Showing posts with label sewing with knits. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sewing with knits. Show all posts

Saturday, May 30, 2015

Blank Slate Patterns' Perfect Polo


My son's school requires a uniform and part of that uniform for boys is a navy, white or light blue polo shirt. So, after a few years, I consider both my son and I to be "polo connoisseurs." Typically, he wears a classic pique polo. They're readily available at a variety of stores, tough and durable - perfect for an active boy - BUT, they are not the comfiest option in the world. Not as comfy as the super soft, super deluxe Jersey polo I finally purchased for him at the uniform store. All polos should be feel like a t-shirt! Preach!



Enter Blank Slate's Perfect Polo Pattern. I'm super excited about it because (a.) It's a dressed up version of the t-shirt (choose your knit) so it might actually be worn. (b.) It doesn't look like a hot homemade mess. In fact, I probably could make a version of the super deluxe Jersey uniform polo and have it look nice.




I was a little intimidated by this pattern because I really don't like sewing with knits AND there is a placket/collar double whammy but I'm really glad that I tried. I have to say, it wasn't as difficult as I expected! Melissa's instructions are very clear and detailed enough that I wasn't left guessing at any point. It is as soft as a tee because, well, it's made from two. This was a great way to use up some sale tees that I accumulated a long time ago. I definitely could have used one XL men's tee for the boys size 7 if I had used a different fabric for the accent at the shoulders, placket and collar. By using the tees, I was able to avoid hemming either the sleeves or the bottom of the shirt - yippee! In the end, the finished polo is something I'm really proud to say that I made myself. 

 

Disclosure: I received this pattern in exchange for my review. However, any opinions expressed are my own and reflect my own experiences with the pattern.

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Make [Believe] Adventure Tee


I love the Adventure Tee, part of Pattern Anthology's Make [Believe] Collection. I'll admit that I made a conscious decision not to push the envelope at all with this version. Although the pattern has several options that completely transform the look of the tee - pocket! placket! tabs! oh my! - I kept it simple. I really wanted to build my knit confidence and this was the perfect project. I set out to make a simple tee and I love it. The high-low hem, cap sleeves and high neckline are adorable and a perfect match for my adventurous little girl. Now that I've conquered this (and seen the wonderful versions in the Make [Believe] Gallery), I can visualize many other combinations . . . but I might just make a few more like this first!

 High-low Hem

Cap Sleeves

Comfy and Casual

 Happy Girl