Saturday 8 February 2014

Stripe T-shirts

I hatched a plan in my head for a Lace Ensis Tee, and once it's in my head ... then it must happen! This is the result...

Lace Ensis Short Sleeve

I have sewn this pattern once before HERE.  Whilst I was happy with how the top-half fitted I was keen to get a better fit on the lower body this time.  I cut a XS size exactly to pattern and it is perfect!

Lace Ensis Short Sleeve

The upper sleeve is cut exactly to pattern and I made sleeve bands the same depth as the neckband. I applied the sleeve band first, then attached the sleeves to the body in the flat, sewed up the side seams and under sleeve including bands. Then I folded the band under and top-stitched. I'm pretty pleased with this application because the seam is neatly finished with no raw edges. Stripe matching was pretty easy with this fabric, it was beautifully on grain.

Lace Ensis Short Sleeve

The stripe fabric I recently picked up from the Arthur Toye closing down sale for just $7.50p/m.  It's a light weight jersey knit which matches the weight of the lace beautifully.  The lace I bought at the Fabric Warehouse pop-up sale at the end of last year for a mere $3.00p/m.

While I was rummaging around in my stash I also pulled out another stripe knit, this one acquired at the Fabric Warehouse pop-up sale for $3.00p/m and paired it with some white powernet I purchased for bra making, also from the Fabric Warehouse.

Hi Lo Stripe Raglan

This is the Hi Lo Raglan from Jamie Christina. I've also made this one before HERE.  I made a couple of alterations to the pattern: widened both front a back pattern pieces by 1/4" at the hip; shorted the back curve by 3/4" and added 2" to the length of the sleeves at the cuff end - I quiet like a long, long sleeve.

I feel I'm getting pretty good at this stripe matching thing ..

Hi Lo Stripe Raglan

Both of these t-shirts were quick and easy to put together - I cut and sewed both in one afternoon/evening.   I used my trusty ol walking foot on my Janome and finished the seams with the overlocker. My overlocker is soooo old that it is only good for finishing seams - doesn't do any fancy stuff.

On both I finished the hem by overlocking the raw edge and turning it up and under 1/4" then top stitched.  Although in hindsight I should have used by twin needle so it doesn't curl.

More photos on my Flickr -- Ensis Tee and Hi Lo Raglan

13 comments:

  1. Very nice! I've been contemplating a lace-top Ensis as well, think I'll have to go ahead and make one since your's turned out so well. ;-)

    Also, hadn't see that high-lo raglan sleeve pattern before - it's rather interesting! I really like the contrast fabrics you've made it up in.

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    1. Thanks Kat! The great thing is that not much lace is needed so it would be a great use of any remnants. I'm hatching a plan for another one.

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  2. Love both t-shirts - especially the raglan. Funny I'm working on a mixed fabric tshirt too. A product of only having 80 cms of fabric!

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    1. I seem to be a bit addicted to mixed fabrics lately - my last four pieces have all been mixed. I think I've been trying to find uses for left-over bits of fabric?!

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  3. Two nice T-shirts Sandra. Your stripe matching is superb.

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    1. Thanks Heather. I think I'm slowly conquering my hate of stripe matching. I think the key is to start with some good fabric :-)

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  4. How you did the sleeve band is genius. Do you think it would work with a cuff? ~Teri

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    1. Thanks Teri. I think it would work on a cuff just as well - I might try that I my next long sleeve with a cuff.

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  5. I love both your Enisis tees, you make them so grown up :) I am making a lace one now too, I have the perfect bit of lace off cut. And this is my favourite because the lace looks like coffee beans and I am a bit of a coffee freak so now this is your Lacy Caffine Ensis

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    1. Coffee beans - I see them! You only need a small piece of lace, so it's perfect for left overs ... we can start a Lace Ensis trend :-)

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    2. Yes, lace Ensis group shot, we are so doing that :)

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  6. these are both lovely, the stripe matching is great, it's something I need to perfect. I also really like how you've used the lace, im keen on lace lately, and am making a couple of lace beach dresses.

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    1. I think good fabric leads to good stripe matching. I want to make a lace sheath dress, but just haven't found the right piece of lace for that yet.

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