Spring sewing
Hi there. I got the sewing machine out this week, and finally satisfied that growing urge. Like my new shirt? It’s the ol’ ubiquitous Simplicity 3835 that I have made more times than I can count. Stick with what works, I say. These days, I’m using a version of the pattern that I know will fit me well right out of the gate, so there’s no more endless fiddling like there used to be. There’s just good old-fashioned near-instant gratification.
I made this one in some Little Folks voile. I’d never sewn with this type of fabric before, but I have to say it is perfect for a shirt like this, albeit a little on the sheer side. It flows very nicely.
Initially, I didn’t think the colors in this fabric would suit me well. I don’t see myself as much of a red/pink/purple wearing person, but I went ahead and made the shirt anyway because I was dying to get started and it was one of the few cuts of fabric larger than a fat quarter that I had in the house. As it turns out, I think I was wrong about these colors, and I do really like the way it looks on me, but before I had decided that, I felt I needed a shirt or two in colors that were more “me.”
So, late afternoon fabric shopping happened, as did an after-supper two shirt assembly-line.
And then there were three.
I really am so happy with these. The two new ones are in prints from Art Gallery Fabrics (the top one is Green Apple from Oval Elements, and the bottom one is A la Mode Grey from Modernology).
I have been wearing these guys all week. Along with jeans, it may just be my new springtime uniform. I’m fine with that, but I think I may need to add a few more to the collection…
I may change it up by doing one with the longer sleeve. And I’ve been contemplating the idea of trying a sleeveless version. Is that done? Raglan tank-tops? I don’t know… I am very tempted, though. I like the way these fit, but in the summer I like to have my shoulders free to get a little sun-kissed. I could have the best of both worlds, if I found a way to make sleeveless versions.
I’ve been scouring Flickr to get ideas for my next fabric. I’m thinking maybe I need a bold floral for a change of pace from all of these small-scale patterns. What do you think? Any fabric prints been calling your name lately?
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You may have just inspired me to try to sew myslef something!
self that is
Oh, I hope so! I was brand new at sewing when I made my first one of these, and I had a small amount of trouble with it. But since then, I’ve been able to crank them out in about an hour. It’s my favorite shirt pattern – the least fussy one I’ve tried!
Lisa, do you have trouble with pattern fitting? I have made a dress for myself and it is oh so tight! I usually wear a 10 or 12 store bought dress, but according to the pattern pkg, I made a 14.
that was the one that was tight. I guess next I’ll do a size 16. Yikes!
I had trouble the first time I made a shirt. Once I found out that pattern sizing has very little to do with the size of clothes you buy in the store, it became a lot easier. I just took my measurements and went by that. I usually end up making a size with a significantly bigger number than my usual dress size.
Sure wish that I could sew!
Great job!
I felt that way for a long time before I finally jumped in with both feet. It’s a skill I am so glad to have now! You should try it
I totally think red is your color. You look great in it! Isn’t it funny how we convince ourselves that one color or another doesn’t look good on us? My mom did that with pink — she was a redhead (the auburn, beautiful kind) and was always told she couldn’t wear red or pink. I made her a pink dress and she got more compliments on that than anything else ever! Go for it! More reds!
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That is *exactly* how I came to think red and pink were not my colors. My hair is naturally dark brown, but I’ve spent an awful lot of the last 20 years being one shade of auburn or another, and I believed someone who told me redheads couldn’t do red or pink.
I do really like this shirt on me… yeah, more reds!
Very nice.
Thank you, I really love them.
I’m with you-I get a pattern to fit, and I make it over and over. In fact, I have a top on right now that I first saw on your blog. It’s the second one I’ve made and won’t be the last. (Can’t remember the pattern number) And what’s better that cranking out two or three at a time?
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I think I know what pattern you mean. I found it too fussy for my taste. I liked the results, but the sewing wasn’t instant-gratification enough for me
Hello Lisa,
I love these tops! They look idea for hot Summer days and love the prints you chose.
Gabriela
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Thanks, I love them, too! I just ordered more fabric to make a couple more. I think I’m unstoppable
Love your new tops ~ job well done! I looked on line for this pattern, looks like it is no longer sold. Ebay had one available for $30!
I’ve been hearing that it’s out of print. That’s a bummer – it’s a nice pattern. Least intimidating top I’ve ever sewn.
Thanks so much for posting your work. I love the fabrics you’ve chosen – they’re beautiful and suit very well. I’ve been wrestling 3835 for a while now so I’m still trying to figure out how to adjust it. I’ve made a couple of different sizes and now I’m trying an FBA. Hopefully that will do it!
I had a really hard time with the first few I made. I was new to sewing, and I chose a size much to small. I tweaked it a lot to get it to fit, but still it was no substitute for finally buying the pattern in the right size for me. I hope the FBA works for you! I’d be more inclined to make the size that fits my bust, and then use darts to gather the sides in a bit. I’m far from an expert, though!
I’m new to sewing as well so I ended making it about 3 times last summer and couldn’t get it right. I’m hoping the FBA works – but if not I’ll try the darts thanks!
I also just picked up Simplicity 2599 which is designed to fit multiple bust sizes. It looks like a great pattern…and avoiding ever having to do FBAs would be great!
http://www.simplicity.com/p-1557-misses-tops.aspx
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Thanks for that link – that looks really handy! I try and avoid FBA’s, but really, it would help in a lot of cases…
Love the shirts. How fun to be able sew some up in fabrics you love knowing they will look great.