This has got to be the longest I’ve ever taken to photograph and share something I’ve sewn. I made these t-shirts as soon as the weather got cold last fall, and they have been my daily uniform since.
I’ve worn them so much that it was hard to find a moment when they were all clean enough to photograph, and they are already showing signs of wear. I consider this a good thing. I would rather them fall to pieces from the love they get, than to have them get dusty hanging in my closet.
I used the same Jalie pattern that I’ve posted about before (as the mid-length sleeve tees and the maternity tanks). It’s so great to have a trusty pattern to fall back on. This time I lengthened the sleeve to full-length, and adjusted the shirt length again to long, but-not-maternity-long.
I was really disappointed that my maternity tank tops kept popping their bottom hem stitches. This convinced me to purchase a cover-stitch machine right before I sewed these t-shirts. (I’ll post an in depth review another time.) It was so lovely to sew these t-shirts up with just the right machines for the job.
I timed myself sewing a t-shirt with all these great tools, and I discovered I can sew a t-shirt from first cut to completion in 1 hour and 15 minutes. That’s faster than I could drive to a clothing store to buy one. I’m not saying this too brag though. (Well, maybe a little bragging). This can be just another reason for sewing your own basic wear. Sewing for yourself is usually more expensive and sometimes incredibly time-consuming, but in this case the fit, quality, and convenience more than made up for those costs.
Jalie T-Shirt Project Details
- Measurements: High Bust – 41 in; Bust – 43.5 in; Waist – 42; Hips – 52 in; Height – 5 ft 10 in
- Fabric: Robert Kaufman laguna jersey (solids); Art Gallery jersey knit from the “Bound” collection; floral print french terry from Wanderlust Fabrics
- Jalie 3245 – View A
- Size: Y graded to size DD in hips and biceps
- Added 10.5 inches to length of sleeve to make long sleeve
- Added 3 inches to shirt length at hem
What about you? What makes (or would make) sewing your own clothes “worth it”?
Yes, I love when I can make something faster than going out and buying it. This top is so cute, and looks like a perfect staple!
Lovely t-shirts! I’m not very fast when I sew, but definitely a well fitted me made t-shirt will win! I would love to own a overstitch machine, hopefully soon 🙂
There is something special about making your own everyday clothes. Love these tees. Better check out the pattern
These are great! I love that one with the coral/peach colored sleeves. For me it is so hard to find clothes that fit me right. So clothes that fit is what makes it “worth it” for me.
Isn’t it funny that for thousands of years, everyone sewed their own clothing and now we all have to justify it? As if we who do what millions of women have done for generations are the “weird” ones.
I like picking the style I want, and while I am still learning how to get the best fit, I am mostly pleased. I have nightgowns that are long enough! Clothing that is prewashed so it doesn’t shrink in the laundry the first time. I can make clothing out of wool, or linen, or silk or whatever I like, and the cost is still reasonable compared to retail. Or I can be super cheap and buy $3 a yard fabric at Wal-Mart or a destash group.
Honestly, I am not a great seamstress, and not even that fond of sewing, but I do like having sewn enough to keep on plugging away at it.
I try to aim for useful sewing, but I also figure in the cost of my entertainment into the numbers.
Even if I don’t get a ton of wear out of some makes, I figure I could have spent my time and money in way worse ways. That’s one, maybe the only, benefit to being a slow sewer!
I’ve been going through my t-shirts and have come to the realization that I really need some long-sleeved tee-shirts. I love how these look on you — the fit looks perfect. I think I might have to give this pattern a try!!
Jodi it’s so nice to see you in front of the camera again! (One day I will see your face in person too!) When I first started to look into sewing for myself, I scoffed at the idea of making a tshirt for myself. Especially since I have wholesale supply companies that I can buy them for so cheap from. And then I started sewing…and I basically hate storebought clothes. They’re never long enough, they’re either too baggy or too tight, yada yada yada. Self-care sewing is the bees knees.
Oh. And you look GORGEOUS.
I’m glad to finally be getting in front of the camera again, and with the weather turning nicer, I’m sure we will see each other soon.