Sewn Shirts

Next in the FO parade is two sewn shirts.  I bought the fabric for both of these when I was in Berkeley, at a great shop called Stone Mountain and Daughter Fabrics.

The pattern is Neue Mode J22717 in size 42 (German sizing).  I found this pattern on sale at the Berkeley store, and I'm so glad I did.  I did have to add the seam allowance onto the pattern, which was a tad annoying, but I'll just make this shirt a few times to make up for that!

I like the way this shirt fits, and it was simple to put together. I cut the sleeves for the correct length to add a cuff, but then I got lazy and didn't put on the cuff.  So the sleeves are in an awkward too-long-for-3/4-length and too-short-for-long-sleeves place.  This is solved by rolling them up, and I have done that quite often! I added several lines of topstitching to secure the facings on the collar and fronts, and also because I think it looks good.

The second shirt is from Simplicity 4149.

I love the fabric I used to make this, and the tunic came together really, really quickly.  I think, however, that it is not so flattering.  I need something that has a defined waist, and this does not. Perhaps I should look for a darted tunic, or I could try adding my own darts to this shirt.  I do still wear it, though, because the fabric is so pretty!

Comments

[Clumsy Knitter]

Wow, I'm really impressed! I need to learn how to sew, for sure!

[stacey]

Those are SO cute! Love the neck shaping on the first one!

[Quail By Mail]

I think the tunic length is quite flattering!

[tania]

everything you post is lovely.do you ever sleep?how do you do all this and work and live life?

[Kim]

I think you look rocking in the German shirt and the tunic length. Love both shirts. Oh how I wish I could sew.

[Chrissy]

Both shirts are lovely. The tunic looks very nice. You're so talented!

[tiennie]

Both the shirts are lovely. I actually really like the tunic on you and I think both look great. :)

[Alli]

I wonder if the tunic would be more flattering with a belt over it? I guess that might make it the wrong length (it is the perfect tunic length!) but maybe an easier fix than adding darts?

I love both the fabrics you chose for your tops!

[Paula Boren]

If you have enough fabric make a narrow sash to wear with the second shirt. The length is long enough to look good with a sash.

[grumperina]

Despite the lack of seam allowances, Neue Mode has a good reputation for producing nicely-fitting garments, like this one! I love the collar!

[Nikki D.]

All you need is a solid color belt to define the waist!!

[Allison]

You must be a harsher critic than I am, 'cause I think that tunic looks great on you! The other shirt is smashing, too. You're really inspiring me to learn more about sewing...

[jody]

Knowing what you look like in person, I can see what you mean with the tunic. A few people suggested a belt which I think would work well.

I have exactly one tunic that I like to wear and it has princess seams so it isn't perfectly straight at the waist. I don't think it ruins the tunic shape so putting in some bust darts could work too.

[Brenda]

Great shirts! Adding darts that mimic princess seaming shouldn't be a problem for you, and they are so much easier than actual princess semaing. That is great fabric.

[ella kelly]

I have to argue with you. That tunic is very flattering. I just had to post!

[kerrie]

I like the last tunic, and I've had a similar problem with them(all tunics in general) so I just throw a snug cropped cardigan overtop. It gives the illusion of a defined waist and is great for this type of weather.