The Sleep Tee

The Bernina got a break this time as my new sleep tee was sewn entirely on the serger and coverstitch. I didn’t time it, but it sure felt like I’d spent more time changing out the threads and needles than actually sewing.

The usual t-shirt things happened:

• Clear elastic sewn into the shoulder seams
• ¼” serged seams
• Coverstitch neck binding
• 1” coverstitch hems

Though not glamorous or exciting, this oversized tee it is exactly what I want for a sleep garment. Nope, there are no snaps, buttons, zippers or elastic and it is big enough to be comfortable yet not too loose where I end up tangled in excess fabric.

 

Thanks goes to the clearance section of Hancock’s for this cotton knit fabric. I washed and dried it twice using hot water and the highest heat setting. The fabric became much softer and I’m hoping that the high temps took care of any future shrinkage.

 

The side seams are fairly straight and the tee certainly isn’t tapered, so I don’t know why (and frankly, I don’t care) it appears to be on the dress form.

I think this no-brainer project would adapt very well to assembly-line sewing. Well, as long as the thread color remained the same.

 

Next? Well, winter and long sleeves are over, but still I want to work with variations of my shirt pattern, though it makes sense to produce quick t-shirts and elastic waist Capri’s. So, your guess is as good as mine!

Fashion Modeling

So, Frankenpattern t-shirt and pants. The pants are from McCalls's 5537 Palmer/Pletsch Classic Fit. I started with a size 18W and took off 1 5/8" from the top of the waist and took in the side seams, beyond the 1" seam allowances given, from the waist to the knee. I also shortened the legs. I used this pattern to sew up another pair in a grey stretch gabardine. I have traced the pattern for the BWOF 01/2008 #132 pants. The 01/2008 issue that I have is in German. Thank you Adam for the instructions translation! They may be next or maybe the My Label button shirt......don't know yet.

Another Frankenpattern T-Shirt

Well, I bought the thread. One spool. It was 50% off. Simplicity patterns were on sale too. 5 for $5. I picked up three.

The t-shirt has been completed and I will wear it tomorrow with a pair of black pants I had made about a month ago.

Frankenpattern T-Shirt

This is a t-shirt that I made a few weeks ago. I have already worn it a time or two. It was very easy to put together and other than the fabric, all that was needed was thread and a few inches of clear elastic to stabilize the shoulder seams. To come up with the pattern, I traced my Bernina My Label t-shirt front pattern piece and, using a ruler, drew several lines from the center front neck edge to the bottom corner, stopping right at the hem fold line. Then, cut, spread and taped the pieces down onto another piece of paper. The bell sleeve was borrowed from Simplicity 4076, morphing the upper sleeve from the My Label tee. I spent about $6.00 on this shirt. No, that doesn't include the My Label software. I spent $299.00 on that. The software expense gets to be spread out long-term and I am not including it. And, how would I? Gentle readers, please let me know as I have no idea how many of my garments will come from this software. To hem the bottom and sleeves of the t-shirt, I used the Bernina blind hem foot, #016. It worked perfectly with this sweatery type fabric. I have used a twin needled to topstitch other t-shirts that I have made and that has worked too. The chosen method just depends on the fabric and how close the thread match is to the fabric. This t-shirt meets the following requirements:

• It fits
• It is comfortable
• It is easy to construct
• It is needed in my wardrobe
• It is machine washable
• It is inexpensive

The sleeve can easily be changed, and as the weather becomes warmer, I can see matching this pattern with 3/4 and short sleeves in many styles. Pants are my biggest challenge. I need business style pants that flatter and are easy to construct. Front pockets are a necessity, as is a fly-front. Both are easy. For the fly zipper, I use Sandra Betzina's method from her "Power Sewing" book. Only, I reverse the directions to have the fly on the right side. I do not include a fly shield. Maybe, in the future.
Off to the fabric store for thread. Here's hoping to 50% off.....