New Shirt, Part Two
The shirt is all finished and he's very happy with it. He wore it to school today.
This shirt was quick to make for a lot of reasons. One, there were very few pieces to the pattern. Two, there was no fussy matching of plaids, stripes, a pocket. Three, the shirt was short sleeved, thus no plackets or cuffs to make. Four, much of the construction was done via the serger. Since this is a child's shirt which will probably be outgrown in 6 months, I did not feel it was worth the time or effect to to french or flat felled seams. A 4-thread serger, plus top stitching on the outside is quick and very sturdy. Perfect for a child's shirt. Five, since I've made 12 similar shirts last year, making shirts has become very easy. That's not a bad thing.
Many of you have joined these sew alongs in which part of the challenge to make a similar style garment for a period of time or certain number of garments. While that is a big challenge, it is also a good thing! You're going to get really good at making that sort of garment. You will know what works for you and what doesn't as far as technique. You will learn what sorts of fabric and interfacing you like the best and all kinds of other things. Your confidence on one particular garment will soar! I haven't sewn a shirt since early December, but I knew exactly how to make this one come together quickly.
If you haven't joined such a challenge, make your own little challenge, just make it shorter - try three skirts from similar patterns or whatever fits your style and sewing ability. It doesn't have to be complex, the main thing is repetition and practice. You might even find a TNT pattern along the way, and then you'll be all set to do all kinds of neat variations on it like Carolyn does with her TNT dress pattern!
Parting Shot: Matched Set. I had some leftover yarn from my knitted hood, so I made some fingerless gloves to match. There are two of them, but I needed my other hand to photograph the one being worn! It is a very quick and easy pattern, too!
11 comments:
I love the shirt!
My challenge for 2011 is to not create any UFOs!
Great gloves and so on trend right now! Your son's shirt is adorable and he is just getting more handsome by the day. You can tell he is quite satisfied with his new fashion!
I agree--after making 20+ pairs of pajama pants for family for Christmas, I can do them in my sleep! Love the fingerless gloves--what did you do at the cuff? It's nifty!
He looks great in his shirt! Just so cute :)
Very nice looking gloves.
I agree about making more than one item to gain confidence...that's what I did with invisible zippers years ago...just kept doing them until I no longer needed the instructions :)
Very sporty shirt. I especially love the look of confident joy on your son's face! He just looks so pleased to have the shirt of his own design!
Lynda in LV
Good advice! The shirt turned out well and he does look very pleases.
Great shirt! My husband would be so jealous! ;)
All the best,
Gwen
Great looking shirt. Serging the seam then top stiching is a great way to speed up the process when sewing for the young. I will have to keep that in mind.
So true about the repetitiveness of sewing similar garments. It's just so hard for me to commit to the challenges. I like to idea of creating my own little challenges, which I've done in the past. They work best for me.
I'm thinking about a jacket challenge to practice lined patch pockets and welt pockets.
Great suggestions.
Happy sewing!
C
That is one cool shirt.
Love the shirt. Sometimes I wish I could sew something like that again. Just not into sewing for my 15 year old, 6 feet tall son, no cute prints for him anymore.
He looks so handsome in his new shirt! Well done!
I love the fingerless gloves, it's a must have accessory to me and I've made quite a few too!
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