Built By Carolyn

4.20.2011

There are times in life when I want to engage in a momentous project, one that will take time and effort and precision.  But there are far more times in life that I want to engage in a project that is quick and simple and will give me a sense of satisfaction in two-minutes flat.


Today was one of those times - and this was one of those projects.


This shirt was made with Simplicity 3835 - a Built By Wendy pattern.  Truth be told, I've had this pattern for quite some time and have actually made two versions of this shirt in the past.  The first I made when I was a sewing newbie and while it turned out okay, I made the elastic in the arms a bit on the small side and after a full day of wearing it, it leaves some awesome red indentation marks on my arm (yeah, yeah, I know I could fix it, but that's just not how I roll).  The second I made with a plaid flannel that I bought from Joann's and that one came out just plain u-gly and it no longer resides in my closet.  After the plaid flannel disaster I benched this pattern for quite some time but was recently reminded of it when I saw this shirt.  Simple, easy, and a great way to show off a beautiful fabric.  And so I broke out the pattern once again and found it to be just as lovely as I remember it (even with the plaid flannel disaster).  I mean, how can you complain about a pattern that only has three pattern pieces?


Because the pattern is beyond simple and because the fabric is a bit on the sheer side I decided to get all fancy and use french seams on the side and back seams of the shirt - which means that during the whole sewing process I could often be heard muttering to myself "okay, right sides together and then wrong sides together."  In any case, it worked out just fine and I love my pretty little seams.  




For the record though, I did serge the armholes.  A girl can only have so much patience. 


Fabric: Tina Givens voile (lovely, lovely stuff)
Pattern: Simplicity 3835
Pattern Difficulty: Easy Peasy


P.S.  I've entered the top in Made by Rae's Spring Top Sewalong.  Haven't heard of it?  Well, pop on over and find out all about it.  After all, it includes two of my favorite things...spring and selfish sewing.

13 comments:

  1. love it because it covers the arms and tummy--areas i am sensitive about!

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  2. Love it!
    ps. congrats on the sew mama sew shout out!!

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  3. Awesome, I love this!!! Looks gorgeous!

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  4. I love the longer arms. If I do this top again, I copying that. It is such a great, easy top.

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  5. I love it! I have yet to try making myself a top - maybe this would be a good start!

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  6. Love the top and LOVE the fabric, what is it? I mean is it a knit or a cotton voile or something?

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  7. I have unsuccessfully made this shirt twice and like you it's because I picked the WRONG fabric. This fabric is beautiful and looks great on you. You have made me consider this easypeasy shirt again. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  8. Wow, that voile is truly lovely, Carolyn! This is a fantastic shirt and your French seams came out so well. I love it!

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  9. You just reminded me of how much I love that pattern and need to make a new one. Yours is lovely! I think the sleeve length makes it even better.

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  10. Wow I just saw your pic on Sew Mama Sew on Facebook! How completely cool. And no wonder, such a beautiful shirt. Voile - love!

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  11. It looks fabulous on you! So glad my recent version helped to prompt your beautiful new top!

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  12. I ADORE this!! I'm running to the store to get the pattern and some material today!

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