Tees for Two

Made last spring, this is probably my favorite sewing project of the year (so far)...  Matching tees for my niece and me.  Seems like a good time to post (and wear!) these, considering all the little fuzzballs scurrying around underfoot, stuffing their cheeks with acorns and such.

Fabric:  My Rodents/Gnawers design on Spoonflower's modern jersey.

Patterns:
My tee:  Lark by Grainline Studio
Esme's Tee:  Simplicity 1566
Leggings:  Brindille and Twig

A Flock of Larks

Well, maybe four larks does not a flock make, but still…  I've a growing stack of tees made from Grainline Studio's Lark pattern. (Three more have been added since taking these photos!)  This basic pattern comes with various neck and sleeve options…  I made my first v-neck and tried the scoop, but the boat-neck is my favorite.  Only a couple small adjustments were needed to perfect the fit for me.  I've been pulling out knits from my stash to add to my flock.  The Branch Stripe fabric is my own design (available here) and the other three were thrifted…  I'd been saving the amazing owl fabric for so long.  Happy to finally be able to wear it!

Black-Brown-Blue Floral Blouse

Here's a new top I made using my favorite vintage blouse pattern (McCalls 7425 from 1964).  I've used this pattern twice before (sailboats and black bows) and the only change I made this time was to add a little extra length to the back hem.  It's really lovely in this flowy floral rayon (from Joann's).  I'm tempted to try a popover version of this pattern using something from my vintage stash…  The hardest part is deciding which fabric!

Three Grayscale Tees

A few long-sleeve tees I made for myself recently.  Pretty basic, but it's nice to have some knit tops that fit well with sleeves that are long enough.  I was nervous to make the placket on the black one, but it turned out pretty well, teeny bones all lined up and everything.  I got a wee bit fancy on the dark grey tee by making a slightly scalloped edge on the neck rib with one of the special stitches on my machine.  I used McCalls M6747 with some alterations (took out the center back seam, too).  Definitely need to make more of these!

Vintage Fabric Summer Top

Here's a fun top I made recently with vintage fabric and pattern D from Japanese pattern book "Simple Wardrobe". This top was a quick and easy make, basic but with some nice details...  I especially like the neckline and raglan sleeves.  I made only a couple of adjustments to the pattern after doing a quick test:  I shortened the sleeves quite a bit and added a curved hem.  I'm quite happy with the fit (I made size 9 and mine is obviously not as oversized as the striped version in the book, but that's fine with me).  Oh, this delightful fabric is another treasure from my grand haul last summer.

Blue Bouquet 60s Blouse

Here's a top I made for myself using vintage fabric and a pattern from the 60s. I was intrigued by the collar/placket combo on this one, curious how it would look in real life. This is actually test #2 after making a quick muslin and adjusting the fit.  Not wanting to make a dress, I gave it a curved hem, slightly longer in the back. I'm really happy with the shape and fit, but if I make this again I'll probably slim up the sleeves near the cuffs. I think a lighter colored fabric would be better for showing off the details of this top... You can't really see it here but the lower edge of the placket is curved like the cuffs. Also, believe it or not, I added 1 1/2 inches to the sleeve length, and they're still a tad short! oh, arms.

vintage maya top

here's a top i made using Marilla's new Maya pattern.  i've had this wonderful vintage fabric for so long, i can't remember where it came from.  i'd been on the lookout for a basic pattern with clean lines and fun details to show off this crazy print...  when i saw Maya i knew she would be perfect.  i like the boxy shape and contrasting facings, but my favorite part (in this version) is where the hem switches from straight to curved at the side seams.  i made a size 8 with no adjustments (although, i did deviate from the instructions a bit, instead of french seams i serged the seam allowances so i could press them open and hem last).  i know it will be forever before summer rolls around again, but when it does this top will be worn lots.

sleeveless 60s top

here's a sleeveless top i made earlier this summer using a cute vintage pattern from the early 60s.  the pretty fabric is also vintage, harvested from some sort of housecoat/robe.  i kept the construction as neat as possible by making french seams and blind-stitching the inner collar and the armhole bindings.  the only adjustment i made was to shorten the front a tad.  i'm not sure i can do the big belt look, but i would like to try the sleeved version in a solid color (chambray?) to show off the fun pointed placket.

fancy stripes summer dress

i made this casual summer frock using McCalls M6744 (A) with some intensely patterned striped jersey that i bought from girl charlee a couple years back.  i like this pattern a lot.  it's quite simple and quick to make.   the only adjustments i made were to lengthen the bodice about 1/2" and bind the neck and armholes (like on my beetle tee) instead of the narrow hem the instructions suggest.   particularly pleased with the pattern placement, matching the bodice and skirt pieces so the fancy stripes continue properly and also the hem, which i folded so it's edged with a tiny dotted stripe.  easy to sew, easy to wear...  perfect for hot days (not that we've had many).