press the strip of fabric so that the seam is on the bottom.
Fold each side in and stitch along each edge. Using a long running stitch, sew two lines down the middle of the fabric (length-wise). Make sure the two lines are 1/4″ apart from each other, and centered on the fabric. Holding the two ends of each line, scrunch fabric until it measures 16″.
Attach by hand to your shirt, with the first end starting at the shoulder seam, and the other end attached at the neckline. I formed mine into s squiggle shape, but you can do it however you want.
I really love the neck detail.
hey, that’s the heart i drew!!! :) pretty shirt!!!
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That’s a wonderful shirt. I’ve been getting into home sewing a lot lately. Sew U sounds like a great book, I’ll have to check it out. Thanks for the recommendation!
Kristina
Sweetfern Handmade
[...] My general sewing experience is not much better. However, I have been encouraged by the shirt, and I really think this is something anyone can do, even if you don’t have any [...]
Love your site and all the great advice on sewing clothing. Thanks so much for sharing all your projects! I used to sew all my own clothing years ago and just recently started again. I feel like a real beginner now. I do want to try your lovely Lei neckline technique though.
Thank you! I’m glad you are finding my posts helpful. You will pick sewing back up…it is kinda like riding a bike :-D
I love this, and I totally voted for it! :)
Thanks Kristena!
[...] 7, 2009 by Kate Martinez Both of my tops made it to the top ten of Made by Rae’s Spring Top Week! Now what would this contest be [...]
[...] loosely from these four lovely tops. I was pretty lazy with the design on this one…I used this top as the template, even though I do have the pattern for the shirt somewhere. I think I looked for [...]
I love it! Thanks for explaining how you made it, I might try to make something similar