Steph
I’m supposed to be sewing my husband’s christmas coat this weekend. It’s amazing what you can do when you’re procrastinating…
This is not, obviously, the Bird on a Wire fabric. Seeing as Spoonflower knits are like $27/m, I figured a wearable muslin was in order. This stripey stuff (formerly seen in the Where’s Waldo shirt) was like $3/m. That works.
Pattern: lengthened
I made only one change to Steph’s pattern (which I have to admit, after the Zoe coat fitting and the hack ‘n slash I’ve been doing on the Lekala pattern for my husband, was a BIG relief): I added a crapload of length to the bottom. Steph drafted for 3″ below the waist… 3″ below my waist is still an inch or two above my pants. Those of you who don’t wear your pants indecently low won’t have this issue. 😉 I also smoothed the curve of the back piece in the hip region—I have no idea if it’s better this way, I just liked the look.
So, fit? The shoulders fit. Perfectly. Like a dream. OMG. For the record, I did not once supply Steph with my shoulder measurement.
Back view
In fact, the fit of the whole thing is pretty fabulous. As promised, it’s snug through the bust with a teensy bit of ease in the midriff, just enough to not feel like a stuffed sausage, without feeling odd about the difference between the bust-ease and the waist-ease. Now, just for the record, I made the 35|| size, that’s 35″ bust, rectangular shape. Steph recommends it for those with 8″ or less difference between bust and waist.
Cool Cat
Also for the record, I myself have a 33″ bust and a 5″ difference with my waist on a good day. /sigh. This is not a very stretchy fabric, but if you’re an actual 35″-bust you probably want to make sure you use a fabric with at least a modest amount of give. There’s a fairly significant amount of negative ease at the bust, which is actually the narrowest point on the pattern. Bonus for me, it meant I didn’t need to adjust the waist shaping for my short waist!
I think the only thing I’ll change next time is lowering the neck-scoop a little more. Like an inch or two. It’s a bit high for my taste, and maybe a bit higher than in the version Steph drafted for herself. My neck-binding is standing up a bit, but I think that has everything to do with the fabric not stretching enough to make a nice, flat binding.
All inall? Good job, Steph! And thank you :).
(Oh, and sorry for the hat, I had an afternoon shower and no way was I doing my hair again…)
Should you for some reason require more random photos of me goofing around in a stripey T-shirt, they can be found here. I tried to embed the slideshow, but WordPress does not seem to want to play nice with Picasa.
Tanit-Isis Sews 
Hmm… yes, I agree with you. I can be extremely productive when procrastinating about a particular project. Amazing, eh? I love the tee, and looking forward to seeing the fantastic birds on a wire!
I have to admit, usually when I’m procrastinating I lose hours staring at the computer screen or researching something totally random and useless… so procrastinating via sewing is remarkably productive for me… 😉
That is exactly what happens to me! Lately I’ve been procrastinating because I don’t want to go into the cold sewing room, but having just picked up embroidery, I feel like I’m actually doing something useful, instead of just learning everything there is to know about okapis. Great t-shirt, and now I’m going to have to give the pattern a try!
Cute Tee!
thanks!
Very cute. I love the stripes. I should try out this pattern. It looks like it would be quick to sew up. The perfect procrastination.
Yeah, including printing and assembling the pattern it still wasn’t much more than an hour. Although I did save some time not stitching the hem…
how did you do the neckband with the same fabric? I can never get that sort of thing to come out properly in a knit?
Just like Steph’s directions, I cut a band (lengthwise in this case so I could have the stripes going the opposite way) and pull gently on the band while stitching it down. It’s a bit finicky getting the stretch just right—enough so it lies flat, not so much it ripples the other fabric—but usually it works well enough that I’m satisfied. Then press and topstitch the seam down.
Love the tee! Does Steph share her pattern? I’d love to get it.
Yes! Whoops, I linked it in the first post on the pattern, but not this time. My bad! You can find Steph’s pattern (in two sizes so far, more coming) here:
http://3hourspast.com/2011/12/16/finished-object-birds-on-the-wires-tee
The patterns are available in the sidebar, too.
Never mind.I figured out who Steph is.
It looks so great! I’m pleased at how this size turned out, I didn’t get a chance to test it on someone irl before I uploaded it. Hmmm… It seems a little tinier than intended, but that’s ok!
I got a lot of mixed feedback about the low, wide scoop, so I tried to play it safe… 🙂
I love a nice girl-fit tee! The stripes seem incredibly suited for this time of year perfect for sitting on Santa’s knee.
Punctuation is overrated. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!
But you can rhyme! 😉 I do love these stripes… I wonder how many shirts from an identical fabric can one have before it starts looking odd…
Oh I just love that T-shirt! So cute and such a fast & easy sew.
I look forward to stitching it up myself.
Oh, thank you! Can’t wait to see your version. 🙂
Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your blog…I laugh and just enjoy your work. You are a very prolific seamstress, I long for your energy…Keep up the good work, and have a wonderful Holiday and a Very Happy New Year. May your backward sewing be minimal and all your seams straight…
jkgalligan
Michigan
Aww, thank you! Have a great holiday yourself! 🙂
If I don’t get around to making myself one of these I would love to be reminded – it is fabulous! Wonderful wonderful shape & it’s so flattering & cool & stylish & oooo just lovely!
I like the Waldo stripes and little cap sleeves. A tee is a terrific take-a-break project. Hell, it’s a whole week to Christmas anyway! Lotsa time. 😉
Very cute. I like the sleeves. I have to admit, my t-shirt makings have been total diversion, too. But I actually need them!
Love it! I want a striped tee too, but the only striped knit I currently own is wide with black and off-white stripes — more Escape from Alcatraz than Where’s Waldo.
The shoulder looks great, given that the tee doesn’t have a separate sleeve, and I think the neck band probably just needs to be a teeny bit narrower and shorter to lay flat. Nice pattern! I hear you on adding length though, I compare every top to my TNT and end up adding at least an inch to many of them but that’s just because I’m part snake.
Super cute! You gotta love a stripey shirt.
And I’m glad to see it made up and you wearing it – it gives me a better idea of how the sizing would work on me.
I love it ! Seems like this could be quite wardrobe staple as I hate putting sleeves in with a serger.
Wow, it’s really perfect! I’m going to have to give this pattern a try!
Don’t ask me why I’ve never commented on your blog before. I couldn’t tell ya. But I’m stepping out of the shadows of stalking to say “hey, I love the tee, and I love your style!” My sewing area often becomes procrastination station when I’ve got bigger fish to fry. Sometimes that’s all you need…a little quickie to work on while pondering over a more involved project.
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