Monday, May 30, 2011

The PERFECT Perfect Tee

A lot of tee's claim to be the perfect one.  Well, they are not.  But this one is.  It's PERFECT perfect. 

And I love it.




The other day when sweating playing with my kids at the park in 90 degree weather I realized that I was wearing 5 layers of clothes!  What's wrong with me?  I'll tell you what's wrong with me - I'm a mom.  After two kids, my body just isn't the same, this is wider, that is squishier and don't even get me started on those!   

I often find myself layering to compensate for the lack of coverage that my store bought clothes are not providing: undershirts to cover my stomach, tank tops to hide cleave, cardigans to cover my arms.  I'm sick of it.  The worst part?  I can't find clothes that I like that fit.  Anywhere.  So I've resolved to make my own clothes and try to conquer the clothing battle I face daily.  This was my first piece and I'm so happy.  I feel like this tiny accomplishment is going to change my life.  I feel better already.

I had some jersey (basic t-shirt material) fabric that a friend bought me and Saturday night I decided to try it out.  I've always heard that working with knits is hard so I've been scared but this fabric was so easy to work with and was very forgiving.  It just required lots of pinning.
   

What I wanted:
  • High but flattering neckline.
  • Long so I can bend down to pick up a baby without flashing my backside to the world.
  • A sleeve of some sort.
How I did it:
  1. Used a shirt I already own to trace the pattern for the main body and made adjustments according to my wants listed above.  (Next time I'll add another inch or so to the body.  I'd like the shirt to be a little more loose)
  2. Attached a wide trim for the bottom and a thinner trim for the sleeve.
  3. Finished off the neckline with some homemade bias tape.
  4. Attached flower decoration.  This was made by layering hand cut circles of varying sizes and sewing a button in the middle. 

 I would have done a tutorial for you but to be honest, I wasn't really expecting it to work out.  Next time.


Still layered with a cardigan, (I'll probably never be able to stop wearing those) but I have to tell you I have felt so liberated all day.  I've been wrestling and playing with my kids on the floor and my clothes have stayed in place!  And I didn't have to tug on my shirt once today!  It feels so good.


This is The PERFECT Perfect Tee not because every stitch is done perfectly. 

It's so great because it's exactly what I want, what I NEED. 

It's perfectly perfect.


_________________________

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17 comments:

  1. So cute, Alicia!! You are awesome!

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  2. i want a million of these too! soooo, can we trade our talents? i'll knit some stuff for you if you sew some stuff for me?! i'm serious.

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  3. Super cute! And go you for making a shirt. :)
    I love doing something I'm scared of and then realizing I was scared for nothing.

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  4. It really does look perfect! I love it!

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  5. This is a very cute shirt! You did a wonderful job on it!!!

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  6. I love it! Great job:) Love the cute flowers on the neckline. I am a new follower of your blog!!
    www.karismaheartsavannah.blogspot.com

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  7. This is DARLING!! I love it! I am going to have to try this out myself! Thanks for sharing!
    I am your newest follower- and I would love to have you stop by my blog and follow back if you would like to!
    Camille @
    SixSistersStuff.blogspot.com

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  8. That is wonderful. Although I don't have kids I seem to have the same problem with my clothes. Especially because I am a teacher and I am reaching, bending, leaning down, picking up things. I just feel like I am always pulling my shirt down or up or having to place my hand over my chest just to lean down to help a kid. I would love to see a tutorial if you do one.

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  9. Thank you all! I'm working on a tutorial so hopefully I can help you make your own soon! :)

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  10. You answered a question I have had for a long time. I am long waisted and slender so I can't find t-shirts that fit me right either. If I buy for length, they are too wide. If I find them long enough, they scoop to my navel. You get the picture. I guess the answer is right in front of me. I just have to be courageous as you were. Thanks!

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  11. I like the flower detailing! I broke several regular sewing machine needles when sewing a t shirt quilt. I got a tip to buy a jersey (also called a knit fabric needle) for my machine. It made the world of difference! Sewing jersey is easy if you have the right needle.

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  12. I love the tee and the outfit. Good for you, I often find I don't like the clothes in stores either.

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  13. I love this shirt! The cute roses give it just the right touch. I'm with you - higher neckline and longer shirt. People don't wanna see all this!! ;)

    You did a great job!!

    www.freestylinbeth.com

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  14. I love your shirt. I'm only sad you didn't do a tutorial ;-( because I want to make one too ;-)

    Brittany

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  15. Nice! I hope you do a tutorial soon because I could definitely use a stylin' mom shirt of my own.

    I found you through The CSI Project and I'm your newest follower. Come check me out and follow back, too, if you're interested @ Carissa's Creativity Space

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  16. I love the shirt! Great job!
    www.jennymeierevents.blogspot.com

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