Long sleeves? UGH!
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Shirt #7 (shirting)
I recently purchase two pieces of sale fabric perfect for making long sleeve dress shirts. Jacob has requested a couple for those days when meetings require him to wear a tie. This week, I completed the first.
This fabric is awesome. It’s a cotton/poly blend (for easy care) that is very soft and has a luscious, though subdued, sheen. It’s very best attribute is the price… $3.00 per yard for 56″ inch wide fabric and it takes less than 2 yards to make a shirt! BARGAIN!! The other piece is similar but with black pinstripes.
Honestly, I dislike making long sleeve shirts. Assembling a well-made shirt is enough of a challenge without adding the extra steps of cuffs and sleeve plackets.
This shirt is constructed with contrasting inner collar stand and inside cuffs. The pocket is ‘chevroned’ and the outer cuffs, sleeve plackets, back yoke and collar are horizontally striped for a touch of contrast. The collar is button down style.
Finding buttons was a challenge. Most ‘white’ buttons are actually cream colored and they absolutely would not work on this shirt. I searched several online stores and finally found 1/2″ clear pearled buttons with matching 3/16″ ones for the collar. I bought plenty to add to my HUGE button stash for future shirts.
Overall, I’m very pleased with the shirt and look forward to presenting it to Jacob this weekend. I know he’ll like it and that’s all that counts.
To fill my recent evenings, I’ve dug out an old quilt in need of repair. This is the first quilt I completed WAY back in 1980. It was pieced with everything in my scrapbag at the time, including corduroy, satin, crepe, twill and seersucker (to name a few). It’s amazing it has held up as well as it has through all the washings it’s seen.
Some of the pieces have begun to shred so I’ve selected scraps from my stash to make the repairs. In this photo, you may notice two pieces (green and brown) pinned in place awaiting adjustment and stitching. I’ve cut away the old shredded bits and will applique the new ones in their place. After a washing, the repairs shouldn’t be noticeable.
Our garden has switched to Phase II. The snow peas are all harvested and the weather has warmed so no new ones will develop. Now is when we concentrate on tomatoes… and our plants are loaded with them! If the weather remains stable and especially if we continue having timely rains, we should be pleased with production. I’m looking forward to the first few to mature into big green treats. I’ve been craving fried green tomatoes and intend to make some with the first two candidates.
Other than selecting a roofer for the impending home improvement (which will temporarily halt our quiet solitude), that’s about it on this hill. We are anxiously awaiting an extended weekend visit from Jacob.
Shirl
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Categories: Quilting, Sewing, shirt making
Baby tomatoes and shirts
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It’s been another quiet but productive week on our hill.
I’ve enjoyed walking in the garden each morning and though we’ve planted very few snow peas, we’ve managed to have several meals of them and I’ve put 2 quarts in the freezer for future cooking. Since the weather is remaining cool in the evenings, I suspect there may be another quart of two to freeze before the season ends.
Shirt #6 (gingham seersucker)
The tomato plants are thriving. They have loved the weekly heavy rains and we’ve fed them with organic, rich soil from our compost pile. They are happy plants and have begun gifting us with baby tomatoes. My mouth is already watering thinking of the flavor the ripe beauties will have. I hope the production is large enough so I might can some but I do plan to purchase more to restock the pantry with home canned tomatoes. As long as our 
weekly rains continue, tomatoes should be plentiful in our area.
I’ve also done more sewing this week. Not surprising, I’ve made another shirt for Jacob. He likes the green seersucker shirt so much, I decided he needs a blue one. I rounded the collar a bit and made both sides of the collar stand a matching solid blue. I’m proud of how it turned out.
The next shirt I plan to make will be a white with red pinstripes long sleeve dress shirt. I’m not fond of making long sleeves because of the cuffs and sleeve plackets but after making one shirt, I’ll be cured of that dread. It’s all a matter of one stitch after another…. nothing more.
