Mid-Year Resolutions

I realize that I'm approximately six months late to make a New Year's Resolution, so let's just call this a Mid-Year Resolution, shall we?

Here goes - I resolve to try my hand at pattern alterations to make the items that I sew more wearable and more to my liking.

Sure, I've made minor alterations to patterns in the past - took a in seam here, let out a seam there, added a little bit of length  - but I've never made large (or even medium) alterations to patterns.  And because of that I've been limited to whatever options the patterns offer, even if I'd like something a tad bit different.  So if you need me, I'll be over here summoning up some courage over the next couple of weeks to cut up some patterns and perhaps draft some extra pieces in an attempt to make some awesome clothing (ha!).

First up on my Mid-Year resolution list was a desire to sew a simple woven shirt with a low back.  I chose Grainline Studio's Scout Woven Tee as a starting point and made a simple alteration by lowering the neckline on the back of the pattern by about six and a half inches.  I happen to think that it makes the shirt a little "business in the front, party in the back" (well, a very mild party in the back...).

The amount that I ended up cut off in the back is a bit wide so I'm a little worried abut the shoulders slipping off but if it becomes too much of a concern I can always break out a safety pin or two and pin the shoulder seam to my bra strap (you won't tell anybody, will you?).  And I'm thinking that if I make this top again (which I no doubt will) I'll make it just a tad bit longer and probably in one size smaller so I get a bit of a better fit around the shoulder area.

In any case, my first attempt at fulfilling my Mid-Year's Resolution appears not to be too much of a disaster and truth be told, I actually really like wearing this shirt.  I love that the neckline is finished with bias binding and that I took the time to do french seams on the inside.  And look, I even made an attempt to match the horizontal pattern on the fabric at the side seams.

Would you look at me - actually paying attention to detail!

Pattern: Grainline Studio's Woven Scout Tee
Size: 8
Fabric: Anna Maria Horner's Village Path Sea from the Little Folks line