Monday, June 1, 2009

T-shirts Revisited

Last week, I got zero sewing done. I was out of the house a lot and busy. One day I went to Creative Clothing Club, which is always fun. This month, there was a group of ladies who presented a fashion show of cruise-wear. They made and modeled everything from shorts to evening dresses. There was an announcer, background music, and they built a runway. A lot of work went into that, and we all enjoyed it. As always, I came away inspired to sew some of the garments I saw.

Friday night, my little grandsons spent the night with us. My DH and I took them out to dinner and toy shopping afterward. They sat up at the table like little men, and were really good when we were shopping. Extremely well behaved for a 2 year old and 10 month old. Am I biased? Nahhhh!

Here is a cardigan I made from my TShirt pattern.




I really like this cardigan. It's a ribbed cotton knit -a perfect weight for summer, when you need a little something in the air-conditioning. To make the pattern, I added 2" in width and length to my T-shirt pattern. Lengthened the sleeves. I measured down the CF to where I wanted a "v"neckline, and cut out that shape. Then, split the pattern up the CF. That's it. Easy.

There's a 2" hem, interfaced with fusible knit interfacing, so that it has a bit of weight and hangs nicely, and a twin needle top-stitched hem. Same with the sleeve hems. The CFs and neckline are bound. Ties at CF for closures. I have this cardigan in yellow also. And, I'd like to have one in black and navy when I find the right fabric.

Here are the the Tshirts I made recently. I have to take a little shopping trip to http://www.thefabricfairy.com/ for more cotton knits.

Meanwhile, I'm going to work up a muslin of S2701 for my daughter. It will be the version with the collar, welt pockets and long sleeves. The back has a yoke with a pleat at CB. The pattern doesn't call for a lining, but this jacket will have one . Right now, I don't have fabric in mind, so will check my stash and/or go fabric shopping.
Sharon made this in white, and it was just beautiful.

I'm off to my sewing room now. Have a great Monday everyone!







15 Talk to me:

Julia said...

How clever you are to turn a tshirt pattern into such a perfect cardigan. I love all those tshirts. Thanks for all the visits and comments on my blog. You are incredible so it honors me when you give me a compliment.

Unknown said...

Can I send you my fabric for t-shirts? I need about 20 -- shouldn't take too long (LOL!)

Judy D in WA said...

Thanks for all the inspiration.....I'm thrilled to have found your blog! I love the cardigan and the t shirts. I have now started sewing for myself again after spending the last few years in the quilting realm. Now I must shop for t shirt fabric. :-)

knitmachinequeen (KMQ) said...

Gwen I am a sucker for a quick and easy cardigan. That color looks great on you--although I can't see your face! I have the Project Runway pattern. Let me know how it goes. It's on my list of garment to make this summer!

Anonymous said...

"I measured down the CF to where I wanted a "v"neckline, and cut out that shape."
WOW!! And I want my hand held to do just that!!
NICE cardigan!!
Soft hug,
Rhonda in Montreal
PS You live on an island and still have a sewing group handy??!! Aren't you really lucky!!

Lori said...

What a cute cardigan and great job on the tshirts. I have some fabric out for that same jacket.

window dressing said...

It takes a trained eye to create a cardigan out of a t-shirt pattern. Love the colour! I usually choose dark colors by habit but I am at my best when I have something with a lighter more happier shade on. Thanks for visiting my blog. You are an inspiration!!!

Jean said...

I love those t-shirts! The prints are great for summer, and the bound neckline is really nice. What kind of interfacing do you use for t-shirt fabric? Is it something I can find at Joann's?

The Sewing and Knitting Loft said...

Your t-shirts are wonderful, I love those print fabrics! How cleaver of you to "make up" your own cardigan pattern, and it is quite nice! Thanks so much for sharing. :)

Ann Made Studio said...

I love all your t-shirts, such nice and fun fabrics, and that is a "great" idea to make a cardigan :)

BConky said...

Gave you a lovely blog award at http://catsandcalico.blogspot.com/. Enjoy your blog.

Susan said...

The cardigan idea is brilliant. It looks great, too.

Jackie said...

Nice t-shirts! The cardigan looks great!

Rose said...

What a great idea to turn a t-shirt into a cardigan. Yours looks so nice and comfortable on you. Looks like you have some nice t-shirts, too.

Tany said...

That's a lovely cardigan! It looks awesome!

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