5. Modern T-Shirt - Grainline Scout Tee #31002

Pattern: Grainline Studio Scout Woven Tee #31002

Pattern Sizing: Neck, shoulders to underarm in size 8, rest in size 10.

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, very much.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? It is a simple idea but in a modern shape; interesting and still an easy and fast sew. I loved the 1/4" hems at neck, sleeves, and hem. They made the shirt seem very delicate.

Fabric Used: Brown and cream quilting cotton in a homespun-like print, from my late aunt's stash.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I made no changes but next time I think I will go down a size, at least in the shoulders.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I will make this again, perhaps in more flowing fabrics and also in a knit, similar to below.

Petal Window Tee

Conclusion: After seeing this made up in a liberty print and in a red wool crepe, I just had to try it. It's definitely a design that could look very different when made in various types of prints and weights of fabric.

Images: my own photos, Anthropologie

The Sewing Begins, Anew

Yup, I'm still here. It's just slow-going right now.

Doesn't look like me, does it?

However, I have cut out and stitched together my Grainline Scout Woven Tee in the Holly Hobbie-like fabric at right that I received when cleaning out my late aunt's house. It may have been hers or another relative as it was found in the cinder block shed behind the house along with a sewing machine* and some sewing notions. I also acquired buttons, zippers, and a Singer buttonhole attachment but it's in a sorry rusted state. Not sure if I can clean it and make it work.

Lovely, right?

I will keep you up on how the tee goes, it's a very easy make, I'm at the neck binding part. I was extremely inspired by these two versions created by the pattern maker, who is also the designer of Hound. Also, since I'm supposed to be participating in her Handmade Wardrobe project, I thought I should include one or two of her patterns, specially since they're so cute.

*no idea what model/make, it was already gone by the time we got to the shed.

Long Time, No See - Wrap-Up

Wow, I didn’t know this but when you take a break from your blog it’s really hard to start back up again. There’s suddenly so much to write about but you feel too lazy to type out all of the posts that are forming in your head. So, I’m going to start with a bullet point run-down of what’s been going down, you dig? Then later I’ll flesh out a few points into their own posts, ok?

Let’s go:

Received my diploma and hopefully, will never step foot on campus again, if I can help it.

Have been working every Sunday at the part-time job. Loving it, but it takes a sewing day away from me. Everything must now be done on Saturday.

Participated in Race For The Cure in D.C. on June 12 in the most glorious weather.

Visited the National Museum of the American Indian. Great tour and a truly gorgeous building, infinity pond and locally-sourced indigenous garden.

Used the unfitted Komen race tee shirt to try out my possible TNT customized knit tee shirt pattern. It still needs some work on the back armhole.*

Used the last of my Etsy money to purchase Grainline’s Scout Woven Tee because my woven tee shirt pattern wasn’t working out. I also got her Tiny Pocket Tank pattern. Can’t wait to try it out.*

Have two projects cut out and ready to sew, New Look 6939 (dress) and Vogue 9745 (pants).*

Contemplating my Vogue 7714 duster coat and it's massive amount of ease, broke down and used an online sale to purchase two new contenders, New Look 6656 and New Look 6270 that have more reasonable 4"-6" of ease in bust and hips along with a back seam to take care of sway-back issues. Muslins forthcoming, nearer to fall.

Coming up:

A mega-sale in my Etsy shop, Metamorphpursuit!

Some stash-busting quick projects. (see Grainline bullet point above)

Details on my up-coming beginner quilt class.



*Expect an individual post.

Mission: Accomplished!

While I've been away from the blog, I have tried numerous T-shirt muslins, contemplated making pants, been busy with two jobs, trying to build an actual social life, and oh, by the way, this happened...

B.A.- Art History 2012

Virginia Commonwealth University

Whew!

I feel a weight lifted off my shoulders but then the next day and then the next week happened. The combination of all that work, the anticipation, the fear of failure, and all the money spent is over in the time it takes you to walk across a stage in the Richmond Convention Center to receive a rolled-up sheet of blank paper.

Now, of course, I DO NOT regret the experience but I do regret the time and expense that went into this protracted 20+ year journey. If there is anything I can impart to college-age teenagers thinking about college is to finish it when you first get that chance. It only becomes harder to accomplish and more expensive to afford the longer you take. Take the opportunity before 1) you have to pay rent, 2) you parents are no longer willing to pay, and 3) you have to hold down a full-time job at the same time. Trust me.

What's New, Mr. Holmes?

Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock) and Lara Pulver (Irene Adler)


If you didn’t get to check out the BBC’s Sherlock series last year, then try to catch it this year. It is just as meaty, clever, and witty as before plus more sexual innuendo. News Flash: Sherlock likes a girl!

The first episode, Scandal in Belgravia is fabulous, tricky, and bears repeat viewings so as not to miss any of the fun. I’ve just discovered, being an American, that during it’s original airing in England there was a bit of controversy about some perceived sexism in this episode. However, I didn’t see it that way at all.

While loving this episode and getting downright swoony over Mr. Cumberbatch (and I thought I had eyes only for Martin Freeman's John HAMISH Watson!) I realized that this episode would be a great first episode for someone who didn’t see the last series. Every one of the main and secondary characters are present and the dynamics of those relationships are in evidence too. So if you get the chance and have the inclination, check out PBS Masterpiece Mystery!, where you can view Series Two’s first episode online there until June 5.

And here's something for the Watson fans!


Hell-lo, Hamish!

Image: BBC Gif: Sherlock BBC