This started out (in my mind) as a bird print sort-of-colorblocked top (does it count as colorblocking if one of the blocks is a print? Hmm). However, it quickly received a new spin when, on its first "airing" at a church function, one of our male friends mistook it for a Duck Dynasty print. When I told my husband about it, he said it looked more like a Dove Dynasty print than a Duck Dynasty print. He can't help being clever, you know. The name has stuck, and now that's how I think of it!
I used my basic self-drafted cap sleeve tee pattern for this top, changing it up by adding a curved yoke. I really though an all-over bird print might be a little much, and I'm glad I went with my gut. Both fabrics are from Girl Charlee.
The tee seemed a little baggy when I was done, but I didn't want to risk too much shaping in the side seam because the grey jersy isn't super stretchy. So instead, I opted to cinch in the waist in the back with a piece of wide elastic, zig-zagged to the shirt. I think it worked out rather well, and it provides just enough shape.
I think I reapplied the neck band three times -- once after that initial airing I mentioned. I just couldn't seem to hit the sweet spot, so the neckline was annoyingly floppy. Fortunately it's perfect now. My one regret? The first row of birds under the yoke is upside down, and it would have been better to have that very visible row upright. But I did make sure the rows lined up at the side seams, so that consoles me a little.
The only question is -- are my fowls actually doves or not? We'll just say they are, okay?
I absolutely love this top! I especially like the way you gathered the shirt. I'm petite myself and often lose my shape around the waist area. What a great way to get it back! Thanks for sharing that nifty idea!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Miki! I'm glad you liked the elastic in the back -- my back is quite curvy, so I tend to look a little plump unless there's some shaping there. :-) It was super easy, too, which is always a plus!
DeleteBlessings,
Shannon
It is beautiful Shannon! I love the color-block style and the print. One of my favorite thrifted shirts is a color-block style. I get many compliments on it.
ReplyDeleteOh, how I wish I knew how to sew!
Cari,
DeleteThank you! I'd been wanting to use that print for the longest time, and was so glad I finally figured out a project that could feature it. :-)
And who knows -- maybe you'll get the chance to learn to sew!
Blessings,
Shannon
Nice work! I love the nickname, too--it IS clever. :)
ReplyDeleteI genuinely empathize about the neckband. I am working on those right now. It really is a matter of finding the "sweet spot", as you say, and different knits have a different spot!
It looks like you did a narrow hem on yours--I like the way that looks. Hemming knits is also a skill I am attempting to master. Many suggest using "Steam A Seam 2" to press the hem into place before stitching, but after trying to find it, I discovered that it's not in production right now. So..what to do? There must be other solutions with a regular sewing machine.
I'm really enjoying these finished projects of yours and the accompanying commentary. Thanks for sharing!
Krista
Krista,
DeleteThanks! :-) For hems, I often use Wash Away Wonder Tape -- I find it in the quilting section of JoAnn's. It's pricey (better with a coupon!), but it's a double stick "tape" that washes out. In other words, it won't compromise the stretch of the seam once the garment's been laundered.
So glad you're enjoying my recent projects! Hopefully I'll have a few more on the way soon. :-)
Blessings,
Shannon
Hey, Shannon--thank you for the Wonder Tape suggestion! I had some and decided to try it, and it worked pretty well on both the single knit and the cotton/spandex knit. I had forgotten about using it; I'm so glad you mentioned it.
DeleteKrista :)
Krista,
DeleteWow, that was fast work! :-) I'm glad the Wonder Tape worked for you -- it should look even better after it's been washed out (it stays kind of stiff until then).
Blessings,
Shannon
This is completely unrelated to your post though I really do admire you skill to draft as you go along sewing!
ReplyDeleteI was glancing over my prayer list this afternoon and saw your name was there along with the name of a friend of mine who has walked a similar journey to yours. She's written much about her loss, and please forgive me if you don't find it helpful/encouraging, but you've come to mind several times as I've read her posts. They are written on her blog: http://maendelfamily.blogspot.ca
Cheri,
DeleteThank you for your comment (and your prayers!). And also, I appreciate the link to your friend's blog -- I have found it so helpful to read others' experiences, especially from a Christian perspective. Thank you for thinking of me!
Blessings,
Shannon
I love the colors and the design! The nickname really fits it!! :P It's always so hard to find modest clothes that fit, I envy your ability to make your own!
ReplyDelete:)
Thank you for your kind comment, Minnesotan Gal! It's handy to have a husband who can help out with nicknames. :-)
DeleteBlessings,
Shannon
Hi Shannon, I just finished making the drawstring top and it is lovely. Thanks so much for the pattern! I plan on making a few more for the summer. Now for a long shot, have you put this top up as a pattern, and if not would you consider it? I love the colour blocking, as well as being nice and modest. Anyhow, many thanks for the drawstring pattern.
ReplyDeleteAmy
Amy,
DeleteSo glad to hear the you like the drawstring top! I think you're probably the first person I've heard from who's actually made one, so it's also a bit of a relief! :-)
I don't actually have this tee as a pattern -- I simply used my personalized cap sleeve tee pattern and made the alteration to that. I started out with this pattern to make my own customized shirt: http://icandy-handmade.com/2012/05/tutorial-and-pattern-perfect-fitted-cap.html. It's about a medium and might take some playing around, but once you get it to fit you have a great basic tee.
To made the color-blocked yoke, make a copy of your pattern and draw a line where you'd like the color block to be. Cut the piece along that line, and ADD seam allowance to both pieces (3/8" to 1/2" is good, but use whatever you like). I usually do this by taping a piece of paper to the pattern, then drawing my new seam allowance line. Does that make sense? To construct the top, simply sew the "color blocks" together as your first step.
I'll definitely consider posting a pattern, but since I know it wouldn't be any time soon, I thought I'd give you an idea for the method I used! :-)
Blessings,
Shannon
Shannon,
DeleteThe drawstring has been on my to do list ever since you put it up. Just had to get a free moment. I have the hem to do (forgot about it) and them I'll take a picture and email it to you if you like. I made it out of trial fabric, but actually quite like it now its made. It was also pretty amazing because you are practically the same size as me so there weren't many alterations that need to be made. Yay! My sister-in-law also really likes it so perhaps a drawstring for her will be next : )
Thanks for the directions, perhaps I'll make a plain cap sleeve one to refine the pattern and then when I find a nice knit print I'll give it a go and let you know. I struggle to find nice knits in Australia, so I'll have to keep looking.
Thanks
Amy
Amy,
DeleteI'd love to see a picture when you're done! Isn't it great when garments made out of trial fabric turn out to be wearable? How convenient that we're almost the same size. :-)
I hope your fabric search/cap sleeve shirt experiments go well!
Blessings,
Shannon