7.09.2007

A sewing spree!

Tonight I finally completed my 3 transition shirts. Whew! It feels good to be done with them and I plan to take a much needed sewing break this week.

I made MANY mistakes on this first shirt the biggest error being size. I took my measurements hastily and over my clothes (very bad idea) so I ended up making this shirt an entire size too large. Adding to the sewing adventure were the darts (my first time ever), lining, and ruffly sleeve things. And of course I didn't realize until the shirt was done that I was swimming in it. Then came my not-so-ingenious alterations. All of that totals up to a lllllllllong time for Alicia to get this shirt sewed. I'm pretty happy with the results though. And it seems that I learn through making mistakes so hopefully I won't repeat my errors. I'm usually creative enough to make brand new mistakes with each project . . .



Here's shirt number two. It's amazing how much nicer a shirt fits when it's made in the correct size! I ditched the lining and ruffled straps and opted for Jenny Muth's amazing zipper shortcut. I highly recommend her zipper method; it's fast and painless. Thanks, Jenny! (If any of you sewers out there would like the zippery secret, email me at aliciahorn@hotmail.com) Paired with a new-to-me sweater and my yard sale black beads, this makes a cute outfit.







Shirt number three is a recent 25 cent yard sale find. The neck line was a bit too plunging for my liking so I sewed in a quick modesty panel this evening. Not quite straight but it'll do.




I feel like I have a new wardrobe! I can't wait to wear these shirts out and about this week.

What sewing projects are you tackling this summer?

13 comments:

Shyla said...

good work! you are braver than i! skirts are the only thing that i will make...and that is NOT including maternity ones...the panel scares me! :) Anyway, have fun wearing your outfits. I guess i thought that you were further along than you are b/c i am further along than i thought!! :) You sure do lose track when you have a little one running around.

Rachel said...

You look sooo cute in your new shirts. Congratulations on a job well done. Creativity usually manifests itself best in desperate times - at least that is true for me.
I am actually in the process of praying for a sewing machine. I am not a great seamstress but I can handle straightforward tasks and patterns. I made quite a bit of my own clothing while I was in highschool and college - very basic pieces though.
I often marvel at how well-rounded (not talking about your belly - hee, hee) you are. You have given me lots of great ideas probably w/o your realizing it. What a blessing you must be to Matt and Chloe!
Anyhoo - your projects came out great and you look fabulous. I laughed when I read that you are creative enough to make brand new mistakes - that was so funny!:)

Karen said...

My goodness, I need to learn to sew! Those shirts are SOOO cute! What's your secret?

S said...

very cute! nice job. i'm with shyla in the fact that i pretty much stick with skirts.

Janelle Miller said...

Your shirts are adorable! You really should think about that whole branching out with your own line of clothing! Thank the Lord we do learn from our mistakes, even though we do find new ones to make ALL the time! Did you work from a pattern? They really are so cute on you! I'm going to e-mail you about that zipper secret because I'm truly curious now!

I got some fabric a couple weeks ago to make some pillows for our couch, but haven't started on them yet. Our VBS is next week and I thought it wouldn't be a very smart idea to start on them until I can devote my whole mind to that specific project. I have also been meaning to do a little project for quite some time, but can't seem to ever get to it. I saw a diaper bag that was camouflage at a military store one time and thought it was absolutely adorable, but the price tag was OUTRAGEOUS! It's a line called Jane Wayne, which I thought was very clever and wish I had thought of this myself because this lady is making a killing with her stuff! Anyway, I go a pair of Ron's old cammies and have yet to finish it, but am determined to no matter what. So, maybe when I get to these pillows I'll try to finish that long over due project. Otherwise after that whole coulotte thing, I've not been too excited about sewing! Great job you did and maybe as you continue to "transition" you can sew up some more!

Kelli said...

Good Job, Alicia! You are amazing! You look wonderful and how creative you are. I am sure you will be able to wear those a lot this summer and then even after the baby is born, well, maybe with a cardigan over it since it will be a little chilly. Good job! Enjoy your new wardrobe.

Tracy said...

Fantastic job. Those shirts look amazing on you. When I get brave enough and have enough time to make some shirts, I'll be asking you lots of questions. Until then, I'm just going to focus on finishing my quilt. And sewing myself an apron.

Jenny said...

GREAT JOB!! I am now inspired to get out my boxes of unused fabric and get to work...I've got oodles and patterns. Now I've just got to find the time. Excellent work! And keep passing along that zipper tip - it's a lifesaver! (perhaps literally when that frustration builds up!) :-)

Matt & Nicki said...

Buttons and Sara's cubbie patches are all I sew--isn't that sad?! Good work on your shirts:)

Mary Ann said...

Your shirts look great! You're very creative & obviously patient. I just have a really hard time with anything crafty - therefore, as far as what sewing projects I am tackling this summer - NONE! Although I do plan on visiting the 4-H fair & checking out everyone else's projects :-)

Joe & Sarah McDaniel said...

Cute shirts!

suzanne said...

wow, you did such a great job! You really put together some great outfits!

Momto5 RachelJoy Photography said...

hey. i know you dont know me. but very nice shirts!!!