This is one of those projects that I would call "less successful". I had really high hopes that it would turn out great. I don't hate it, but I love it in a different way than I had anticipated.
I wanted to try out shirring. I've seen it everywhere, and even have a shirt that uses shirring in the way I had intended this shirt to look. I have a brother sewing machine and had heard that brothers are a bit more difficult to work with when using this technique. I didn't have instant success, and my first attempt was by no means perfect, but it wasn't an utter disaster either. Hooray!
I made the pattern for the shirt using an existing pattern. I cropped the sleeve length and factored in seam allowance. I made measurements on the existing shirt that I own of how far the shirring was from the neckline, the distance between the shirred rows, and the length of the shirred rows. They ended up being as follows: 6 1/4" down from the neckline, rows 1/2" apart, and 9" long rows. I was pleased with the length of the rows, and with the spacing, but they should have been at least 1" further down from the neckline. If I use this technique again I will space them at least 7 1/4" down.
Because I used this lightweight heather gray fabric, it instantly dressed down the shirt. I wanted to girl it up a bit so I added some decorative trim to the ribbing. The trim did not have a stretch to it so it was important to make sure that the trim, once attached, would still slip easily off and on my arms, and over my neck.
So the reasons that I love this shirt. Well it is super comfortable. It covers me in all of the places that I want to be covered, and I can be as active as I want in it. When I wear it I feel like I should go and play some softball, probably because when I was a girl my softball pants were the same type of gray. This is my new lazy Saturday shirt because it is perfect for doing what you have to do, but I'm not going to be embarrassed when I have to answer the door. It might also be my favorite pajama shirt, because it is so comfortable that I'd wear it to bed everyday if I could.
I love that the shirt shows that I'm a girl, without clinging in every place possible. I am pretty sure that I could wear this shirt if I were 6 or 7 months pregnant (which I'm not by the way), but I could if I were.
What do you think? Do you have any shirring suggestions?
I love that the shirt shows that I'm a girl, without clinging in every place possible. I am pretty sure that I could wear this shirt if I were 6 or 7 months pregnant (which I'm not by the way), but I could if I were.
What do you think? Do you have any shirring suggestions?
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15 comments:
Way cute! Did you do the shirring with elastic thread? I've read advice online for using elastic thread with brother sewing machines, but my bobbin is a self threading one that I can't access the tension thing like people talked about. I really tried to. Do you have any advice?
I have wanted to do some shirring in the back of my shirts that are too big in the back. Your project has helped me gain a little courage to try it! We'll see when I have time. :)
Re: Kimberly-I did use elastic thread in the bobbin, and an all purpose thread for the needle. I can't access the tension of the bobbin either. I found if I left my bobbin string long (rather than cutting it) it worked a bit better. I'm by no means an expert, but if I discover any new tricks I'll be sure to let you know.
I am still a litle afraid of shirring, but I will get there. Great upcycle!
I love this! I always thought shirring looked a little funny (though I love the concept) but this is cute and chic and such a great way to add shape without being too revealing. Thanks for sharing your great idea!
So cute! I love the trim details!
I really like your shirt! And heck, I'd wear it for a day of errands with the kids for all to see. I've done a lot of shirring this summer making clothes for my 1 year old daughter and the first time was tough, but then I figured out what the hold-up was on my machine (a bernina) and now, I'm golden :) Also, I love the little touch of green trim, totally cute and feminine. Thanks for sharing :)
It is so cute!! I love it!
I haven't tried shirring yet. I want to and finally bought elastic thread to try.
Ooh, cute! I saw a shirt similar to this a few days ago and wanted to try it. Shirring is so much easier than it looks (at least so far, for the two projects I've used it on!) and really fancies up even a tshirt. Thanks for the info and I will definitely be trying this out!
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Your shirt turn out nicely! Thank you for sharing!
I haven't tried shirring yet, either, but after seeing this I have the perfect tee-shirt project in mind. Thank you!
I LOVE how this turned out! Such a cute top and the shirring is adorable! If you don't mind, could share more information about how you sewed the shirred part? I have a Brother sewing machine too and am dying to try this technique, but can't quite figure out how to even get the machine threaded with elastic thread! Would love to hear your tips and tricks!
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I think this is awesome!! What a cute idea! Thanks for sharing :)
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