Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Great White Shirt, the Beginning

A few posts back, I had started to work on a white shirt for the PR Great White Shirt Sew-Along. I got side-tracked, and just now getting back to it. Of course the sew-along is over now, but I still want a couple of white shirts for fall.

I had decided to make Mexican tucks down the fronts of the shirt. This post shows how I tucked a piece of fabric, and sewed horizontally across them, making them turn in one direction, then another, down the length of the tucks .http://allmyseams.blogspot.com/2009/07/tucking.html

I decided on 5, 1/4" tucks with 1/2" space in between each one. I decided the tucks would begin 2" from the CF, and cut the pattern along that line. Adding the amount of fabric needed for the tucks and spaces in between, I spread the pattern that far apart, inserting paper underneath. And, tada--that was my pattern.



This is one front of the shirt, all tucked and ready to go. The other is finished also. I had marked those tuck lines with pencil, so after I finished the stitching, I decided to wash the pieces to make sure the pencil lines came out in the wash before proceeding. They did come out, and I ironed the pieces. And then--uh oh--those little tucks and spaces needed ironing. Knowing the iron is not going to fit in those little spaces, I was thinking what to do, when I remembered this little iron.

This was the perfect tool. The little iron went between the those tucks like magic, and ironed them beautifully, separating them and making them stand up.

I probably won't get back to sewing until the weekend. But, I have a good start now on this shirt, and since I'm using an old TNT for my base, it's a no-brainer the rest of the way. (Famous last words)!





13 Talk to me:

JoanneM said...

Love the tucks on the blouse piece so far. But the moment I use the words "no brainer" I automatically invoke the anger of the Sewing Gods......and end up with....!

Anonymous said...

Those tucks look great. Can't wait to see the finished blouse.

Fran said...

Beautiful tucks! Thanks for the link to the earlier post of more details.

Linda T said...

I'm glad you got back to your tucked shirt. It's going to be so pretty. I'd been putting off sewing a white shirt for too long. Between you and Michelle (Cheap and Picky), I became inspired. Thanks!

The Sewing and Knitting Loft said...

Great idea to use that tiny little iron! Your shirt is going to be lovely.

julia said...

I love tucks and yours look so perfect! I can't wait to see it when it's finished. Love that little iron.

Anonymous said...

The tucks are so different. Sounds like a bit of math was involved on the pattern alteration...It is looking good! Can you recommend a good white fabric to use for shirts? I get all flustered trying to pick the right white--pima, cotton shirting, cotton/lycra...and I was even told of a good cotton sheeting...oh my!

Carol said...

All I have to say is that you are one brave woman!

Jean said...

The tucks look great! And that little iron is too cute! Is that the Clover one that is sold for quilting? I often see it advertised at Joann's.

KID, MD said...

Thanks for coming by to visit my blog! I'm excited to follow yours. Your blouse is going to be beautiful - those tucks are so fun!

Linda T said...

Love the tucks! This will be a special blouse. I look forward to seeing the finished garment. I am planning a white blouse project myself. Every woman needs one and I don't have one.

Linda T
http://vernonfashionstudio.wordpress.com

Diana said...

Those tucks are wonderful! It makes me want to try my hand at these ,did you call them,Mexican tucks?I'm a big Coldwatercreek fan and I know the shirt you are talking about.

QueenSH said...

The tucks look really good..can't wait to see the finished product.

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