I am so excited to start the new year off with two new tops!! I have completed two Shirt No 1s, pattern by Sonya Philip of 100 Acts of Sewing. I love this pattern as it is so versatile and so easy to change up.
The first finish was sewn out of a lovely blend of 55% Linen/45% Cotton by Robert Kaufman, the Forage Essex collection designed by Anna Graham called Roam Essex in Charcoal that I purchased from Hawthorne Supply Co.
I really love how it turned out and the fabric was awesome to sew. I also purchased a coordinating solid in Essex Yarn Dyed in Charcoal for the sleeves and for making the bias tape for the neckline.
The second Shirt No. 1 finish was sewn in Robert Kaufman Crate Essex in Indigo, another lovely blend of 55% Linen and 45% Cotton. I used Cotton Linen. Denim in Denim for the neckline. I love the solid denim so much that I am thinking it would be great for a pair of pants.
I will share that the neckline was created due to a mistake. The mistake was the fact I sewed the bias tape on the wrong side instead of the right side. So, I decided to go with it for a more “decorative” and finished looking neckline. Who knew a mistake could actually turn out to be a nice neckline feature ! The only other modification I made is split seams for the sides.
For my seam finishing, I did a combination of a mock French Seam and what is called a “clean finish” . I am finding that finishing is very important when it comes to linen and linen blends. It truly helps with fraying issues.
I also wanted to share my favorite tools for sewing …
From left to right:
- Omnigrid ruler 5” by 15” along with the Omnigrid double suction cup ruler grip
- Dritz 12” curved ruler
- Tailor chalk
- Fiskers scissors
- Fiskers pinking shears
- Fiskers rotary cutter
- Olaf 18” x 24” rotary cutting mat
My favorite tool is the Dritz curved ruler. It has made a world of difference in cutting my necklines.
What have you finished this week ?
Until next time, be creative!
My Life With Wool 