ides of august
August 13, 2012
Just a programming note: given that this week and the next will probably test my parenting weaknesses to the nth degree* and that a Certain Very Bad Dog chewed through my computer's power cord, posts might be light for the next little bit. Unless they aren't. But, really, they probably will be because I try to keep the grumbling about truly unimportant things to myself most of the time.**
On that note, a question -- I'm a big fan of tailored button-down shirts and am feeling the sewing bug and need to add to my teaching wardrobe since we're ten days away from the start of college classes.*** Given that, would attempting this shirt be completely crazy or just plain nuts?
* long story - but it involves not being fast enough on the trigger for a summer camp and being at the point in the summer when all of the fun summer stuff has been done so many times that it's no longer fun summer stuff and my general dislike for the hot and the sticky. Etc.
** Shut up. I do. You don't even know.
*** but not public school classes, which adds to the general chaos.
Great shirt! My downfall is always the buttonholes. Suggest you do a mock up of the placket and make several buttonholes in it to see if you're happy with them. It would be a shame to make the whole shirt and hate the front.
Posted by: Dana | August 13, 2012 at 10:56 AM
Great shirt! If you are an experienced seamstress, go for it. The collar and front placket will be the test.
Posted by: kmkat | August 13, 2012 at 11:41 AM
Buttonholes are my nemesis.
Maybe start with altering some thrift store shirts? I love tailored shirts, too, but when I buy them big enough in the chest (ahem), they hang like sacks in the waist. Or if the waist fits, the chest gaps in unsightly ways. I recently altered down some T-shirts to make them more fitted. Thinking I'm going to tackle tailored shirts next. Altering will allow some sewing skills, without dealing with interfacings and button holes right off the bat. You could even swap out the cuffs and collars for the contrasting look.
Posted by: Heidi | August 13, 2012 at 12:23 PM
I'm going to agree with kmkat. Grab some premade shirts and alter parts of them for practice. Maybe try a few other sewing projects that require button holes like adding a tab to the basic bag?
Posted by: pauline | August 13, 2012 at 02:26 PM
Nutso. But that's just me. Consider a sweater - the best tailored pieces, fitted pieces require tips and tricks that aren't obvious to a novice. I'd be frustrated (knowing what I know now, and I'm not even a good sewer.)
But I think what stops me is the "10 days till classes start" - is there pressure on "production/product"? If you've got time, you can figure out all the little detail bits and come out with a great shirt.
I guess - I'm sure you *can* do it. Can you do it without stress before classes start is a different question.
Also - great shirt. Must make one ...
Posted by: bullwinkle | August 13, 2012 at 02:29 PM
The shirt doesn't look too tricky, and as you have friends who know a bit about sewing, you can always call for fitting help. (wink - that's an offer) I think it is a great idea if you find sewing relaxing. If not, wait until classes are in session for a week and a rhythm is settling in)
Posted by: Barbara Kahl | August 13, 2012 at 03:24 PM
OK, intervention time--you just made your very first tote bag. You're not ready for a shirt and would only get really frustrated. I think a good first sewn garment should be really basic, like a skirt.
Posted by: Jen Anderson | August 13, 2012 at 06:43 PM
Tailored shirts involve a LOT OF SKILLS. As a project for a class, it would be great, lots of elements for teacher input and hand holding. As for actual wardrobe output right now - not so much. Agree with other posters, hit the thrift stores. Look for MEN'S shirts that fit in the boob. Sleeve shortening and general altering will teach you lots of skills you get to bring to shirt making when things settle down.
Posted by: Sue B | August 13, 2012 at 07:06 PM
Ooh! Burda patterns were one of my favorites when I used to sew my own clothes. They always had more unique clothes. But if I'm remembering correctly, their directions weren't always very clear. I had been sewing for long enough that I was usually able to figure them out, but since you're new to the whole thing, take it slow and maybe get a sewing guide to have on hand if you come across murky instructions.
Posted by: Lisa | August 14, 2012 at 10:54 AM
Thanks, all.
The fact that Burda lists this as a beginner project is what made me think I could take it on. But I'm getting the feeling that Burda's idea of "beginner" and the actuality of being one might be too far apart.
Still, I am tempted -- and totally plan to wait until things are less chaotic, which should be 2019, maybe. Until then, I have other, easier projects in mind, like curtains or something for Maddy, which she then won't wear.
(Oh - and I have made skirts and curtains and stuff. The tote bag wasn't my first-first. Still - not enough to call myself a sewer.)
Posted by: Adrienne | August 14, 2012 at 01:58 PM
Fwiw, costumes are a great way to start sewing garments, too. They need to fit, but it's not important that they fit-fit, if you know what I mean.
Posted by: Heidi | August 14, 2012 at 08:21 PM