Friday, December 31, 2010

pink prototype




More sewing, more casual clothes. I must have been jealous of Milo's hoodies so I finally tried one for myself.   The body of the shirt was copied from my favourite t-shirt (purchased at Target years ago), adjusted to swing out a bit below the bust to keep "operation hide belly" intact. Boy, did I ever learn a lot from the "Knock it Off" class I took at The Workroom last year - all I do now is draft patterns from existing clothes. With this technique I can finally sew for Jay too. I've made him a perfect-fitting long sleeve shirt and then a pair of longjohns for Christmas, not to mention all the easy drafting from Milo and Sadie's clothes. Anyone interested in copying your favourite clothes, I highly recommend taking a class like that! If you're in Toronto it looks like February 13th is the next session at The Workroom.

But back to this pink shirt. I thought I would use this fabric for Sadie but she seems to like hot, dark pinks better. I wasn't convinced the shirt would work out, so I used the slubby pink as a true prototype version, knowing that at least the charcoal grey would make a nice contrast. Worse case - I could dye the shirt afterwards. But I've worn the shirt since the minute I finished it (okay, it's finally being washed now) so I don't think pink is a problem for me. It fits great, it's really comfortable and I love the hood (drafted from an American Apparel shirt). So the prototype worked and I'm itching to make another one. All I need is one long nap from Milo and my order to come in from this Etsy shop (her striped knit fabrics are amazing).

Oh, and here's the silliest part: my favourite detail of the whole shirt - and of this knitwear sewing in general - is the tiny polka dotted label. Sure, it's only for my benefit (or for Jay's because he would never get Milo's clothes on the right way otherwise) but it's cute and makes me love the inside construction just as much as the outside. Plus it's a perfect use for ribbon scraps!




5 comments :

Camilla said... [Reply to comment]

I LOVE it, love the casual look! Way to go!!

Sascha said... [Reply to comment]

I love it! I also love you boat neck top. Ever since you posted it I've had it on my "to do" list. I even have a stripe fabric set aside. Now I want to make a top with a hood.

zofia said... [Reply to comment]

What a perfect top.
I feel the same, kids get great hoodies, I think it's time I made me one!

t does wool said... [Reply to comment]

it looks great! love it..and the perfect shade of pink.

Deanna McFadden said... [Reply to comment]

If we were the same size, I would come to your house and steal this shirt, and then I would be wearing it all the time.