My nephew Noah had a chess tournament coming up. I thought it would be fun for him to have a chess themed shirt for the occasion. Noah loves chess, and he’s good at it! Me, not so much! HA!
I looked through my patterns and found this boys shirt pattern from 1963. I got this one at a second hand store, so the writing on it has no significance to me. However, I bought this pattern in Dos Palos, so if the names or writing has any significance to you, let me know!
I ordered this chess novelty fabric, and got to work cutting it all out as soon as the fabric arrived. I was relieved to see that this pattern was complete and there were no pieces missing.
Prepping the pocket. If the pocket doesn’t look symmetrical, it can make the shirt look bad.
The back of this shirt had a yoke. Here I am using a seam gauge to prep the yoke.
Sewing the yoke onto the shirt back.
Ironed on interfacing for the collar. Look closely, you can tell I used scrap pieces of interfacing. I try to use up every bit of my resources. In case you hadn’t guessed, I sew a lot!
Attaching the sleeves.
It was ready for Noah and his tournament!
Here are some fun facts about chess. The game that everyone plays now came from Spain and Southern Europe during the 15th century. It evolved from a game called “chaturanga”, which originated in India.
The first international chess tournament happened in London in 1851. A man named Adolf Anderssen from Germany won, and earned the title of “Best Player In The World”.
Another fun fact, I have no idea how to play. Maybe I can get Noah to teach me!
The shirt got delivered and Noah was ready for his tournament!
Would the shirt bring him luck? Or just make him look like he has a super cool aunt that sews? Or just make him look cool?
Wonder no more, he won! Noah now holds the title of “6th Grade Chess Champion”, as well as “Overall Upper Grade Chess Champion”!
*No parents are allowed in so I don’t have any action shots of the tournament.
But I’m sure it looked like this!! Before his opponents knew it, Noah had won! Checkmate!
And killed them with kindness and sweet smile!
I know that the shirt wasn’t lucky, it was all Noah’s skill and love of the game! I’m one very proud aunt of his accomplishments, and he did look cool while winning!
As for me, onto the next!
The shirt looks great on him! It’s nice to see young kids learn and love a challenging game like chess. Congratulations Noah!
Love this! I actually didn’t know the history of the game, so that was some interesting facts! I taught him the basics but now he has surpassed me. I just wish he could have played a game with my Dad.
Thank you again for making this shirt for Noah! 💕
Wow, congratulations Noah! Very impressive ♟️. The shirt looks very cool on him. I’m sure it was mostly his skill that won him the title, but I like to think the shirt was intimidating to his opponents . Keep up your love for the game, and Nicole, keep up your love for your sewing game❤️
Fantastic Noah!! The shirt, his good looks, his incredible kindness & his love of the game won that title! I too, am very proud of Noah!! Love the shirt! It’s perfect! Merry Christmas Everyone!
Congrats to Noah on his win! Also, good job on that pocket, Nicole. I had to zoom in to find it since it’s lined up with the fabric so well.
Great job Noah on winning! Also to Nicole for making the cool winning shirt! Praise all round 👏👏 for jobs well done!