Henry Shirt from "Sewing For Boys"

I have been really excited to sew from the book "Sewing for Boys". I previously used one of the patterns to make D's Christmas pj pants. I really like how the book's patterns include so many sizes. It feels like I can make his clothes until he goes to college! (Just kidding, little guy)

I found some awesome dinosaur fabric at fabric.com, and finally got to try the Henry shirt. I love this shirt's style in the contrasting fabrics and the large pockets on the side. Here is my finished product:

The sleeves and yoke of the shirt were all one piece. I had to really wrap my head around some of the instructions, and I found I could not sew from the middle of the back around the sleeves and to the collar all at once as instructed. I had to sew from the middle back out from the bottom of the sleeve in one go, then finish the rest of the sleeve to the collar in another.

I really like how so much of the pattern has the seams encased. I am so whiney about finishing seams. I do it, but I don't like it :P

I really didn't like the collar. Oddly, the fact that the under collar was smaller wasn't a problem for me. It stretched just like the authors said it would :) The collar and stand are all one piece, and it really flattens out. I think it is easier to make a collar stand up properly when there are two pieces. That said, it isn't so bad. Here is the collar close up:

Here is the shirt on my guy:

As you can see, it is a bit big on my lean fellow. This is as the authors intended and will work well here in Seattle. It can be brisk in the morning and warm in the afternoon in the summer, and in the autumn just cool enough to need layers. 

When I make this shirt again, I will probably use buttons and maybe add a button to each of the side pockets for fun. I might lengthen the shirt too. I wonder if cutting through the collar's interfacing will help make a collar that stands up better. 

I *was* making good muslin progress!

I swear it, it is true. I have put together the outer front and back pieces for the M5759 muslin and was getting ready to put the two together when these three beauties fell into my lap:

A tap class buddy had three sergers unloved in her basement and brought them over for me!! I was so excited I couldn't stand it! So, the three thread Baby Lock is the only one with a power cord. We managed to get it to start, and it looks like with some adjustments, it will be a good little machine. I have no idea about the other two. I saw cords for sale on Sewing Parts Online, and as soon as they arrive, we can test. I am partial to the Elna Lock, for some reason. I'll probably test out all three and see which I like best. Then, find homes for the other two. I don't think it will be hard at all. A few friends have already expressed interest!

I have never used a serger before, and I am so excited to learn. I tend to stay away from knits because I do not do well with them on my regular machine.

Jacket Muslin - the unsticking

I hope, anyway.

As I have most of my pieces of muslin fabric, lining, and interfacing now cut, I hope to begin actual sewing soon.

Our little muffin man had his first earache at the ripe old age of 30 months. I sincerely hope it is the last! It was brutal for him and us :( Big muffin man was also under the weather part of the time, so as last one standing, I did all the things.

M5759 - muslin

Finally getting to sewing the muslin for this jacket, and I am super excited:

I have plans to go through all the steps in creating the muslin, including the lining and interfacing. I contemplated not adding the interfacing to the muslin, because I am cheap and lazy. I need the practice, and I do want to see how the piece will hang. Needing the experience won out.

I have cut the outer muslin pieces, the interfacing, and the lining. I am using a bedsheet from Goodwill for the lining. I think that is a fabulous way to save money on muslins!! I found a white king sheet for $4 last time, and I was thrilled.

After this muslin, I will tackle the jacket with the black and white houndstooth with the red lining.

I find I am not very adventurous sartorially at. all. Seriously, I wear a pattern, and I am getting crazy. I tend to stick with classic color combinations, and so I am trying out interesting shapes, like in this jacket.