Thursday 30 August 2012

Change of plans..

My sewing plans for this week changed when I realised that the kimono t-shirt I'd sewn up as a trial run of working with jersey actually looked quite nice.


I decided that instead of working on a toile for a skirt I'd do something that I knew would be done in time to take on holiday.   To make this t-shirt I just cut round a kimono style t-shirt I have which has a bit of a boat neck.  I found some dark lilac bias-tape I'd made a while back and never used and attached it to the neckline and sleeves - though I'm pretty sure you're not supposed to attach cotton binding to a jersey!  I really like how it's turned out even though it's got a bit of a larger boat neck than I'd intended! The jersey really stretched when I was sewing the bias binding on but I don't care as the wider neck makes it look a bit more dressy.  I zig-zagged all the seams then used the vari-overlock stitch on my machine.  I used a twin-needle for the hem but didn't bother overlocking the hem fabric as I thought it might add extra bulk to quite a fine jersey.  The jersey was a bargain from the remnants bin at Mandors in Glasgow and it's got a really lovely drape to it and feels very luxurious. 

Jersey maxi-skirt - I love the yoga pants style waist, so comfy!

My other jersey make was a maxi skirt which I used this tutorial at Elle Apparel to make.  The instructions for attaching the waistband sound a bit strange but after a bit of trial and error I worked it out.  This jersey was thicker than the khaki stuff which seemed easier to sew with, particularly the hem.   The weather's changed a bit this week and it's not been warm or dry enough to wear it but, ever the optimist, I'll take it on holiday to Copenhagen where I'm sure I'll get to wear it. even further north. in September. yeah! Optimism or stupidity, who knows?! I'm so happy with how both these makes turned out and am now well and truly hooked on the quick thrill of sewing with jersey!

5 comments:

  1. These look great, and that skirt looks so comfy. Hopefully you'll get a blast of warm Autumn sun in Copenhagen to wear it in! Is this your first time sewing with jersey? I've also just finished a t-shirt (which I need to get some photos of so I can blog) and was pleasantly surprised at how comparatively quick and easy it was to sew.

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    1. Thank you! Yes, first time sewing with jersey. Asides from the stretch when I sewed on the t-shirt neckband I was also surprised by how much easier it was than I thought it would be. Looking forward to seeing your t-shirt!

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  2. They look wonderful, love the green and purple combo. Have a great holiday!

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    1. Thank you! Yes, I wasn't quite sure what to pair the khaki with as I get a bit panicky if something doesn't have bright colour in it somewhere - I'm glad the purple goes so well.

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  3. They look fantastic. great things can happen when you dare to break the "rules" - pairing woven cotton binding with jersey will stop your neckline growing in the wash, and adds a nice variation in texture.

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