I made 3 shirts!!

[boingo82]

Yesterday and today, I made 3 shirts!
I've never actually made shirts for myself before, I have tough-to-fit boobs, so this was something new.
They are based off this shirt which I bought from Bravissimo. I love it. But I can't afford $40+ and shipping for more. Also they only come in 2 colors. (I bought the green one..)

So I laid that shirt down and traced it to get a rough pattern. The first shirt I made is this one:
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v1...t=DSCF0104.jpg
The lesson I learned on this shirt is adjust your stitch length for knits, or you will get puckering at your seams. My biggest fault as a seamstress is that I don't want to futz around with adjusting stitch lengths, tensions, or even putting in a matching thread color. I will purposely sew only black items for a few months just so I don't have to swap threads. I am lazy on the prep. It was my downfall on this shirt. Fortunately it's not bad, and still totally wearable.
It is a double knit, 100% cotton and no lycra, so it fits baggier.

Then today I adjusted my stitch length and made this one:
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v1...t=DSCF0092.jpg
Again, 100% cotton double-knit and no lycra so it fits a little baggy. However, it's going to be an awesome winter shirt. The double-knit ones are pretty darned warm.

Then I went to Hobby Lobby to pick up some felt and in the remnants bin found $5 of stretchy black knit, thin and soft. And *just* enough to make a shirt!
I whipped one more together, and it is my favorite. Lighter weight, fits slimmer. Didn't use anything but a serger and rotary cutter to make this one or the dark purple one! So fast and easy.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...2/DSCF0097.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...2/DSCF0101.jpg

All together I spent about 4 hours and $10 on the 3.

*sigh* Please ignore my inability to make cute faces when being photographed. I always, ALWAYS, get caught at the worst moment.

[doulatara]

So cute! Good job. I think the pics of you are pretty adorable.

[alaska]

they look great!

[orangefoot]

All those from a self drafted pattern? Wow good on you!

I really need some tops too but I am scared - of knits in general, sleeves, binding knits - you name it. I've read tutorials and tips but have yet to take the plunge.

[iowaorganic]

Wow! I am super impressed! And btw- you aren't the only lazy one out there.... that is how I decide which projects to do- thread color. I am moving from green to red soon....

[boingo82]

Originally Posted by orangefoot

All those from a self drafted pattern? Wow good on you!

I really need some tops too but I am scared - of knits in general, sleeves, binding knits - you name it. I've read tutorials and tips but have yet to take the plunge.

Well not really self drafted but copied off an existing shirt. First time I have copied a garment without unpicking it.

These were also the first things besides diapers that I'd made from knits. I was scared of knits just like you. And I hate sleeves and didn't know how to finish the edges. But it was SO easy! If you want I'll try and do a tutorial if I make another.
Do you have a serger? That simple thing makes it a billion times easier. I would not attempt this without one.

[boingo82]

iowa - lol, I made all 3 with black thread because I didn't want to change. I'm glad it's not just me.

[mamadodson]

Those are great, I to love those style shirts, I'd love a tutorial if you ever get around to it!! Great Job Mama!!

[orangefoot]

Originally Posted by boingo82

Well not really self drafted but copied off an existing shirt. First time I have copied a garment without unpicking it.

That's without a pattern really isn't it?

These were also the first things besides diapers that I'd made from knits. I was scared of knits just like you. And I hate sleeves and didn't know how to finish the edges. But it was SO easy! If you want I'll try and do a tutorial if I make another.
Do you have a serger? That simple thing makes it a billion times easier. I would not attempt this without one.

No I don't and that adds to my fear! If I could afford one, had the space for one and had a table stong enough to use ione on I would get one!

[boingo82]

You don't need a table that strong. I have my serger sitting on the fold-out wing of a table sort of like this.
I've had it on that spot on that table for about 4 years now. It hasn't been a problem.
I KWIM about the affording though! Even used sergers can be expensive. My first one was 20+ years old but I paid $75 for it. It still sells for over $100 on eBay. I just got lucky watching the classified ads. And even $75 would be out of my range at times.

I don't know about sewing them without a serger, I never made knits work on a regular machine. I'm sure it's possible but it's beyond me, apparently.

[orangefoot]

Our only table is like that but we lift the flap up and down a lot, knead bread on it and lifting my sewing machine on and off is starting to feel like the last straw as it is starting to feel a bit loose iykwim? It was from Ikea about 7 years ago now and it's feeling a bit abused I think

I've been watching an old 70s Juki babylock on ebay this week which has just gone for £65 inc p+p double that to get dollars. eek

[scrapadoozer]

Very cute! Love the black one.

[art4babies]

wow - that *is* impressive if you just laid it down and sketched a pattern... very nice job.

[boingo82]

Thanks!

[mmomosedc]

I LOVE your shirt! Can anyone point me to a pattern that looks similar? I really want to make one but I'm no expert at free-handing!!

[boingo82]

Originally Posted by mmomosedc

I LOVE your shirt! Can anyone point me to a pattern that looks similar? I really want to make one but I'm no expert at free-handing!!

Thanks!

If you PM me I will email you the pattern pieces and instructions. They are sized for a 32F so I don't know if you will have to alter them at all.

[Tanzie]

wow!very impressed,love the colors you picked.