my first shirt and the subsequent sewing lessons learned

After two and a half months, my first summer top is finally finished.

 

I bought the dotted swiss ages ago when The Husband first broached the subject of moving further south. I figured the light fabric would make a great summer top, and since I had never sewn a shirt, I thought this was a great place to start. That was back in late February.

Now, I did pack up an entire household and move a state away in between cutting and sewing, so I'm accepting this excuse for the hilarity that ensued. This also prompted the first lesson learned on this project: don't cut out a pattern then pack it in a box then discover it (again) and try to piece it together from memory.

By the time I began sewing it together, I had four rectangular pieces that vaguely resembled one another. My beginner mistake was that I didn't make some indication on the material as to what pattern piece it belonged to. Which led to me sewing the cuff of one sleeve with the piece that was supposed to make the front placket where the buttons go. I had a feeling that something was awry when the cuff was waaaaaay longer than the gathered end of the sleeve. That didn't stop me, though. All I could think about was finishing the darn thing.

Second lesson learned: when basting or making gathers, use a contrasting color of thread. Although my mother had told me this before, it wasn't until I was ripping out a permanent seam (when I was supposed to be taking out the temporary threads that pulled together the gathers) that it made sense to me.

And finally, the placement of buttons and buttonholes should be done precisely so that they line up correctly and so that plackets line up as well. Mine are off just a hair, but I'm leaving them as is and claiming that it's artistic license. I'll just make sure that I'm constantly moving when I wear the shirt so that no one will have an opportunity to stare at it and find the mistakes. Although, when my mum comes to visit in a couple weeks I'm going to have her rip out the too big-cuff so that I can re-sew it. When I put the shirt on the dressform, I couldn't help but notice the gargantuan sleeve hanging lower than the other. (sigh) And now that I've noticed it, I won't be able to stop noticing. You can see it too in the picture.

The best part of this project was choosing the buttons. With a sewing room devoted entirely to my craftiness, I had room to unpack my button stash inherited from my Grammy. She was not only a saver but extremely organized. I'm hoping to never have to buy another button again.

 

 

 

Comments

[PrixMadonna]

MOG, Chip. That is ADORABLE! When did you get a dress form? I am coveting that enviable button collection all in their tiny drawers. De. light. Ful.

[The Muse of The Day]

First off my apologies for not visiting - I have been trying to learn how to paint. Next - keeping your body in motion so that nobody can zero in on the sewing goofs-brilliant & hilarious. Third- just the other day I was contemplating making a shirt with different sized sleeves on purpose. Bizarre to see you post on that subject. My sleeves (in my mind) did not have the little "placket" trim, but instead were finished off on one arm with crochet and the other arm with lace. Seeing it here, gives me a better visual with which to plan it out - kind of bizarre though that you would make just what I had been tossing around in my head. Carolina

[Janet Eisenbise]

I have to say that is one stupendous button collection!

[www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawmi-8ETIFOxCUAI2B2MmD0zC4InEyhppMY]

After about 100 yrs. and a million blouses, I started a summer blouse this morning and spent as much time ripping as sewing (one dart outside and one in)Your blouse is lovely. Grandma would say, "[Your mistakes] won't be seen on a galloping horse."
Aunt Sondra

[Rebecca]

In about a year, sometime when you're feeling strong and optimistic, you can give LB a pile of buttons and a blunt needle with thread to string them on. When mine were little that would buy me some precious sewing time.

[Amy O]

Thanks, Sim! When you come for a visit, Ill get it down so we can look through it all. When the Little Bear is sleeping of course. xo

[Rebecca]

That is a button collection to end all button collection! Adorable blouse. Well done, you.

[Amy O]

Oh Margo, youre so kind. I appreciate the speed comment. Truly.

[margo]

oh Amy, it's DARLING. So so so charming! I'm impressed with your speed, too! I've been trying to make a dress for myself for a year now :)

and your button collection is enviable!