I wish for everyone a happy and safe Memorial holiday weekend. We have no special plans but our days will be filled with activities we love. Have a fun one!
Shirl
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Categories: Sewing, shirt making, veggie gardening
Finally finished!
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The Winding Ways sofa
quilt is finally finished! It was set aside with only inches of binding still left to hand stitch but now it is complete and laundered. I don’t know why I allow other projects to distract me sometimes but it happens. I’m glad I didn’t let this one languish for months!
This sofa quilt was hand pieced and hand quilted. It measures 68″ x 58″, has a narrow frame and wider border (both mitered). The backing is a wide, dark gray fabric with black curlicues.
The hand quilting was done in a hoop, using YLI 40/3 ply ecru colored thread, following the intertwined circles. The border is quilted in a twisted ribbon design and includes my name and date. The binding is black.
There were quite a few remaining bits and pieces left after assembling this quilt so I made extra blocks and assembled a dog quilt measuring 42″ x 35″. I still have enough blocks left to make another one the same size.
Now it’s time to decide what’s next. I plan to make more shirts immediately but I feel another quilt in my near future.
Shirl
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Categories: Quilting
I may have been quiet….
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…but it doesn’t mean I haven’t been doing stuff!
Shirt #5 (gingham)
Each morning, I head toward the garden to harvest the day’s snow peas. Because we planted only a few plants, it takes several day’s pickings to make a dish. My favorite is steamed snow peas, spinach, mushrooms, carrots and shrimp served over flavored jasmine rice. I can’t think of anything more tasty! DH and I both LOVE it! I’ll be making it again this weekend.
I’ve continued sewing shirts for Jacob. This is the newest creation, made using black/white gingham originally purchased for repairing an antique quilt. Since I bought WAY more than needed for the quilt, I decided to make a shirt with the extra fabric.
In an attempt to make something different, I cut 1/2 of the left front on the bias and attached with a French seam. I then cut the pocket on the bias and placed it so it would align with the bias panel. By doing this, one half of the pocket nearly disappears. I also cut the back yoke and yoke lining on the bias for further interest. The inner collar stand is a black printed fabric. The seams are flat felled so no raw edges exist. It may be a busy shirt but it’s well made.
I’ve also been doing some extra cooking. Instead of making the usual 10-12 entrees on our normal rotation, I’ve been checking out and trying new recipes. Thus far, we’ve REALLY liked everything I’ve tried! After preparing a new dish, I make changes I feel will improve the flavor and soon, make it again. When I’m completely satisfied with the improvements, I type it for my own recipe book and include photos. Along with my old tried-n-true entrees, I share these new recipes with family and friends. I do enjoy cooking (and eating) good food!
That’s about all going on around here. I’ve had a couple of roofers come out to give us estimates for a new roof. Gosh, LOTS of money! I continue to read each day and usually find time to work on a quilt and watch movies. The days are always filled.
We’re looking forward to a weekend visit from Jacob. Can hardly wait to see him!
Shirl
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Categories: Cooking, Family, Quilting, Reading, Sewing, shirt making, veggie gardening
Another shirt finished
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Shirt #4 (seersucker)
So thankful my old Kenmore sewing machine remembers how to stitch seersucker fabric. It’s been decades since I’ve made anything with this type fabric. I may need to find more! I love it and it’s super easy to stitch! I love the results!
Before making this shirt, I consulted with Jacob to be certain he would actually wear a seersucker shirt and he assured me he’s been wanting another one for ages since he had one when he was a boy. He hasn’t forgotten it was his favorite.
Well, now he has another and I hope it becomes a favorite too!
This lime and white seersucker stripe shirt has a lime fishbone print detail at the inner collar, the pocket is cut to match the shirt and the yoke and collar are cut with lengthwise stripes. It was finished with pale green pearled shirt buttons.
This is the fourth shirt for Jacob in my most recent sewing binge and I have purchased fabric for several more.
We’re expecting a visit from him this weekend. Bob plans to smoke a turkey and I’ll make accompanying dishes. We’re looking SOOO forward to seeing our baby son!
