wardrobe essentials 2018 - t-shirt bonanza








I have been quietly sewing my summer t-shirts. I didn't feel like writing about each and every one but I thought a mid season round-up would be ok.

I have tried a new pattern, the Fairelith t-shirt by Blank Slate patterns. It is a simple raglan top with a deep cut back and scoop neckline. I love a scoop neckline very much but rarely wear a deep cut back because I am self conscious about the acne scars on my upper back. This year though I decided it really didn't matter. I can't see them myself and I no longer care if others might notice. Chances are it is one of my loving teenagers that would be the ones making a hurtful comment. They find me pretty gross, which I am fairly certain is not an unusual teenage sentiment. I used to shudder at the thought of my mum's big knickers on the line when I was their age and I am sure they are no different. Sorry mum :-) I take perverse pleasure in asking Sam and Annie to hang up the laundry, unmentionables and all.

Back to sewing  The Fairelith can be made as a fitted top or a swing top, either with short or long sleeves. I chose the swing top with short sleeves. To be honest, I could probably have altered the Rivage raglan t-shirt that I often use but I am lazy and I like to support Indie pattern designers whenever I can.

My first Fairelith is grey with a white neckline. It is a strange shade of not quite grey, depending on the light, there seems to be a hint of mauve. I've had this knit fabric in my fabric box for ages, I bought it for £2.90/metre in the sale. I didn't exactly love it but I didn't hate it either - perfect for a trial version of a new pattern. The swing top is a bit of a fabric eater and I didn't have enough for a neckband, which is unusually long. I am actually glad about this because the white neckband adds interest. I really like the result.The fit is reasonable with room for improvement, there is slight bunching in the underarm area. It didn't bother me enough to faff with the pattern and I made a second version with another sale bargain, a narrow stripe dark orange/white viscose jersey. I bought it from Minervacrats for £2.99/metre. I had two metres of this fabric, because it was such a bargain. There was plenty for a swing top and matching neckband. I cut this across the grain to add a little interest. The pattern actually asks for the neckband to be cut on the bias but I avoid because it is not very economical. I have enough fabric left for a kids t-shirt. I am now also confessing that I went and bought another 3 metres of this fabric, for next year, and the year after. I won't get bored with it, I know I won't.



Next I made my annual knit fabric Sailor top by Fancy Tiger Crafts. It is a pattern for woven fabric but I found it works equally well with knit fabric. I make one a year, usually to ring in the t-shirt making season. I had completely forgotten but thankfully, my pal Jo of Three Stories High reminded me when she recently wrote about her Sailor top. I immediately needed to make one, too. Jo used an unusual fabric for her first one, go and have a look, it is fabulous. My strategy to buy one metre of jersey as a rule backfired because I couldn't find a jersey piece big enough, until I remembered the teal viscose jersey I bought in Copenhagen. It seemed slightly longer than one metre, which was just enough for the facing pieces. I spent ages with the pattern layout, I struggled a bit with fitting all pieces in. I cut this one single layer to make best use of the fabric I had. There is virtually none left, just a few scraps which I used to check overlocker tension etc. I am so glad I made this t-shirt, I love colour, style and also the texture of the fabric. I hope I get a chance to visit another Danish fabric shop in summer.

The photo by the way shows me in full teaching mode, headset and all. I was only recording, no students. When I meet students online I sit in a less cluttered space and make sure there is no embarrassing sight on screen, other than myself of course. I seem to have a mild sunburn. I didn't notice until just now.

I want to make another Sailor top now, even though I don't actually enjoy sewing it. The gathered neckline is a bit of a faff to get even with knit fabric. It is not a top made in one hour but I think the extra time is worth it. I'll keep you in the loop.

Meanwhile, I am barely able to walk. I am still waiting for my X-ray results. It is frustrating and I am not surprised people go to A&E rather than to their primary health care provider with problems such as intense foot pain. Definitely worth the four hour wait if the outcome is a same day result and appropriate treatment. I shall pour myself a large gin and tonic and see if I can find a bag of crisps.

Have a lovely weekend. xx


Comments

  1. Yay! Brilliant tops. The neckline is a bit faffy but you are right, it is worth it. Love the real life modelling I would be happy to see such a friendly face pop up on my screen. Still in France but wanted to call in. Had an urge to look you up and there we are both thinking of each other. Love Jo xxxx

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  3. Lovely pics! I love seeing your sewing adventures - and it must be amazing to be able to make your own tops. Hope your foot is feeling much better soon x

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  4. Nicely done, you always make such a brilliant job of sewing with that tricky stretchy fabric. I wish I could do it, it must be so nice to have a tailormade t-shirt. So sorry your foot is still so painful, I do hope it improves soon. Not being able to walk far must be really frustrating. I hope you have a good weekend with lots of rest and relaxation. CJ xx

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  5. Such a cheery face for students to be greeted with. Both T-shirts are great. I am not a fan of sewing stretchy fabrics, somehow there is always a problem. You always do a brilliant job. Hope your foot heals soon and you are able to walk easily very soon.

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  6. Hope the foot heals fast. I've never sewn knit fabric - one day. I've a few spare days this weekend for the first time in months and months and months, so jsut might get sewing machine and overlocker out. DO love your tops.

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  7. Bravo on the new tops! It must be nice to be able to make your own clothes. Sorry about your foot.. I hope they figure out what is wrong and fix it up for you. I have a bad knee right now giving me pain, dang it. Have a super weekend! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  8. Fab tops Christina, your sewing always looks so professional. Love the stripes fabric particularly. You must be sooooo frustrated about your foot. Hope they can sort something out soon and you become more mobile. Enjoy that sunshine. B s

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  9. Love those tops and well done on throwing caution to the wind and going with the low back. Similarly stuck with a wonky foot here which x rays have shown isn't fixable. Hoping you have a more positive outcome.

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  10. As always Christina, you super impress me with your sewing! To make your own (wearable) clothes in public is a great skill to have. (And thanks for your kind comment about Lanai's death; your story about Peter's pear tree is really sweet.)

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  11. Fabulous tops Christina and good decision on the low back. You did make me laugh at the thought of your teenagers having to hang out your underwear. It is quite right that children should be embarrassed by their parents!

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  12. Also meant to say I hope you resolve the problem with your foot soon xx

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  13. Have I missed a post - did you injure your foot or did it simply flare up? I do hope you get it sorted soon. Sunburn in Scotland? This is an unusual Spring/summer. X

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  14. Great tops. The one you're wearing in the photo is a gorgeous colour. I sew most of my clothes but have yet to tackle jersey... One day!

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  15. Love a striped top for summer. Hope you are walking without pain soon - anything that lingers like that is no fun! P.S. My daughter was just in Geneva for work and sent incredible photos of a hike up a mountain she did, with a bar and a glass of wine at the end and a cable car back down. Very civilized lol.

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  16. Really lovely tops! I bought lots of jersey when I was in Denmark, the quality of them was just so wonderful.

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  17. Clever you,just like your friend Jo,very talented.Oh dear I do hope your foot is soon better.I had plantar Fasciitis,very painful inflamation of the bottom of the foot but ok now thank goodness.Hugs xx

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Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment, I love to hear from you, I really do. I sometimes reply by email but I am not all that reliable... Christina xx

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