I have been wanting to learn how to sew my own clothes for ages! I dabbled in sewing when I was younger and less experience with sewing in general and never had good results. My sizing was always off, I was impatient and I never was able to understand or follow the pattern directions.
Well, finally, after a few years of sewing experience under my belt and lots of time spent reading, using and understanding tutorials, I decided to give it another try.
This time I read the directions before I started, used the correct measurements and pattern size and took my time making the garment. My patience and persistence paid off and I have a few new shirts to add to my wardrobe. Granted, it's an easy pattern to follow, but I was still able to make it work successfully.
I stocked up on patterns at the $1 Simplicity sale last weekend and hope to try out a few other simple shirt patterns to make some more tops for summer.
Top #1: Simplicity 3835 - Built By Wendy
cotton fabric from Joann's (excuse the weird arm angle!)
Top #2:
linen blend fabric from a local high end fabric store (designer unknown, but it was next to the Echino fabric line)
Top #3:
cotton fabric from Joann's
Wow you did a great job. I really love the fabric in the thrid one:)
Posted by: Maranda | 31 May 2009 at 12:08 PM
You go girl! You did a wonderful job! I haven't learned garments yet - been quilting forever, but I think I'm genetically incapable of following a pattern. Bought a serger 3 years ago and still haven't touched it. Maybe when I get this last quilt finished, I'll give it a go - you've inspired me! Love love love the red one.
Posted by: Allie in MI | 31 May 2009 at 12:21 PM
those are all great! garment sewing is definitely on my summer to-do list. I was also stalking a sale on simplicity 4589 and finally got it for a buck last weekend at JoAnn's. I've never sewn a shirt before, hopefully I will be as successful as you.
Posted by: jenny | 31 May 2009 at 12:44 PM
You look so cute! I like the top design and the different fabrics you chose.
Posted by: Trisha | 31 May 2009 at 01:06 PM
these are fantastic!
i went back and forth and back and forth trying to pick my favorite, it was hard but in the end i went with the 2nd one.
such nice work! i've never sewn a shirt for myself either - but you're making me want to give it a try!
Posted by: melissa | 31 May 2009 at 01:06 PM
super cute! oddly enough, i sewed lots of clothes for myself in high school, but can't seem to find the patience to do it now. my favorite is... the third one--great colors!
Posted by: abcgirl | 31 May 2009 at 03:16 PM
I love them all. You did a great job on them. Is it really simple? I like that style top.
Posted by: Oiyi | 31 May 2009 at 03:34 PM
Darling pattern and fabric. You did great for someone who doesn't sew clothes usually. One of my goals for the summer is to make a few tops - I haven't done much clothing sewing recently, but seeing stuff like this inspires me!
Posted by: Clever Karen | 31 May 2009 at 04:30 PM
Great patterns and you did a great job!
Posted by: Sewmarm | 31 May 2009 at 05:02 PM
That is my favorite pattern. I am still working at sewing shirts/dresses/skirts that I would actually wear in public. It's all still trial and error for me. All three of your shirts turned out great...your fabrics are terrific, too.
Posted by: jessica | 31 May 2009 at 06:32 PM
You did a great job! Beautiful tops and you are all set for summer!
Posted by: shannon | 31 May 2009 at 06:45 PM
It looks like you've been sewing clothes forever! All three look great on you.
Posted by: lucy | 31 May 2009 at 07:47 PM
They all look fantastic! I think the second one is my favorite, but it's kind of a toss-up. Great job! I can't wait to see what else you do!
Posted by: Kristena | 31 May 2009 at 08:40 PM
Great job! They look like they fit really well. I was so jealous of that $1 Simplicity sale...their patterns cost $18+ here.
Posted by: Steph | 01 June 2009 at 12:14 AM
Aren't you cute! Your shirts look great! Love the fabrics you used too :)
Posted by: Amy @ parkcitygirl | 01 June 2009 at 01:24 AM
did well for yourself! they look good on you, especially the red!
Posted by: darlene | 01 June 2009 at 01:38 AM
Cute tops! I stocked up on some of those $1 patterns, too, but haven't tried them. Yours look so great, you give me courage to try them.
Posted by: MichelleB | 01 June 2009 at 09:44 AM
Good for you. I haven't gotten around to making this shirt yet, but you've inspired me to try it!
Posted by: Lynn | 01 June 2009 at 11:18 AM
ohhh! I'm impressed! very very nice. I love that red fabric.
Posted by: Helen | 02 June 2009 at 08:12 AM
These are awesome! I am so happy you took the plunge. The shirts look great. I can't wait to see you rocking an entire handmade outfit - skirt, shirt and sweater! Nice work.
Posted by: Melissa | 06 June 2009 at 12:33 PM
they are wonderful! i have that pattern and it's been on my list for ages, but i can't decide on a fabric to use for some reason.
Posted by: amandajean | 08 June 2009 at 09:28 AM
That pattern looks great on you, and I love the fabrics you chose!
Posted by: Lisa | 09 June 2009 at 11:26 AM
Great job! I have been wanting to make clothes too. I bought a skirt book and will hopefully get to make some skirts.
The shirt pattern you found is really cute! And I love the fabric choices! :) Keep up the good work!
Posted by: Rebekah | 24 June 2009 at 01:42 AM
I really like the red one! Did you make them all for you? Nice job on the 1st round of sewing clothes! Are you going to do any more clothes patterns?
Posted by: Catherine | 09 July 2009 at 10:33 PM