Jolly Green Tee - Grainline Studio Hemlock

Pattern: Grainline Studio Hemlock Tee  (2013)


Pattern Description: T-shirt with a relaxed fit, slightly scooped neckline, long sleeves, and self-fabric neck binding.

Pattern Sizing: One size fits all. Finished measurements: Bust – 44.5″, Hip – 46.5″

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing it? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, extremely easy.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? You mean besides the fact that it was free? Well, it is an easy shape with simple construction and a quick turnaround.

Fabric Used: 2 yards Kelly green and white (50% cotton, 25% rayon, 25% poly) striped tissue knit from Girl Charlee.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I made no changes except for cutting my top 5 inches shorter than designed, it ended up being exactly the same length as the sleeves when my arms are down. On me the original length was more tunic than a t-shirt. In fact, if I had added just 12 inches to the pattern it would make a perfect knee-length dress.

Otherwise, despite not having a serger, I sewed it together following the instructions with my sewing machine. Two layers of stitching, one straight while stretching the fabric slightly, and then one narrow zig-zag, as always. However, I made a mistake in that I used a 5/8" seam allowance when it seems it required an 3/8" seam, so it did result in a different fit.

The 23" measurement for the neck binding didn't work for me, I had to stretch it quite a bit to fit and unfortunately, you can tell. Hopefully, another wash will shrink it up some.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I will definitely make this again and it would be a great beginner project.

Conclusion: A fabulous basic that can be made not so basic depending on your fabric type and design choices. But it looks especially cute made up in stripes, right?

Here's The Goods!

I meant to post this right when it arrived but better now than much, much later (said the expert procrastinator.)

Not only did I get the new patterns and my original vintage Vogue, but also two print images of "my dress" from the summer catalog cover. In addition, I already have fabric that would work for two of these if I want to start making them up anytime soon.

Thank you, McCall Patterns and you are welcome. ; )

Iron And Rust Top - New Look 6216

 

Pattern: New Look 6216 (2013)

Pattern Description: A t-shirt with wide scoop neck and cut-on sleeves with hem bands.

Pattern Sizing: Size A (8-18) I cut out view B in size 12, but should have started with a size 10 instead, at least at the bust. In fact, my final altered paper pattern corresponded to size 8 at the neckline and shoulder, 14 for the sleeve length, 10 at the bust, 8 at my high waist, and a tapering out to size 12 at the hip.


Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing it? Actually, I think it looks better now, slimmer and with slightly longer sleeves.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, very much.


What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? It is a very quick and easy design perfect for a small cut of a specialty knit as it only requires a yard of fabric.

Fabric Used: One yard of auburn red and heather gray half-inch striped (50% cotton, 25% rayon, 25% poly) knit from Girl Charlee.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: The fabric I used for this was much thinner and slippery than I expected so cutting the pieces out was time consuming. I cut them all out single layer, trying hard to match the stripes at the seams. The goal then became constructing the top without stretching the fabric out of shape.

I liked the neckline (though a bit too wide and deep) and sleeves but the top turned out to be too wide at the bust line for me as I had originally cut out a size 12. After trying it on and pinning the sides I stitched the seams in an additional 1/2". I also sewed along the shoulder seam line for the size 10.

Differences between original pattern and finished top.

I ended up altering the top further by bringing in the waistline curve beyond that additional 1/2", cropped the length quite a bit, and transferred all of the changes to the paper pattern.

Neckline alteration.

The neckline turned out to be too wide so I added a 1/4" or so where the neckline met the shoulder, using scraps of pattern paper I cut from the hem.

I finished my seams in my tried-and-true way of a straight stitch on the seam line while slightly stretching the fabric and then a line of zigzag stitching 1/8" away. I then trim the seam allowance down closer to the stitching.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I will definitely make this one again.

 

Conclusion: I love the shape and it takes so little fabric and time.