Having sworn to document all Finished Objects on the blog this year, as well as elaborating on how they fit into my overall wardrobe, I’m posting about these two aforementioned finishes today—
No.12: My first me-made t-shirt — and the first of many Adventure Tanks to come. As I mentioned in my summer sewing plan, this is a Medium and I love it but will make the next one (striped!) in size Small. This looks great with jeans and such on its own, but you can see above it’s a little big to be worn with the skirt and would look better scaled down in comparison, which would also be better for layering under other things. The only change I made was to lengthen it by 1.5″, and then I didn’t hem it (I’m liking it raw) so it wound up 2.5″ longer than the pattern calls for. I couldn’t love this hemp jersey any more than I do — it’s amazing.
No.13: My test sew of Seamwork’s Seneca skirt (designed for jersey), using the leftovers from my blue striped top to see if I would like it in a woven. The verdict: Eh, almost. I don’t think it’s outstanding in this particular fabric (I’ll like it better in something darker) and as previously noted, my plan for the next pass at it is to go up a size for the skirt front/back and gather them to fit the Medium waistband. This one is a straight Medium — only modification I made was to omit the side-seam insert panels and just seam the front and back together.
As with most every garment on earth, I like the skirt best with layers and boots. The question still remains whether I’ll ever really be a skirt person, but becoming a summer-clothes person seems beyond my capacities.
TEE
Pattern: Adventure Tank (view B) from Fancy Tiger Crafts
Fabric: Black hemp jersey from Fancy Tiger Crafts bought for $20/yard
Cost: Free download from my CreativeBug account + $6 to print + $20 fabric = $26
SKIRT
Pattern: Seneca from Seamwork Magazine
Fabric: Unknown Japanese cotton remnant bought for $5/yard
Cost: $12 pattern + $7 to print + $7 fabric + $2 elastic + $1 grommets = $29
Also pictured: black lopi raglan and off-black chunky turtleneck
NOTE: For those of you who were wishing for a pattern for my striped top, above, and its black precursor, I had mentioned that Amber’s Adventure Tank (muscle tank variation, view B) looked like it might prove to be the thing. And I think it’s safe to say it is — just look at the top two photos up there to see how similar they are! To make Adventure in a woven, you might need to go up a size — definitely make sure the neckhole goes over your head — and cut your bands on the bias. For the hi/low split hem, just straighten out the lower sides and hemline, making the front and back panels as long as you want them, and leave a split in the side seam to your liking. Add pockets if you want. Let me know if you try it!
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PREVIOUSLY in 2016 FOs: Gathered Skirt, take two
That tank looks great! I’m not much of a skirt person, and I have problems with drawstring anything, but you did a great job. I love your boots!
The tall ones? I’m obsessed with them and can’t wait till the weather changes so I can bring them out again. And thank you for your nice comment the other day — sorry I failed to acknowledge it, but really appreciated it.
Oh, gosh. Not like you’re not busy or anything! Yes. Those tall ones. Who makes them? I just saw from your comment below that you have ANOTHER published pattern coming out? You’re EVERYWHERE! Congrats!!!!
Love the tank! And I hope you’re still planning to release the pattern for the chunky black turtleneck? I need that in my life :)
It’s always on my list (and photography is finished!), but writing and producing a pattern takes more time than I can find right now! I still hope to get to it one of these days, but meanwhile I have a pattern in a publication this fall that could easily be adapted to that.
Love all the looks and those jeans are perfection, please share the source
They’re from J.Crew’s made in L.A. line, Point Sur — https://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/denim/InGoodCompany/PRD~E1854/E1854.jsp?nav_type=OBIN
now this is what sewing your own garments is supposed to look like… real clothes that could be worn over and over! i think everything looks great, but also understand being quite particular about silhouette and fit. very inspiring! :)
One of these days I’ll make something that’s not black or blue so I won’t look like I’m wearing the same thing every day!
can’t wait to sew my adventure tank, I love that muscle tee version and it looks great on you!!! I bought the hemp jersey from FTC.
I’ve listened to them rave about this fabric forever, and it’s even better than that! It’s incredible to work with and feel amazing on.
Love the pockets on the striped top and skirt. Question: do you use a serger for sewing the knits? Tried this weekend to sew some knit on a regular machine with poly yarn thread in the bobbin – did not like that, makes for a bulky seam. Thanks
I don’t have a serger, and this was my first time sewing knits (other than in high-school modifying t-shirts and stuff). I just used the “stretch stitch” on my regular sewing machine.
Thanks for the quick reply. Off to try again, have to master this as all T’s are too long (short torso) and plus I like the idea of having a hand made closet.
I have a long torso and I still think all tees are too long! I’m thrilled to think of making my own from here on out.
Your light blue top and skirt look just so fabulous. Have been enjoying your sewing posts enormously, and have dusted off my sewing machine. So inspiring.
Thank you, lucie! Always happy to be an enabler.
Just want to say that I find these posts so inspiring. You have fantastic style and have definitely been a huge influence in my wanting to sew and make my own clothes. Of course now that I’ve started doing that I find out that I am pregnant (which is great!) but I am not sure what to sew now. I detest maternity clothes and can’t imagine spending time and money making them.
I was talking to a friend about this. I want this muscle tee at dress length and to live it in every day, and that would also be a perfect maternity garment.
I personally love skirts. But I am with you on the summer clothes……..they are difficult for me too with the exception of long flowing skirts! Bring on fall and the layers. The tee is amazing.
Just curious if you modified the armhole/shoulder on the black tank at all? The pattern photo on the Fancy Tiger site looks wider – the orange tee photo almost looks like a cap sleeve (which I don’t want.) Maybe that shirt’s just too big on her? Thanks!
No, I just have *really* broad shoulders, and think they also went with more ease than I did.
Perfect! Thanks!
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I’m interested in sewing a tee shirt. Would I need a surger, or is my regular machine going to be ok? I know I’d need a different kind of needle (god, I’m such a sewing noob).
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Fabulous wardrobe! Chic, and perfectly lovely in every way.
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