shirts and shortcuts

The summer rains have given us the perfect excuse to trial patterns and finish projects. Our 'Half Made Never Finished ' workshops have been very cathartic for many wanting to start the new year on a positive note.

This year we will focus on specific areas of dressmaking every month for example shirts followed by tea dresses etc. I will print the full schedule up so you can plan ahead.

We started off with shirts and flew through patterns that looked easy but effective. The vintage Simplicity 1460 however was the most surprising, for creating a totally different look without too much effort.

It is a challenge to commit to a project knowing you are short of fabric. Improvising with contrasting facings is not only easy, but adds interest.

Trying to piece together bits to make a sleeve etc, can be time consuming but satisfying.

Two very quick patterns were impressive for such little effort. They both have several different looks and are well cut with flattering collars. This one took about 90 minutes. If you use big buttons for effect, don't make buttonholes. They will be ugly, sag and your machine will require you to do them manually; no fun at all. Instead sew on metal snap fasteners by hand and then sew the buttons on for effect. Don't forget whenever you are sewing buttonholes, buttons or  snap fasteners, always ensure you have several fabric layers and preferably interfacing.

Similarly this McCalls Pattern was quick to make in less than two hours. Instead of finishing the raw edges by overlocking, pinking the edges is a great solution if you are time poor.

Finally traditional shirts were made using vintage patterns from the 1970's. These take longer as the collar stands, cuffs, plackets and buttonholes all add to sewing and finishing time.

Don't forget to check out the next focus area in February; vintage tea dresses.