Shirl
Update 4/26/14: Jacob has modeled his 3 newest shirts and LOVES them. He has told me every single thing he likes about these custom-fitted shirts including room across the upper back, perfect length sleeves, slim fitting body while broad enough in the shoulders and extra length for tucking into his pants. When asked what changes he would recommend, he suggested I fill his closet with them! He’s gotten many compliments from his fellow workers when wearing the black/white shirt and proudly boasts it was made by his mother. He’s looking forward to wearing these new ones. Makes a mom/seamstress proud!
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Categories: Family, Sewing, shirt making
Happy Easter!
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Shirt #3 (shirting)
While others have been dying eggs and munching chocolate bunnies, I’ve been sewing. In my life, I’ve learned when the sewing mood strikes…. SEW! The mood may be slow to come around again.
I’ve completed another shirt for Jacob. This is a white/orchid windowpane print with darker orchid print accents. The shirt fabric is cotton with just enough poly to make it truly wrinkle-free. I hope he likes it as much as Bob and I do. This makes 3 new shirts made recently and I’ll start cutting another tonight.
I’ve challenged myself with each new shirt I’ve made. This one has French flat fell side seams, bias yoke and lining and a bias pocket. I’m not wild for making flat fell seams but I’ve ordered a sewing machine attachment that should make the job easier and help me ‘up my game’.
Recent conversations about travel have inspired me to finished a second t-shirt for myself. I like it, though it reminds me of Flamenco dancers with castanets. I hope to make several more tees and some shorts for lightweight summer comfort. I have loads of cotton knits waiting to become comfy clothes. They are so easy for travel!
It’s time to start cooking our Easter feast. We’ll be having my infamous roast beef with potatoes, carrots and rich, oniony gravy. Fresh bread is already baked. I’m sure we’ll splurge with a few jellybeans for desert.
Red tee
Happy Easter all!!
Shirl
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Categories: Cooking, Family, Sewing, shirt making
Clothes sewing
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Shirt #2 (shirting)
After receiving raves and thanks from Jacob for his black and white shirt, I was inspired to make another. Several friends also commented it looked like an expensive designer shirt. I was very flattered and decided I should investigate modern designer shirts, their styles, fabrics and cost. Wow! I was shocked a Robert Graham® shirt nearly exactly like this one retails at Nordstrom’s for $198!!! Good grief!
My actual cost in making this shirt was MUCH less. This gray fabric was $3 per yard at Fabric Mart, the red is from my quilting stash, the buttons are recycled from one of DH’s old work uniforms, a few pennies worth of thread and interfacing were used and the pattern is my own. I can honestly and generously tally the actual expenditure at $10 plus 2 hours for cutting and 6 hours of actual sewing time.
I want to find fools folks willing to pay $198 for custom-fitted shirts!! I’ll happily sell them a shit pile as many as they like!
Needless to say, I’ve ordered more cheap fabric and will be sewing more for my favorite guy. I’m thrilled he appreciates and proudly wears them.
This week I also noticed I had cut out two t-shirts for myself that were never sewn. Since I had my sweet Kenmore machine set up and it happily sews interlock fabric, I decided to finish one of them. I like how it came out and can always use new ‘play clothes’. After checking in my fabric closet, I should definitely invest some time in sewing many more pieces of clothing for myself.
Interlock Tee
This week, I’ve also taken advantage of cooler weather and spent some time in the kitchen. I’ve never made old fashioned chicken spaghetti but when I’ve eaten it made by others, I’ve loved it. It was high time to try making it myself.
My gosh, it turned out delicious and the recipe by Paula Deen makes heaps. The next time I make it, I’ll use a little less pasta, bake half and freeze the other half to use at a later date. I love pulling delicious, homemade dinners from the freezer for easy meals. Bob also loves having home-cooked freezer meals available when I am away. I simply write the instructions with a Sharpie on the container so there is no guessing for bake time and temperature.
