V-Neck Shirt and a Giveaway

I mentioned in my last post that I made the Play Date V-neck Tee from Peek-A-Boo Pattern Shop.  This is the first shirt I have ever made and almost my first project made out of knit.  I’m pretty excited with how it turned out and looking forward to working more with knit and trying out more of Amy’s patterns.  I think I will talk about the pattern first, then a little about the fabric and supplies needed, and finally a coupon code and giveaway!

The pattern…as I mentioned above, is the Play Date V-neck Tee from Peek-A-Boo Pattern Shop. I made a size 3T and it’s a tad big on Lillian, but most 3T’s are still a little big for her. Plus, I used a 1/4” seam allowance instead of the 1/2” that the pattern stated.  The pattern has a chart to reference so you can use your child’s measurements to help determine which size to make. I figured that since we were getting close to warmer weather (or at least I thought!) that the larger size would fit next year. Hopefully that is the case!

I actually altered the pattern a little because I wasn’t a huge fan of the ruffles at the bottom, so instead I went with a plain strip.  I debated about just doing a normal hem at the bottom of the polka dot fabric, but I like the pop of color that the pink strip adds.  I just used a similar size to the ruffle, but made it the same width as the main pieces of the shirt.

Amy did a nice job of explaining exactly what needed to be done for each step and there are pictures for us visual learners.  Seriously, how do people follow patterns without pictures?!?!  I’m not sure what else to say about it because I really had no issues with following the pattern at all.

Oops, I guess I forgot to mention that the pattern is a PDF download.  I only printed the pattern pieces and then viewed the instructions on my laptop.  That way I saved paper and ink.  The pattern pieces are color coded by size, so it was easy to tape them together to get the right size.

As far as actually making the shirt, I can’t say it was the easiest piece of clothing I have ever made, but it wasn’t that difficult either.  You seriously can’t get much easier than a basic skirt.  I would probably suggest making a shirt without a v-neck first, but if you are comfortable with trying, then why not make a v-neck tee?

My biggest fear when thinking about making shirts was adding sleeves.  But it really wasn’t all that hard!  With the sleeves, you actually attach them before sewing the side seams, so you are sewing two curved flat pieces of fabric together.

The hardest part of making this shirt was definitely the “V” in the neck and in general the whole neckline, but that is because I used jersey knit and it was a small piece to try to keep from curling.  Other than the curling it wasn’t difficult at all.

Now a little about the fabric…I purchased both from Hobby Lobby and they are also both a jersey knit. Jersey knit curls a LOT along the edges, so it is a little difficult to use. I just pinned really close to the edge so that the pins would stop the jersey knit from curling. I used my regular sewing machine with my over lock stitch and a ballpoint needle.

Jersey knit is really soft and comfortable and I have found that there are some really cute patterns out there. Most people use rib knit for the collars, but Hobby Lobby didn’t have any. The jersey knit worked fine in my opinion, but since rib knit doesn’t curl so much, I can see why it would be easier to use, especially for a collar.

I attempted to use a double needle over the seam on the collar, but it didn’t work out the best. It kept getting stuck and created a lump in the collar, but I did read online that lengthening the stitch length might have helped. I was, of course, already finished with the shirt, so I will have to try again next time.

How did you like all of Lillian’s poses?  What a silly girl she has become.  She liked this shirt so much that she asked to wear it two days in a row.  On the second day I asked why she liked it so much and she told me that she liked it because I made it.  What a sweetie pie!

Be sure to enter the giveaway below for a chance to win three patterns of your choice from Peek-A-Boo Pattern Shop.  The first entry is required and that is just to leave a comment answering the question.  The other options are not required, but will give you another entry.  It’s open to everyone and will be 3 PDF patterns delivered via email.  I will keep the giveaway open until March 27th.  Good luck!

If you aren’t feeling lucky, or just can’t wait to purchase a pattern, be sure to enter code “dripdrop” for 25% off of your entire purchase.  The discount ends on 3/23, so you don’t have much time!  Even if you don’t plan on purchasing anything at this time, I highly suggest checking out all of the adorable patterns that they carry.  There are boy and girl patterns, as well as clothes for summer through winter.  I plan on picking out a few more patterns, so plan on eventually seeing a few more pattern reviews.

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