I've worn them but not photographed any of them because I just haven't felt like it...so they still have to come to the blog.
However, I was watching QVC at the end of April and saw a really cute shirt. It looked so much like my TNT shirt pattern that I thought I can make that...so I did. I'm sharing it on my dress form, Daphne, as I would wear it, because I still don't feel like taking pictures.
This post though is more about how I took pieces of my TNT shirt patterns to get the look of the inspiration photo.
Here is the Inspiration Photo ~
Supplies ~
3 meters lightweight pinstripe denim that was in the collection
8 - 5/8" white buttons from the notions collection
20" of 1/4" elastic cut into 2 pieces of 10" elastic
Scraps of interfacing from the collection
Construction ~
Using my TNT shirt pattern with the back yoke and gathering is how I started this shirt journey. I've used this combination on numerous shirts because it gives me a looser fit on the back of the shirt while maintaining a more fitted shirt front.
For the front, I used my altered Vogue 8772 pattern fronts. I've changed it to remove the body darts, kept the bust darts and added some space to the front side seams. This shirt best showcases those changes, although I've used portions of this pattern in three other shirts.
The change that reflects the inspiration picture the most is the sleeves. I made this change to my pattern by cutting 3/4 length sleeves instead of long sleeves.
- Then I added 3/4" seam allowances to the hemline.
- Stitched them closed leaving an opening to insert the elastic.
- Inserted the elastic and stitched the seam allowance closed
- To finish the shirt - buttons and buttonholes were added to the front
- Then a small 1/2" hemline was machine stitched down.
My shirt is tunic length instead of the hip length of the original version. This is a personal preference. Y'all know I like the coverage so that's how I interpreted the look.
One more thing ~
This shirt has a huge faded area right on the front of the shirt which I noticed when the fronts were first sewn together. The faded spot appears no where else on the shirt so it won't be worn out of the house. I also have a bad collar insertion that normally would bother the heck out of me. In this instance however, I'm letting it go...since this is technically a wearable muslin.
...I just wanted to finish the shirt and see if the design changes would work.
A Few Pictures of the Tunic on Daphne ~
Maybe I will get around to photographing this on me later and if so I will drop those pictures in this post...but I wouldn't count on it since this really is a wearable muslin. I have a piece of medium weight denim set aside that I will use to make another one for fall/winter.
BTW, I have stirrings of my sewjo returning with a few ideas of things to make. One of my challenges has been now I'm working from home and don't feel the same way about dressing every day that I did when I went out to work. When I'm feeling that way I realize that I have loads of garments to choose from everyday.
But a wise friend of mine told me that I don't sew because I need to...I sew because I want to. I sew for the creativity and that's what fulfills me. So I may work on another "Inspired By" sew since I'm boycotting the sewing chain stores and not buying patterns.
...as always more later!
First, I love that your dressform is called Daphne.
ReplyDeleteNext, I really like how you interpreted this shirt. Your inspired by garments are always favorites. G
Nice job on the shirt. I just finished a dress that went together nicely but when I looked at the finished product all I could think was, 'This looks like an Amish woman's dress.' Which is fine if you're Amish, but I'm not. And it didn't look that way on the pattern photos. When I tried on the dress, I thought, 'potato sack.' I had only tried on the bodice while sewing, and that part fits well, but the skirt just has no shape. I salvaged the mess by cutting off the skirt and making a peplum top. No photos anywhere yet! :)
ReplyDeleteLove the shirts you make with your TNT pattern. Some of your best clothes come from that one. :)
ReplyDeleteI think your version is even nicer than the inspiration, enjoy wearing it.
ReplyDeleteYou are so clever and have helped inspire me to hack patterns when I would have just followed them. Love this shirt.
ReplyDeleteLove your shirt so much more than the QVC example. thanks for the information.
ReplyDeleteI do like the shirt! I was wondering if I was seeing things, or if the light on your end had put a light spot in the middle of the shirt. Like you said, it'll be good for around the house-I always need stuff for around the house, and this looks way better than the stretched out tee shirt with holes I usually wear! LOL!
ReplyDeleteMy dress form is named Mavis :D
I'm avoiding the chain stores myself, though when the local smaller stores open I'll probably be in there just so I can...I dunno, get that energy, the vibe, that helps feed my sewing mojo. Something about getting into a creative environment really stirs me up, and I miss having that available. I think I need to look into online museum exhibits and things of that nature, I feel my creativity just going dormant.
