June 9, 2013

SUMMER BREEZES ESSENTIAl: Nautical Stripes...

...Nothing speaks summer to me louder than something nautical.
 
So as I continue working on my idea of a perfect Summer Breezes Wardrobe, I've had visions of adding a simple stripped garment to the collection.  I did make a striped boat neck last summer, but it's no longer living at my house as the neck fit didn't make the cut.  Just so happened that I do have a small collection of stripped knits stashed.  So I reached WAY back into my pattern collection and pulled out an old but goody

for a good fitting basic tee shirt.  I've made this pattern several times before back when I first started sewing again in 2006.  I wasn't too sure of my sizing back then and the tops ended up way too large through the neck and shoulders.  This time I cut a much smaller size through the neck/shoulder and bust area and was able to come up with just the right fit for a tee shirt.  One of the reasons I like this simple pattern is that it has no bust dart.  I detest making darts in knit fabrics because they just never press well - IMO.  This pattern is dartless.  I have also often wondered why some knit patterns have center back seams.  I use to think that it was senseless.   Little did I know that the center back seam lends itself to better fitting options - found this out during the Essential Tops Sew-A-Long several months go.  Thus my motto:  you live and learn, or so it should be.

I plan to wear my blue and white 3/4 length sleeved stripped t-shirt with a pair of traditional navy bell bottom pants that I made during my Pant's Marathon last month but never posted.  Maybe I'll debut that outfit tomorrow so I'll make sure I get a photo.


My top's plain and simple, but just what I needed to go with my bells.
Shouldn't have taken me a day and a half to finish it, but the first take on the neck band yielded uneven top-stitching.  I couldn't deal with that even on a simplistic tee shirt, so it had to be gingerly removed and re-done so I wouldn't over stretch the neckline.  Ended up having to hand stitch it to the inside seam which was tedious and time consuming but oh well.
I used a twin needle for the hems after deciding on hemming with white rather than blue.

Well there  you have it - my weekend's work.  Did I make a big enough deal out of such a simple project???  But know me - that's just the way I am.  Happy beginning of the week to all...

22 comments:

  1. Now THAT is my kind of tee!

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    1. It's super easy just had to make sure my stripes matched up.

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  2. It's Lovely Faye! I Do So Want A Nice Scale Stripey Knit Fabric.... DunnO Wat I Will Make, But I Just Hv This Want...... lol

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    1. Far this was in my stash form Wal-Mart. Really not the best quality fabric, but I needed a stripped top and feel that I used some good construction methods. Hopefully that will make up for the fabric quality.

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  3. Very nice. So classic.

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    1. You are always so encouraging Adelaide - thanks.

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  4. I have that same pattern and love the fit. Yours in stripes - perfect for summer!

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  5. Very fresh and classic looking.

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  6. Faye - you know how I love me some stripes! I think it's great and it will be so French with those pants. I hear you on things that take a weekend (when you think they'd take half a day). In the end, though, you've got a great top and you can tell everyone you made it.

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  7. Easy, breezy, and right on trend!

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  8. I love it Faye. There's nothing I like better than stripes.!

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  9. I love it, Faye, perfect for summer.

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  10. The top is lovely Faye, and you wouldn't have worn it if you hadn't redone the seam. Navy stripes are summer, you are quite right. PS -I've got a small button on the stylethestashsewalong if you want that.

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  11. Looks great! I love that pattern and have altered it to fit me, and use it as the start for so many pieces!

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  12. Love a striped tee and this one is great, Faye.

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  13. Perfect tee and that pattern is one of my go to for a tee or vest.

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  14. I love a stripey-Tshirt. Yours looks great and is always in style. With white pants. Or navy. Cool, nautical.

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  15. Hi Linda! I really like this fun looking top and can't wait to see it with your bells. You are so diligent on completing all your projects and you know you inspire me!
    Cecil

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  16. Perfect stripe matching! That center back seam is a beauty to behold. Great look for summer.

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