I did it! I pressed on, and the shirt is done. And fits.
(This is another faceless shot of my torso.)
Finishing wasn’t as simple as I posited. I had to trim up the sides a couple times and add shape to avoid the cinched-trashbag look. I actually sewed the sides 4 different times. Trial and error, friends!
Then I made binding for the armholes, and that just never seems to get easier. Does anyone have advice on armholes?
The gathers are actually pintucks. That was kind of where I started.
Have you noticed a common theme with every shirt I make? They all are loose-fitting in the general tummy area. They might even be misconstrued as being maternity tops. I’m not pregnant. (I don’t think.) I just have an empty baby house, and I’m decidedly okay with that.
March 31st, 2009 at 5:06 pm
I love your blog. I received a small sewing machine for my birthday a couple years back and I’ve always wanted to learn to make my own tops. I have the ideas, I just lack the know-how. Your blog has inspired me to buy a pattern and just give it a try. Thank you!
March 31st, 2009 at 6:08 pm
What fun fabric! Looks nice and comfy and breezy for the upcoming season :)
March 31st, 2009 at 8:14 pm
Another spectacular piece! I actually love that because it gives me ideas to hide my post partum belly. Keep them coming!
March 31st, 2009 at 8:15 pm
Hi! I just found your blog (by way of Darling Dexter) and I’m addicted! I’m just learning to sew (teaching myself- eek!) and am so happy to find someone who sews things I would actually wear :) Thanks in advance…I can tell I will find much inspiration here.
March 31st, 2009 at 9:17 pm
I’m so impressed! nice work!
April 1st, 2009 at 10:46 am
This is my favorite shirt that you have made so far! I love the pintucks but also how this print looks on you. It has a casual feel but is also pretty.
April 1st, 2009 at 11:09 am
Kristena, that top is adorable! I love the print.
I don’t comment a lot anymore but am still reading regularly.
I’m constantly amazed by what you are able to do with different materials on a whim. You are so gifted!
Thanks for always bringing a smile to my face when I visit.
Blessings to you, Evan and the sweetie-punks. (That’s short for sweetie-punkin’)
Love,
Ruthanne
April 1st, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Yay headless torso shots!!! The shirt looks great!! And you don’t look pregnant. But hey, if you do get pregnant again, you will have cute things to wear!
April 1st, 2009 at 2:42 pm
This is my favorite shirt you have made! I have an idea for our next craft project- I want to make spit-up towels that are cute instead of all white. However not sure when it will happen due to time, still not knowing the gender, and I would need to steal my mother’s machine. but, I have high hopes that one day before this child is born, we can craft again together!
April 1st, 2009 at 3:23 pm
I love this one! And I really love that fabric (now that I see it right side out!).
These are the types of shirts I favor now too: loose in the tummy.
April 1st, 2009 at 5:06 pm
This shirt is great! Congrats on finishing it. I love loose fitting tops as well…they seem so right in warmer weather.
April 1st, 2009 at 6:12 pm
It’s adorable! I love the print, the pin tucks, the shape. All that work paid off. And I WAS beginning to wonder…but that’s probably only because I am so preoccupied with my own new little one who’s on the way right now. ; ) Speaking of, I finally put the finishing touches on my two shirts yesterday and posted about them on my blog today.
April 1st, 2009 at 6:27 pm
That happens to me all the time (making up a top, hitting your head against the wall, ending up with something maternity-esque). I’m so glad I found your blog.
April 2nd, 2009 at 2:22 am
Oh Kristena, it’s beautiful! I’m so glad you pressed on! And that close-up shot? Your craftsmanship is amazing. Very detailed and well-made. I absolutely LOVE it!
April 2nd, 2009 at 4:16 am
this is really cute!!
April 2nd, 2009 at 8:45 am
How how pretty and inspiring! Love the fabric.
April 2nd, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Thanks everybody! Y’all are so kind. :)
April 2nd, 2009 at 2:31 pm
cute shirt! I love the fabric that you used
April 2nd, 2009 at 2:47 pm
So. This is really cute! I love the pintucks! And I kind of want one. :) Good job!
April 9th, 2009 at 6:36 pm
That’s gorgeous, I love the fabric you used!