Last weekend I attacked with renewed energy one of the UFOs I found when I was analyzing my #MMMay2018 results and inventorying my fabric. (Found? First I would have to I admit it was lost! Never!)
I had previously made a Designer me-made Copy of a GAP tank top for my sister with a beautiful deep teal green stretch knit, 90% polyester, 7% rayon and 3% spandex, posted here. Since there was fabric leftover from that project, and it is a beautiful fabric not to be wasted, I told my sister that I was sure I could squeeze a simple tee shirt out of the remnant.
I still had the tracing I had made from her RTW tee shirt, although I had lost her measurements, but I figured that was good enough.
I was all set to cut out her fabric when I had a thought. I must still have the self drafted GAP tank top pattern I drew up for her. I know that fit perfectly as she wears the tank top still. I was curious to see how they compare. Laying the tee shirt tracing and the tank top self-drafted pattern on top of each other I could see that the tank top pattern was a bit looser in the sides, so I opted to cut a mixture of the tee shirt and the tank top. I chalked the cutting line, adding 2 cm seam allowance.
Looks good, a simple shape and easy to sew!
I like sewing seam tape or double fold bias tape on the shoulder seams of stretchy knit fabrics. I used a narrow zig zag for the seams and a wider zig zag to bind the tape and the seam allowances, with a “stretch” needle.
Side seams were sewn with the same narrow zig zag stitch. I also trimmed down all seams as much as I could. I folded up the hem, avoiding stretching the fabric, and held it with Wonder tape so I could fold it over again and sew the hem down.
I used Wonder tape to hem the neckline too, same as the bottom hem, one fold with Wonder tape and one more without, all sewn down. I did use a long straight stitch here, being careful not to twist or stretch the fabric.
It looks a bit rumpled when not being worn, but on the body it stretches out smoothly. (I love this colour. I need more of this colour in my life! Too bad it’s not mine!)
Finished top! My sister was surprised, and I hope pleased, to see this addition to her wardrobe (… after all these months, and NO I did not lose her fabric in the mess that WAS my fabric stash! 😂👍)
I still have a few more “found” UFOs to finish up – a blue Hollyburn skirt, a blue pair of pants/trousers and a dress for myself, and a top for my other sister.
How many UFOs do you have sitting idle?
Happy Sewing!
STASH BUSTING WITH THIS PROJECT? This was a small remnant and it wasn’t included in my 132 metre inventory. Nothing’s changed!
so many, oh! so many…
😂 so you are “up to your eye balls” 👀 in projects, 😁👍
That really is a lovely colour! Lucky sister.
It is a perfect colour! Wish she could find some more … for me!
a lovely tee and so similar in shape to an ivory rayon one that I have. I love the versatility of a good basic tee. To answer your question…I have one major UFO and it’s a very complicated and will no doubt be a time-consuming jacket, which is only cut out. It’s a tartan Vivienne Westwood copy and I may get back to it in late Summer
Thank you! It’s a perfect basic. The complicated projects are quite often time consuming. You do them when you are in the mood and have energy for them. For that reason, I’m sure it will turn out fabulous! I’m looking forward to seeing it!
Okay, if we are being honest here. I have not sewn an outfit for over 12 years and I found, in my hall closet, a pattern pinned to material all folded up. I put the entire lot in the donation bag and hope that someone, out there, enjoys making a new dress.
12 years is impressive! I’m sure it will be a lovely surprise for someone! 😁👍
The top fits perfectly. It was a great surprise to get a second top out of that material. I love that colour too. ❤
So glad you’re happy with it! You’re one of my two BEST customers, Sis! 😂
A great make and such a shame it didn’t contribute to your stashbusting.
Thanks, Sue! Well, at least I’m working on my next project with a clearer head – now that one of my UFOs is finished!