Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Built By You (Simplicity 3692)

I made a piece of clothing I can actually wear! It is bizarrely exciting. As in, I don't want to take the shirt off ever again and I want to skip work so I can make several more. It is so much more satisfying than I could have imagined.

Simplicity's Built By Wendy pattern 3692 (view B), on sale for $1 + approximately $6 worth of fabric + 3 hours of work = a new shirt!

Simplicity 3692 (Built By Wendy) View B

I had a little trouble with this pattern, but that might just be me. I am comfortable with patterns in theory, thanks to years of observing my mom (who is very talented), but I'm not an experienced seamstress by any means and I'm not as meticulous as I should be.

Notes on knits: I was scared of them and now I'm in love. They drape and look professional and they feel great. I don't own a serger, but I bought some ballpoint needles and used a crazy zigzag stitch (straight stitches don't stretch enough for knits) and everything turned out perfectly.
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40 comments:

  1. Bee @ ContentlyMay 6, 2009 at 5:52 AM

    Wow.

    I am very very impressed.

    It looks great!

    Couldn't you start up your own business? Selling all kinds of crafty stuff.

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  2. paulaMay 6, 2009 at 6:09 AM

    looks great! I especially love that darting.

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  3. MikellMay 6, 2009 at 6:23 AM

    Lovely! My Nana just gave me 15 pounds of vintage fabric (at least) from her sewing glory days. As always, you've inspired me to try and tackle a new project.

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  4. CaraMay 6, 2009 at 6:24 AM

    This is so cute! I love that neckline + the (darting? pleating?) -- hee, just more motivation for me to start learning how to sew!

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  5. AmandaMay 6, 2009 at 7:07 AM

    You made a SHIRT! A WHOLE SHIRT!
    Brilliant work, lady R.

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  6. JoslynMay 6, 2009 at 7:20 AM

    awesome! i'm inspired by you lady (as usual.) now i need to sign up for sewing II

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  7. Jess LCMay 6, 2009 at 7:28 AM

    Wow! I can imagine you must feel fantastic being able to produce something so... tangible. I love the vertical stripe too - it looks like you might have a small business up your sleeve!

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  8. laurenMay 6, 2009 at 7:36 AM

    fine work, R, and congrats on conquering the fearsome knit!

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  9. Cupcakes and CashmereMay 6, 2009 at 7:40 AM

    congratulations...it looks clean and crisp. love it!

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  10. JuliaMay 6, 2009 at 7:40 AM

    It looks fabulous, darling! Just incredible!

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  11. Tina { Luphia Loves... }May 6, 2009 at 7:51 AM

    well done you, the top is so lovely!

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  12. VMay 6, 2009 at 7:59 AM

    Wow, that is so cute!

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  13. KatieMay 6, 2009 at 8:30 AM

    This is so pretty Rachel..I'm impressed...I only wish I was this crafty!!!

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  14. AnonymousMay 6, 2009 at 8:33 AM

    How wonderful and how beautiful...to have taken this brave leap! And the top is just lovely. Your mama must be proud!

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  15. joy refurbishedMay 6, 2009 at 8:35 AM

    What a cute shirt. This makes me wish I knew how to sew.

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  16. AnonymousMay 6, 2009 at 8:55 AM

    Lovely! I would love to wear something as nice. I just found your blog and I'll be back!

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  17. Jane FlanaganMay 6, 2009 at 9:00 AM

    Wow - looks amazing! Yay you.

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  18. jessMay 6, 2009 at 9:01 AM

    So cute and way to go!

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  19. JackieMay 6, 2009 at 9:14 AM

    Wow Rachel, what a great job! I too have been afraid of knits ever since my sewing teacher told us to steer clear of them. But your shirt turned out lovely!

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  20. Wondering HelenMay 6, 2009 at 9:24 AM

    This looks fantastic. I want one! Fits you perfectly and can be dressed up or down. Rachel, you inspiring gal, make more!

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  21. UnknownMay 6, 2009 at 9:32 AM

    great job, rachel! i used to sew clothing when i was younger, but am incredibly impatient when it comes to things turning out the way i want them to and so i gave up.

    i'm glad your top turned out so nicely!

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  22. KatyMay 6, 2009 at 9:43 AM

    That is a GREAT shirt. I would utterly LIVE in a shirt like that! :-O Too bad I have absolutely no sewing ability beyond re-attaching buttons that have fallen...

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  23. Lisa from Lisa's YarnsMay 6, 2009 at 9:56 AM

    De-lurking to comment: Wow. I am impressed. Was the darting difficult?

    I wish I had paid attention when my tried teaching me to sew as a child. Perhaps when we retires, we can give it another go!

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  24. RondaMay 6, 2009 at 9:58 AM

    Very, Very, cute. Good job!!

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  25. RachelMay 6, 2009 at 10:43 AM

    Thanks, everyone! The pleating (or darting?) is really just a bit of gathering. When I sewed that seam together, I just pinched a few pieces of the fabric to make the gather. There are specific instructions in the pattern about where to do the gathers, but I was impatient and just faked it and it worked fine.

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  26. DebraMay 6, 2009 at 11:13 AM

    Whoa~ love it! You should sew and sell- I'd have to have one!

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  27. TaraMay 6, 2009 at 11:35 AM

    Oh my gosh, I love it! I have been wanting to make my own clothes for years and just won't make myself sit down and finally do it. But you have inspired me. I didn't have a mom to watch and learn from, so I'll be going at this pretty much a beginner. Scary!

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  28. VanessasRunwayMay 6, 2009 at 11:37 AM

    wow, that looks awesome! great job!

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  29. Kristin @ Petal and ThornMay 6, 2009 at 11:38 AM

    You go girl! I love it!

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  30. erinMay 6, 2009 at 11:54 AM

    this is incredible! i'd take two!

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  31. Blair FriedemanMay 6, 2009 at 12:22 PM

    What fantastic work! I think it looks great on you.

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  32. Miss | AMay 6, 2009 at 1:35 PM

    totally wowwed. great job, love it.

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  33. Sara ChristineMay 6, 2009 at 2:22 PM

    CUTE!! I'm terrified of knits too. I have a Built By Wending pattern that's been sitting in my little sewing storage box for months now. Maybe, just maybe, I'll break it out soon.

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  34. CharMay 6, 2009 at 4:45 PM

    how cute!!

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  35. CathyMay 6, 2009 at 5:21 PM

    cute, cute, cute! I wish I could sew (sigh).

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  36. MelissaMay 6, 2009 at 8:40 PM

    Very impressive, I wish I knew how to sew!

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  37. Rachel FollettMay 6, 2009 at 10:18 PM

    Oh wow! That top is super cute and you made it! I give you mad props for that because I have tried making clothes and I know how hard it is. I can make pillows and drapery and that is about it.

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  38. Nan JaegerMay 7, 2009 at 10:39 AM

    It's great that you have your mom to show you sewing tips ( I miss my mom...my sewing guru). Very cute top, I love the stripes!

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  39. amyMay 8, 2009 at 2:50 PM

    Dude, that is an awesome shirt. I need to learn to sew more than a straight hem & make something cool like this. I, too, did not pay attention when my wonder-seamstress of a mom tried to teach me to sew. I wish I had 30-yr old Amy sitting on my shoulder saying watch! learn! back then. Also, good to hear the knits are not so scary.

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  40. Mrs.FrenchMay 12, 2009 at 9:30 AM

    it's perfect...feel free to make me one in your free time...hehe...xo t

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