Friday, July 13, 2012

One for the boy.

Yesterday I made my honey his "summer guitar shirt."


Not much to say about this one really, since it's the same as the one I made him in January, only with short sleeves.  Hubby picked out both these fabrics back in December.  It had been so long since I ordered them, I kind of forgot how bright this one is!

I had a little trouble cutting this out, because after washing, some holes developed about 3" in from one edge.  I was trying to keep the rows of guitars on the same plane across the front of the shirt, but because I had to shift my pieces around to avoid the holes, I ended up not having enough fabric left for a pocket that would match, and I also wasn't able to make the button bands line up with the print.  I've had this problem with holes developing more than once, and they're always a few inches from the edge.  Does anyone else have this problem?  Am I doing something wrong when I'm washing and drying my fabric, or are there inherent weaknesses in the fabric?  And if so, why are they always near the edge?

One thing I am happy with is that I think I'm getting better and better at sewing curves.  On this shirt, I managed to get both sleeves attached without catching in any of the body fabric or making any little "pleats" in the seam.  I've learned that I need to go very slowly, stopping often to readjust my fabric and constantly feeling with my fingertips to make sure there isn't any extra fabric underneath the seam line.  It does take time, but I don't think it takes any more time than unpicking a seam once or twice to redo it, as I used to do on every single sleeve!


I'm hoping to squeeze in one more sewing project before niecy-poo comes!  I also have a couple unphotographed FOs - you know how that goes!

11 comments:

  1. This is so cute! Bet your hubs loves it! I've never experienced holes like that before, but I don't really trust my own stitching, so I hand-wash everything I've made myself.

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    1. Thanks! I used to feel the same way, but now I'm starting to think the clothing I construct is of higher quality than some of the stuff I've bought! That said, I do often use the delicate cycle on my machine and line dry - but mostly because I seem to be using very fine fabrics all the time!

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  2. Do you remember when you once said to me that you were impressed that my hubby wanted to go clothes shopping? I'm much more impressed that your hubby picked out fabric! And such cool fabric, too!

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    1. He's not THAT good - he wanted a guitar shirt, so I pulled up the choices and he chose from that one page!

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  3. Do you hang the fabric out to dry on the line after pre-washing? If so maybe the pegs are ruining the fabric? (My husband had this problem with his t-shirts).
    This is a really funky shirt. I suppose your husband is too shy to be photographed for your blog? lol!

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    1. No - I do everything in the washing machine and then put it in the dryer. Come to think of it, I have this problem with some of my t-shirts too!

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  4. How you are so super productive I'll never know! The shirt is just awesome! It is exactly what it should be casual and fun! Great work!

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    1. How I do it is that I basically treated the last week as a sewing retreat! It's over now though - time to get back to real life!

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  5. I guess taking your time goes right along with
    'a stitch in time, saves nine'

    Lucky Guy.

    hugs

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  6. I've had the hole problem with t-shirts and cotton camisoles. I thought maybe it was something in my washing machine, some little sharp bit? I don't know, but it's so frustrating!

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    1. I'm glad to know it's not just me, but I wish we knew how we could stop it!

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