A mini sewing vacation

Moving on to new projects:

My cutting table stayed busy Sunday afternoon. Took an hour or so cutting out three patterns (yes, I AM ambitious). Judging by the amount of trimmings, I made good progress.

Last summer my first wearable shirt was New Look 6598, a wing collar design that was more than a little challenging. Add a couple "firsts" in the pattern alterations dept., I'd say I logged about 15 hours on that shirt. I still wear it today but have always wanted to revisit and tweek it a bit. So armed with a fresh copy, I set out on Monday to give it a go.




So I make my usual alterations - forward shoulder rotation, rounded upper back, increase back width, add width to the sides to bring center front to MY center front - and spread my fabric, a pretty pistachio green broadcloth, when suddenly, plans change. Can you see the problem?



Yep, dryer sheets! I rewashed it but no luck. At that moment I realized it's Make It Work time. Clearly I didn't have enough fabric for long sleeves, or any sleeves, so it becomes sleeveless. August and September in Mississippi don't generally require sleeves, so it's o.k. It also gives me a chance to practice that collar again . . .


Here's a shot of the upper back adjustment, plus some. The actual slash added about 1/2", and the little extra spread from the fold adds another half inch. I love comfort.



The only thing I hate about sleeveless is armhole facings and that' a good opportunity to practice understitching. I managed to avoid most of the greasy mess, but a few small spots are on the back, and maybe one on the left collar. So it's really not a blouse for work, but more for Saturdays around the house and yard. Maybe I'll practice a few decorative stitches on the collar for fun. And add a few cute buttons. But no rick rack. That's tacky!