Shirl
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Categories: Cooking, Family, Sewing, shirt making
Tidbits from the homefront
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I spoke with Jacob last night about the shirt I most recently made for him (see last post) and after altering the original pattern according to his actual measurements since his weight loss, he says it’s the best fitting shirt he owns. He said he’s worn it no less than 5 times to work and wishes all his shirts fit this well. Now I’m excited to make more for him and I already have fabric on hand!!
Winding Ways as of 4-2-14
Lately, I’ve been hand quilting the Winding Ways top and finished the main body last night. Today, I’ve begun marking the border to start quilting tonight. This photo kinda shows the circular quilting. Pardon the grungy marks. Hopefully, the next picture of this quilt will show it finished and laundered. Because I like it so much, I haven’t decided if it will be kept or gifted.
Except for some severe storms, things have been fairly quiet around here. The storms have caused some damage to Network equipment but it is slowly being repaired. We could definitely do with less lightning but we’re glad to see Spring has finally arrived.
Shirl
Sewing to keep warm
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We are thawing from our most
recent winter ice experience. This makes the 5th ice storm this season and if that doesn’t set a record, it should. I totally dread seeing our third high heating bill when usually this time of year offers relief from them. I won’t complain. I’m fully aware when summer arrives with a blast like a steel foundry, I’ll pine for cooler weather. Every cold day postpones hot, humid, sweaty misery.
Since the winter appears to be lingering, Bob decided to go ahead and plant snow peas. They should have been in the ground in late January or early February but if our Spring arrives late (as it seems it will do), they still may get the opportunity to produce. I certainly hope so. There’s nothing finer than lightly steamed freshly-picked snow peas with shrimp and butter. Oh YUM!
This week, I’ve been busily sewing a new shirt for Jacob. He needs new things for his new job and requested I make some conservative, professional-looking shirts. I’ve finished one and will wait until he tries it on before making more.
I’ll admit I found making the shirt challenging. Though I’ve made many, many dozens of shirts, it’s been a while. Techniques that were once automatic, required head scratching and close study to remember. Now that it’s all come back, I’m ready to make more. Men’s shirts are FUN!
Winding Ways Sofa Quilt 62″ x 70″
After finishing the shirt, I’ve returned to working on a Winding Ways sofa-sized quilt. Today, I added borders and mitered the corners. Tomorrow, I’ll begin the task of sandwiching and hand basting. This will be another hand-quilted-in-a-hoop quilt.
I’ve also put together a matching dog quilt using extra pieces left from making this top. I plan to machine-quilt it for strength and durability.
Shirl
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Categories: Family, Quilting, Sewing, shirt making, veggie gardening
A little of this; a touch of that
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Managed to live through another birthday recently. It’s amazing how, as the numbers get higher, the time goes by faster and faster. It makes me realize I should do those things I want to do before this game is up. I have accomplished many of the bucket-list quilts and won’t be ashamed with what I leave behind.
I’m making the last of the blocks for a Winding Ways quilt. I’ve made this one with light and dark scraps while I’m considering making another using batiks. It’s such a fun design to hand piece! I have too many batiks to allow to languish away in the closet. They NEED light and I hear them begging to be used. Hand quilting Winding Ways will give time to consider the next project. At this point, I’m wide open for ideas.
I’ve actually made enough WW blocks for a full size quilt but I think I may make a large sofa quilt and a separate dog quilt. Lolita is begging for a replacement. Her quilt is getting really tattered and may not survive another washing. I’ll decide as I’m sewing the blocks together.
I should take a break from quilts and get some clothing sewing done. I have fabric to make 5 shirts for Jacob. These will be more conservative than the shirts I usually make. He’s started a new job and feels he needs to dress more professionally. No problem! I have very few conservative stripe and plaid bits in my stash so scraps from this newly purchased yardage is welcomed. I’m already itching to use them in a quilt but can’t touch the fabric until the shirts are cut out!
Shirl
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