I’m still here!

I've been busy, and it’s a good thing.

I am forever prattling about my never-ending quest for knowledge and techniques for the crafts I love, mostly textile related. For a long time I have wanted to get back to sewing clothes for myself, and it finally happened in July.

I took a class at Stitchin’ Post to make a t-shirt using my new serger/cover stitch combo machine. I used the Concord Tee pattern by Cashmerette. The class was all day, and I had a blast. We started with tracing our pattern and, by the time the class was finished, I had sewn the shoulder seams, attached the neckline, and attached one sleeve. I finished the shirt the next day.

It’s not perfect but I am so pleased to have something completed in two days. Quilts are more of a journey for me; and while I have deadlines for some of the quilts I make, I prefer to think of my time quilting as a meditative practice—I don’t think of that when I’m making an article of clothing—maybe I consider clothing as utilitarian instead of fun. Quilts can be utilitarian, too, but quilting is what gives me a feeling of euphoria, and I don’t recall ever getting that from making clothing.

Back to the shirt. I eagerly tried it on and was a little surprised that it was a bit…snug. The Concord is a fitted tee and made with knit fabrics. I measured myself and chose the pattern based on the suggested sizes on the pattern envelope, but sized down because I was between sizes, and within a half-inch to the smaller size. Side note: my weight had been going steadily downward for the last 18 years (i.e., very slowly, which is good), but due to issues with getting certain medications refilled, I have packed on almost 30 pounds since January—not good! I’m back on my medication, so here’s to losing that weight again. The shirt is wearable, but I will keep the sizing in mind for future wearables. I also know that age makes body parts shift and there are some other adjustments I will be making on future garments. 

The last time I attached a neckline of this type, it was on a cotton dress for my then 9-year-old granddaughter--it did not go well. This time, I missed an instruction regarding adjusting the size of the neckline. Let’s just say I see that part of the neckline that looks squared instead of rounded! It’s another lesson learned that I believe is now seared on my brain, but I’ll be writing it down to make sure I have that lesson handy. And the more I think about it, I will be cutting a new neckline and reattaching it on this shirt, especially since I'm now seeing the pulling going on in the photo below.

No makeup, still haven't stitched the hems, bad hair day...and you can see 
how that neckline pulls...but I was still thrilled

Finished shirt, although I am still going to redo the neckline!

All things considered, I’m happy with the top and I will wear it in public (once the neckline is fixed). I’m back to the secret project as well as a class project, but I’m planning to make the Laundry Day Tee by Love Notions—and it will be dress length because this is the style I wear for a nightie. 

Oh, and the new machine? I’ve been wanting a cover stitch machine for a very long time. Cindy and I both purchased the Bernette 68 Airlock a few months ago. Bernette recently rebranded the machine as Maker and it’s been promoted heavily in the last few months. 

I have a couple more garments waiting patiently to be fed into the serger. I’m ramped about one of them because it’s for me! In the meantime, go make!