Here's the second piece in my "t-shirt series". This shirt gave me a little trouble from the start. I used a white cotton t-shirt that I bought at my local thrift store, but it was a little too big to give a good fit. I tried to take it in a little, but there's not much you can do with a too-low armhole. I ended up cutting it open at the side and underarm seams (leaving the neckline uncut), adding a bust dart in the armhole, sewing it back up again and putting in a new hem along the bottom. It still doesn't fit as well as a shirt made from scratch but it will do.
The design is from a stencil I ordered from istencils. They have a large selection of stencils at very reasonable prices, and you can order the stencils in a range of sizes. I cut the heart pieces from some fabric scraps leftover from a previous skirt project and appliqued them on with buttonhole craft thread. It was a challenge to work with the tiny little pieces. This will be a good casual addition to my wardrobe.
I have several exciting sewing related notes to report:
- I've finished stitching the fourth panel of my Alabama Chanin dress (2 more to go);
- I am participating in an online class with Susan Elliot (who does beautiful hand embroidery and has a wonderful blog, Plays With Needles) and we are making a needlebook inspired by the Japanese ceremony of broken needles called Hari-Kuyo (I'll be posting about this once I've finished the book). Thanks to Daphne (who also has an adorable blog at The Imperfectionary) for introducing me to Susan's work;
- I leave on Friday for a three day class with Sarah Veblen. It's been almost 2 years since I last worked with Sarah, and to say I'm excited would be an understatement. Those of you who know Sarah know what a wonderful teacher she is. And having three days away (and with my great pal Joyce, too!) is just a real treat. Thanks to my husband for keeping the home fires burning while I'm gone. You'll get a full report when I return.