Category: knit sewing

Wardrobe Staple: Knit Tops

I have been working on different wardrobe pieces recently (mostly will a Fall/Winter theme). I realized I needed to, and wanted to, improve my look and style but without changing who I am or what I like to wear. Since I’m at home during the day, I don’t need fancy clothes or the typical work wardrobe. But, I also realized that my usual outfit of jeans and T-shirts (or shorts and T-shirts during the summer) needed some serious updating. So, I decided to sew myself a few pieces to begin. In this blog post I’ll discuss the  two patterns I used for these tops: 1) Vogue 9205 and 2) Patterns for Pirates Women’s Henley PDF.

 

I have a substantial fabric stash that includes a lot of knits, so I was happy to give these patterns a try. The Vogue pattern is basically a classic that includes darts at the neckline and topstitching.

 

 

 

V9205

 

One of the things that I really like about this shirt is the length. It can be tucked in (although made to worn out) but it provides good coverage.

V9205

V9205

As you can see, there are sleeve options with this shirt which is great as I’m trying to prepare some items for Fall weather.

The henley top (it’s a PDF from Patterns for Pirates) I didn’t have but purchased when I saw it. I’ve been looking for a henley-style T-shirt pattern for a while and never found anything that was even close. I came across this pattern (thank you Google) when I threw out some I had for years that were worn so often the edges were all worn out.

Patterns for Pirates Henley - gray

 

 

Patterns for Pirates Henley

The gray was made with a light-weight cotton knit while the others are all ponte knits. I added snaps on the gray shirt but kind of wish I hadn’t. I love the snaps, but I forgot how time-consuming it can be to add snaps when you haven’t done them in a long time. It took me almost as long to get then on as it did for me to actually make the shirt. The placement could have been better also, but so it goes. The blue top has buttons!

This pattern is terrific though. It has sleeve and hem variations as well as a hood and banded waist. This is definitely one that I’ll be making more of.

That’s all for now. I would recommend both of these patterns to anyone out there. They are both terrific!

 

Springtime Sewing in Winter Part 1…

I made three tops (much needed) over the past couple of weeks. Two were from Kwik Sew 2948 and one was from McCall’s 6613 (I’ll get to this one in the next post).


The Kwik Sew was used to make two sleeveless turtlenecks, which are GREAT for layering. When I was younger, I used to wonder what was the point of having a sleeveless turtleneck. After all, weren’t turtlenecks made to keep you warm? Well, now in my 50’s, I totally get it. You can stay warm, but not overheat. You can also stay cool, but not cold if used as a layer.

The red is a ponte knit, which was not the best choice for this. It really doesn’t have enough stretch.


The blue is a cotton interlock which was perfect for this. It’s got the right amount of stretch and great recovery. 
  


This top is super easy (only three pieces) and can be made from very little fabric in about 30 minutes or less. 

I’ve had this pattern for years, but it took the blizzard for me to pull it out again and finally make it. I’m only sorry I didn’t do it sooner! But it’s not too late for me to make more… And since the pattern is for a set with matching cardigan in two different styles, it’s very versatile.  The only change I would make for the top is to add just a few more inches in length. I think it might tuck in better or not ride up if it was a wee bit longer.

Also, I finally made a Facebook page for the blog. I’m still working on it, but it’s where you can find my blog posts, craft projects and any other fashion/sewing info I find interesting that I don’t blog about. Here’s the link it you want to check it out: click here.

I didn’t want this post to be too long, so I’ll post about the shirt I made (M6613) in the next post.

Until next time…