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 |
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!



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