Utility sewing? What's that? It doesn't sound like fun, not like a Moto Jacket, or a Mirrored Fantasy Jacket; well, it's not so much fun, but very necessary when building a closet of clothing that will function often as a travel wardrobe. I like to have lightweight rayon shells to wear under jackets or shirts, not only when I travel, but at home as well...
Some of my shells are old enough to vote (!!!) and needed to be retired. So yesterday and today, I worked on the shell from Cutting Line Designs Pure and Simple, making slight changes to come up with an easy-to-make TNT shell pattern.
I have made FIVE...once I adapted the pattern as I wanted, I was able to cut out and sew a shell in 40 minutes!
From left: a black and white striped slinky, a puckered black rayon, a black and white check crinkle rayon, a white crinkle rayon and a black crinkle rayon.
I make them very simply, serge all the edges, turn under and stitch (except for the slinky, which I put a neckband on). This makes them very light weight, easy to pack and quick to wash and hang dry.
With these basics hanging in my closet, now I can go back to the studio and sew something fun!
From left: a black and white striped slinky, a puckered black rayon, a black and white check crinkle rayon, a white crinkle rayon and a black crinkle rayon.
I make them very simply, serge all the edges, turn under and stitch (except for the slinky, which I put a neckband on). This makes them very light weight, easy to pack and quick to wash and hang dry.
With these basics hanging in my closet, now I can go back to the studio and sew something fun!
Thanks for the inspiration Margy! I love my P&S tops and need more simple shells to fit under the interesting layering pieces - like you wear them.
ReplyDeleteWow. I am really impressed. 40 minutes per top! I think I must be the worlds slowest sewist, it would take me at least twice as long.
ReplyDeleteMy apologizes for inviting you to the awards game, I didn't notice the widget on your blog.
Those look great, Margy! I have a couple pieces of fabric also waiting to become simple tees.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great collection you have going here!!! It is actually these pieces that are simple in design that make the 'fun' garments your create pop...
ReplyDeleteGreat inspiration. I need to revisit that pattern. My weight has changed so I "may" need to start over. Great tops
ReplyDeleteMarcia
Great tops! I love how you were able to get them sewn up so quickly.
ReplyDeleteGreat little shells - I am trying to make some basics at the moment (but for Winter). You have made it look so simple!
ReplyDeleteGreat basics. We all need a wardrobe of shells in lots of colors!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea, to just knock these off all at once. I haven't sewn a shell in years, so I'm definitely overdue. This pattern looks like a good one. Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteVery smart sewing, and smart tops! They are the basis for my warm weather wardrobe also. Last year I made up 4 cotton shells for riding and lounging. Thanks for the reminder to do the same again.
ReplyDeleteI think its great to repeat basics in the wardrobe. None of these tops look the same because the textures vary. Love the long black and white embroidered(?) cardigan.
ReplyDeletegreat basic tops - how gratifying to sew something so quickly - I love the odd quick project too.
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