Love that tomato red wine daisy. I am the same way with getting excited about sewing a pattern and being all - I am making another one and then get lost in making the new shiny things.
Thanks, Christine! My colors aren't particularly springy colors, so it can be hard to find things that feel like me and like spring. I think I've got the balance. And isn't that always the way with crafting? Always too many ideas, not enough time!
Fun plans! For the shirred bodice, I think your ideas are good. I think the darts might work better, especially if you add length to the bottom (the amount that you take in for the dart). As you were talking about this, I had another idea. It would be to add length to the bottom of the front bodice, the same way you plan to add it at the top (with a curve). I've never made a shirred bodice like this, but my inclination is to add the curve to the bottom, the same way an A-line or circle skirt is curved at the bottom to look straight when it's on a body. Anyway, I look forward to seeing the results of your experiment! ❤
Someone else suggested the same about adding the extra curve at the bottom. I feel like figuring out the shirring rows under the bust is a bit more complicated, and now I'm rethinking everything! Haha! Glad to have asked for suggestions though because I've got lots of ideas to experiment with now.
And just like that, my spring sewing plans have changed. I was going to sew a Gardenia Blouse from Sewing Workshop, but I think maybe I need to do the La Brea tee instead! My sewing plans typically revolve around 'will it layer?' because we can have days like today that start in the 20's and end near 60 (although that is unseasonably warm for us).
The Teresa fabric is a winner. Love the match set for the pink slub. Definitely going to get lots of wear out of both pieces. Your tentative plan for your velvet silk is fabulous. I think all these plans are super. Your wardrobe building os going really well. I look forward to seeing all your spring makes as you complete them.
Thanks, Nancy! I'm going with some TNT's that shouldn't let me down. Could be my famous last words. I'm hopeful that these will all be really wearable pieces!
Hi Theresa, I’ve made the tempo dress by Love Notions and its bodice is fully shirred with a full bust option. It might be worthwhile to have a look if you’re not happy with the shirred bodices you’re planning to make. Love your videos, I find them very inspiring 😊.
Hi, Teresa. I enjoy your videos, your confidence and love of the craft. You asked for input on the shirring fit issues. Experienced sewist here, very long time, lots of fit exp. I would do niether of those two suggestions although my suggestion is to try them all out in a muslin, one you won't wear, just a mock bodice. Adding shirring rows to the top of the neckline will not solve the problem. Because of the fit issue, the bodice want to naturally ride up, which it is doing and will continue to do so. If this were a tailored plain shirt you would solve this by adding an "S" dart to the the front under the bust. Then the garment would hang where it is supposed to. But this is not a traditional bodice, it is shirred. (And thank you so much for not calling it smocking, which it is not.) I wouuld do two things, basically the same thing in two different areas, definitely no darts. I would do a "cheater FBA" instead of darts. This will have you draw out a curve, aka, elipse, on each side of the bust at the side seam, At the fullest part of the curve, try for a hefty half inch additional and make it taper to nothing as you moves away from the bust area. IOW, you are adding a C shape to each side of the bust in the side seam but only in the bust area. This will provide additional fullness. Next, we want to add a mock "S" curve dart under the bust. For this you will do exactly what you wanted to do at the neckline but under the bust. Have the lowest line of shirring end where originally intended in the side seam but lower it a good half to 3/4 inch down at CF, below the bust, tapering back to it's original placement at the side seams. GRadulally line up your other rows below the apex to look nice like you were thinking of doing with the neckline, just opposite area . Just work from the underbust to the apex line across. From the apex line across and up make no changes. This will have the hem hanging where it should. Moving lines up toward the neck won't. Let me know which system you finally decide on. You are such a motivated sewist I know you will get this to work out. BEst of luck.
This makes so much sense! It's actually more like the adjustment I'd typically make on a knit top without a dart. It's certainly complicated by the shape of the shirring rows under the bust. I'd have to think about those. Thank you so much for your detailed response. I looked forward to some planning and playing. If only shirring didn't take so long (and use so much shirring elastic!).