I love the dresses, they are beautiful. The shirt is going to be a favorite pretty soon after you wash it a couple of times to blend that fade out(soon you wont notice). I loved that necklace, did you make that, too. Maybe just try making a simple quilt to get your mind thinking of pleasant things & maybe it will help you do some meditating. I made my first quilt & when got going it was like I couldn't stop. One minute it was 6:30 in the evening the next my dad came down & asked if I was coming up, it was like past midnight. That was about 6 yrs ago & have it on my bed still..the dog (big pup 86 lb) sort of messed it up so pulled out old scraps, cut out spots fixed it & back on my bed it is. My daughter wanted a quilt so hers is the real deal(my first real deal) & again when I got going I just couldn't stop. I just need to get it quilted it's 78 ×78 & she likes it. Then reading your blog for a while you got me inspired to start to sew for myself again & also just to try. Made my 85 yr old dad 2 pr of shorts plus fab for a shirt. If it comes out going to buy flamingo fab for fun for him, LOL. Have fab & pattern to make to tops for myself. The clothes they have in stores are ugly anymore for plus size. They put no thought in the designs they try to sell. And that doings you made those fancy dresses, they were beautiful, your granddaughters in there dresses..wow..amazing..(p.s. I'm caucasian & you inspire me all the time)
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, I love the gathering on the back of the yoke! I don't like tight fitting backs so this one is going on my "to buy" list. Do you think the sleeves would look right if I omitted the elastic at the wrists?
ReplyDeleteCurious Daylily - just wanted to remind you that this shirt is a combination of three patterns - the fronts are Vogue 8772 which is still available to buy, the back & yoke is OOP Vogue 7700 and the sleeves come from a butterick pattern that is also OOP. So if you purchase the current pattern you only have one part of the shirt.
DeleteI like your recent garments, and it's a pity about that faded spot on the shirt. Yay! A RTW-inspired garment from TNT pattern post is always good. Even better if it can inspire others to take patterns they already have and tweak them, instead of buying yet another one. Especially from companies that can't (won't?) bother to do something so simple to change as adding non-white models on a regular basis.
ReplyDeleteI hope that chat with your friend gets your sewjo fired up to do more RTW inspired TNT modifications for casual wear. I know I've mentioned before how much I've missed them from your corporate days.
I just wanted to say that your sewing posts are part of what fuels my sewing inspiration and I miss you when you’re not there. I’m currently overwhelmed by the chaos in my sewing sanctuary. Tried drafting bodice blocks by 2 different methods with crazy looking results. I think you use a method of flat pattern measuring. I love the way your clothes fit. We’re all struggling some, but it helps to see your posts.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely combination of garments! I love the shirt you created from your inspiration photo!!
ReplyDeleteFaded or damaged spots on fabrics can always be a chance to embroider or applique something to make it a feature. A lace overlay motif might just soften the look of the denim anyway. I'd call it an "opportunity" and wear it out since it is so darling! Sewing is for the soul and we do it when we need it, not because we need more clothes. Same reason why we all follow clothing blogs...connection with other talented people creating because they WANT to, NEED to create and express themselves in a tactile manner. You inspire us all the time Carolyn!
ReplyDeleteI hear you on feeling weird about clothes and dressing now that I'm working from home as well. It's been PJ pants since day 1 and now I'm not even bothering with "work tops" since I really only need to look presentable from the shoulders up. Of course, that means that an around the house top is the perfect thing to have right now! Your shirt looks awesome!
ReplyDeleteI use Zoom calls to dress up otherwise I'm not sure I would anymore. I mean I have some days when I'm inspired but if I don't have a meeting, too often I roll out of bed, wash up, brush my teeth and hair and head down to my computer. There just doesn't seem to be a need to dress which in all honesty is scaring me. I retire in another couple of years and I wonder is this how I'm going to act in retirement?
DeleteCarolyn, I have been retired since 2016. I too wondered if I would just laze around in my gown or pjs after retirement. I have learned that I am more productive whether it is sewing, cleaning or going out to do something (prior to covid) if I get dressed. These days I usually put on shorts and a shirt even if it is a t-shirt. Helps my attitude and then when I am online on zoom or other face time type interaction, I am comfortable with my appearance and present myself in a positive manner. I have enjoyed reading your blog and looking at your photos and have missed the frequency that I enjoyed earlier in the year. Just having a blog is a huge commitment. Go easy on yourself and plan to do something fun that always helps to lift my spirits because I have something to look forward to doing or going.
DeleteCarolyn, I worked from home for a decade, and now I am on leave for six months. I want to assure you, no, most days you will wake up and think, what beautiful things and I going to put together for myself from my me-made wardrobe today? It helps to remember you can always change into something else if you want or need to at any time, because you’re home! You might start out pretty dressy, but later in the morning decide you want to cook or clean that day - so you decide on and put on your cook or clean outfit. Later you want to go out and shop...another outfit opportunity! I might change three times in one day. Why not? Enjoy!
DeleteR - I think it's because of the pandemic and rarely leaving the house now. I go to the grocery store about every 2 weeks, then besides a drs. visit or a trip to my daughter's house, I go no where. I'm still not convinced that we should all be out and about living our lives like the virus doesn't exist especially since cases are still climbing in a lot of states in the US.
