Wardrobe Staple Tops Edition

While I like to sew whatever I feel like sewing, I also try to work on those that things that I’m really most in need of. I usually realize that I need something at the time when I want to wear it. So, knowing that I am seriously lacking in shirts that aren’t made of knit material, I decided to spend some time making myself some this month. For this particular shirt, I used McCall’s 6613 which can be used for men or women.

M6613

This is a cotton (blend) gingham check I bought from Hobby Lobby. The only problem is it’s very thin. Since I really am more comfortable covered and don’t want my clothes to be see-through, I lined the front and back pieces in white. For the lining I used a white sheet I had previously purchased at the thrift store. *Tip: using queen or king size sheets from the thrift store can make great muslins and save you a lot of money. I think lining the body of the shirt in white actually makes the pink and white check stand out more than if I hadn’t done this.

M6613_Back

The only other changes I made to the construction of the shirt was just to shorten the length. This is the third time I’ve used this pattern (see others here ) so I knew I wanted to do that. And normally this time of year I wouldn’t even consider making a long-sleeve shirt, but the weather’s been so strange, I figure that I ‘ll still be able to get some wear out of it this spring before it gets really hot!

Here’s a video that shows the inside that I had posted on Instagram. The sound may not be great, but you’ll get to see the inside of the shirt….

IG_VideoShirtLining

I have a few more shirts/tops that I want to make in this round of sewing. I’ll keep you posted on how things go.

That’s all for now…

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…

Completed a Spring dress

This is Simplicity 1586, although when I bought it, it was numbered 0502. It’s one of the Amazing Fit dresses that can be color blocked or solid color with sleeve and neck variations. I made this in View A, which is the short-sleeve dress.

I was able to use some fabric I had left over from a Spring coat I made last year for Easter. The dress is unlined and goes together very easily. The only change I made was I shortened the length which led me to eliminate the vent in the back (it really wasn’t necessary for walking ease).

Other than that, there really isn’t too much to say about this process. It’s very straightforward. It’s just a good, simple pattern to have!