Getting Better All The Time

When I was first teaching myself how to make clothes, I picked this pattern to try. I liked the style, it says “simple to sew” and thought it would be a good place to start. SO the shirts featured in this weeks post I made years ago.

Some of my current projects take longer than others. Right now, my current project is complicated and time consuming. Stay tuned though, I’ll post it when it’s finished. Not wanting to miss a weeks blog post, and not wanting to sew this one again, I figured I’d show you some past sews.

Since I was learning, I thought this pattern would be easy, and yet have some techniques that I would need to master. It had very few pattern pieces. It had darts in the bust, which I didn’t know how to do, and it had a zipper. The thought of a zipper intimidated me, but I was determined to learn so I jumped right in.

I chose the view that had no sleeves. The thought of sleeves intimidated me too! I used some retro looking fabric that I had since the pattern is originally from the 1960’s.

As you can see from the inside, one side of the facing is tucked under, and one isn’t. Also, the iron on interfacing is coming off after multiple washes. I also didn’t try to do anything to keep the outer edge of the facing from fraying.

Since this shirt was sleeveless, the pattern called for bias tape to be used around the arm hole. I had no idea how to use bias tape properly. I got it sewn on, and figured it was good enough!

I proudly wore my homemade shirt, after all, I did get it finished! No one can see the inside anyways! Here I am casually posing in my sewing room wearing the finished product. I still have it, I still wear it, and I still like it.

I decided since I liked the pattern that I would make it a few more times to get better at it. For the next version I decided to be brave and put sleeves on it. I chose this sewing themed fabric, and went to work.

I assure you, the inside of this shirt is just as flawed and the previous one. AND I always have to remind myself when I wear it that the hem sleeve on the right side isn’t sewn well, and I have to tuck it under.

BUT I love it! It’s one of my favorite shirts, you’ll still see me out and about in it.

Posing away in my sewing room.

I decided for my next try with it, I would lengthen the bottom a little. This was my first venture into altering a pattern! I also got the zipper pretty lined up at the neck on this version. I was slowly getting better. The sleeve hems on this one aren’t wonky!

Notice my lipstick matches? I couldn’t be this extra without Besame Cosmetics and their line of vintage make up. They don’t sponsor me, I wish.

Look closely and you’ll sneak peek my current project.

I decided to make the shirt one more time. No one ever noticed that I had the same shirt in different fabric patterns.

At that time I had a goal for all of my clothes to be homemade. I still haven’t reached that goal, but I am trying, and trust me, my closet if full of things I’ve made. I might actually have more homemade clothes hanging up than store bought. I’m getting there!

The last time I made this pattern the zipper was off at the top. I didn’t take the time to rip it apart. I just left it, figuring my hair would cover it anyway.

On this version I decided to zig-zag stitch the edge of the facing. It keeps it from fraying and helps to keep the interfacing in place.

See, you can’t even tell that the zipper is off a little! HA!

I could go back and fix these shirts, but I won’t. Not because I don’t have the time or skills at this point, but because it is a visual reminder of how far I’ve come in my sewing journey.

I’m still proud today of my shirts and their imperfections. I still mess up. I seam rip more than I want to. Sometimes the inside of my finished projects are wonky. I get frustrated and want to quit in the middle of projects, but I don’t. I keep making steps forward.

I still have things to learn, and I will always be improving with time and exposure. I’m still challenging myself with new techniques and, of course, the challenge of this blog!

Don’t be afraid to try something new. Don’t be afraid to mess up, and when you do know that at least you tried! A wonky shirt is better than no shirt!

As for me, onto the next!