DeleteI agree with you totally. Sorry, my comment might have given a different impression. I go out only to the grocery store (the same one over and over), give my spouse some company when he gives a doctor a daily ride to and from work, and (rarely) to take a park walk. I suppose my clothing changes, even just while at home, are a part of my strategy for staying sane.
DeleteR - I understand that. I just haven't been able to get there...which is what worries me!
DeleteI like the dresses you shared at the beginning. I used to sew years ago but not much now. I do more mending than sewing even after getting a better sewing machine that was a good deal. I was going to fix my adult daughter's jeans as they are too long before she goes on a trip to see a friend for a couple weeks. Sewing didn't happen becuz I hurt myself last week, unexpectedly. Oh well..maybe one as she leaves Sat.
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed week!
QVC is my usual inspiration. I don't buy much from them but I watch for fashion inspiration every day. I have my favorites and Joan Rivers is one of them. Bob Mackie & Isaac Mizirahi too! I am wanting to sew a caftan (muumuu?) for around the house. Classy & comfortable dressing! Happy sewing & Stay safe
ReplyDeleteBonnie - I buy weird things from QVC but not much clothing. When I was working in corporate america it was a lot of jewelry and cardigans but now very little clothing. Though I do like Renee Goldstein's line and have several of her leggings and jeans. Like you I do use clothing I see as inspiration for things to sew.
DeleteI love that shirt. The stripes and the color are perfect. (Cute shoes too!) You captured the feel of the inspiration shirt, but the stripes take it up a notch. I would wear it with the fading. To me it just has more character.
ReplyDeleteI envy Daphne's striped shirt and the orange stripe dress. Love those angled stripes!
ReplyDeleteHi Carolyn. Hope this works. My first comment. Did the original shirt Have something different at the top of the button band. Not continue buttons to the top. I love how your collar stands up. It’s my favourite look.
ReplyDeletebusylizzie - the original shirt had a collar just like mine - that's what drew me to the shirt! It's my favorite look too!
DeleteHow did you learn to combine patterns and make it work? How did you get to a TNT? Is there a book or a post of yours that explains your process? I am to the point where I am tired of adjusting the fit on new patterns. I want to use a TNT that fits and customize it with the details I want. I am getting so frustrated with online shopping because everything is sold out! I love the blue shirt. You will get a ton of wear from that when its cooler.
ReplyDeleteTC - I did do a 3-part series on how I came to my TNT dress pattern. The three posts are located in April 2019 and they're called my TNT Patterns - Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3. I go into some detail in those posts on how my TNT pattern came to be and my process. I would suggest starting there for info on what I did.
DeleteHowever, may I also suggest picking one of the patterns you like and making it a couple of times. That's really how my TNT journey started...just making a silhouette (cause that's all a pattern really is) over and over again. Changing some of the details...adding seams...color blocking and then I got to a place where I was using it as a sloper for other patterns.
I knew it fit so I could use it as the basis for making that new pattern work. But it's a process and now 15 years in is second thought to me...but I worked at this.
Hope this helps!
Thanks! I will read those. Yes, I do tend to find a pattern that works for me and then make it over and over. Now, I would rather tweak what I know already fits than start from scratch each time. Altering a pattern takes time and I want to spend that time making each one unique. As you say, if it ain't broke... What got me started this summer was making shorts. Why do I need 10 patterns for shorts? I'm just working from a pants base that fits. Thanks again.
DeleteCarolyn, too bad about the fade because that shirt style is a winner. I do hope you try it in a stripe again soon. My Covid days had me getting up and into the jeans and tee shirt every day.Why not? Who cares? Who's looking, anyway? Not long ago I went to pick out my tee and old jeans for the day and stopped cold and told myself ENOUGH. I swore that day I would not do this anymore unless it was for gardening or painting the house. I was looking at a closet full of lovely things I had made and why the hell wasn't I wearing these things? Since I get "dressed" every day I have noticed it just feels good and right, can't explain it. It makes me want to sew more pants and tops that are wearable, casual and nice.I have found getting out of my covid wear to be very conducive to my sewjo and highly recommend to anyone. I go full out with earrings and makeup too. I know these are tough times. We all have to find our ways to get through and I hope the other side comes soon. This has helped me. Keep on keepin' on, Carolyn and I am so glad your are sewing again. There is a time for every season and you will model again when you are ready. I am glad you are sharing your garments with us.Thank you for that.
ReplyDeleteBunny - I found the same thing. When I got up and picked out a dress, maybe added a necklace, that I felt better too. I don't feel like wearing a dress every day but I stopped wearing the lazy around the house dresses, I was previously wearing. It has definitely helped my mood and given me a direction for my sewing for this season. I've also realized that I don't have to produce something new EVERY week and it's more about enjoying the process.
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