I'm painting right now but I did pull out some corduroy fabric to make another pair of overalls (my completely altered version of the Yanta by Helen's Closet). I don't know if I will make them any time soon because the call of the paint is strong. 😄🎨
Hi Theresa. What a neat experiment with bust darts and shirring! I used to love shirred bodice dresses when I was younger. These days the elastic is horrible on my skin. I've been thinking that it might be possible to use a cotton/spanex jersey to make a smaller bodice (probably just smaller in the horizontal direction) and just stitch the woven cotton fabric to it to make an ersatz shirring -- maybe pin the side seams together and then just stretch the jersey to fit and stitch with a small zigzag in parallel rows. That's been in the back of my mind to try since I saw your shirred jumpsuit and video. But other projects always cut in line to get made first. Currently I'm working on a memory quilt of my mom. I took a Free Motion Quilting class and have been practicing technique with little sample panels. I'm about ready to jump into the actual quilt. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to do it with my neck issues, and the 3-hour class did flare me up for a week. But with my home set-up I think I'll be able to do lots of mini sewing sessions and it will work fine. I'm so excited about that. Wishing you very happy sewing while you create your Spring outfits (and yay that you will finally get another beloved Peppermint Pocket skirt), Antonia
Antonia, I actually have done this. I was skeptical but recently did this on a sweater knit.Underneath I used a pieced of lightweight ponte knit. I pulled it tightly as I stitched the rows and used an open, kind of narrow zigzag stitch. Worked great. I'd give it a try.
You could also try stitching parallel rows of straight stitching through both layers (you could use woven for both if that's comfortable enough) and then thread regular elastic through every (or every other/ every second) row. You get the benefit of the elastic gathering the fabric, but it's more flexible, since you can adjust how tightly you pull the elastic, and you don't have the shirring elastic against your skin.
How awesome is this community?? I love that some sewing friends were able to get back to you with some feedback before I could. It's especially helpful when you can hear from direct experience. Good luck seeing how it works for you!
Re: extra length for the bust in the shirred bodice... With very fitted knit tops, you can add in extra length to travel over the bust, which you ease into the shorter back piece. It's effectively converting a bust dart to gathers at the side seam, but because it's jersey, it doesn't really show that much (depending on how much extra length you need to ease in). I think you could do the same with shirred fabric pieces, i.e., just gather/ease the excess fabric in, rather than sewing them as darts. Does that make sense? Alternatively, you could potentially use a regular, unshirrred front bodice that fits your bust nicely, then only shirr the back bodice. Theoretically, as long as you can make the back piece wide enough that combined with the front the circumference is wide enough to pull over your hips, but can shirr up enough to be fitted, it should work. Maybe faux shirring with elastic in channels would be better for that though. 🤔
I'm really liking your idea of gathering the extra bust fabric in at the side seam. It reminds me of some maternity wear over the bump. You've got my brain going there... Might have to be one of the experiments!
Yay! another peppermint pocket skirt for you! Not my style (retired now, reclaiming my tomboy era!) but I love it on you and the joy it brings you. Perfect fabric too!
I love what you did with the pocket placement. I'm going to have to find that video, did you talk more in depth about the process? also really like the fabric/top that you are wearing.
Thank you! We probably all have our own preference for the pockets, but I like how mine turned out. I talked about it here: ua-cam.com/video/WmDYkg5xOWc/v-deo.htmlsi=L2wI_T3wsbUnpcPP Hopefully it is clear, but let me know if you have any other questions!
Absolutely. I've made it more cropped with significantly less than a yard. It's a great one for small pieces of fabric because there's just a front and back piece (plus bias binding, but you can use contrast or fold it inside and use different binding in a pinch)!
Hi! I thought you were reading my mind but then you went a different way lol. Do you think I could add a shirred waistband to the pamona pants? I’m thinking it’ll be nice maternity/postpartum pants.
Haha, nearly! Yes, you could totally add shirring at the top of the pamona pants. Just extend the rise up to below your bust. I'd recommend adding an elastic channel for 1/2" or so elastic at the top so it doesn't ride down. Then just add as many rows of shirring as you want, starting at the top. You can even try it on as you go. It would be really easy!
Love that tomato red wine daisy. I am the same way with getting excited about sewing a pattern and being all - I am making another one and then get lost in making the new shiny things.
Thanks, Christine! My colors aren't particularly springy colors, so it can be hard to find things that feel like me and like spring. I think I've got the balance. And isn't that always the way with crafting? Always too many ideas, not enough time!
Fun plans! For the shirred bodice, I think your ideas are good. I think the darts might work better, especially if you add length to the bottom (the amount that you take in for the dart). As you were talking about this, I had another idea. It would be to add length to the bottom of the front bodice, the same way you plan to add it at the top (with a curve). I've never made a shirred bodice like this, but my inclination is to add the curve to the bottom, the same way an A-line or circle skirt is curved at the bottom to look straight when it's on a body. Anyway, I look forward to seeing the results of your experiment! ❤
Someone else suggested the same about adding the extra curve at the bottom. I feel like figuring out the shirring rows under the bust is a bit more complicated, and now I'm rethinking everything! Haha! Glad to have asked for suggestions though because I've got lots of ideas to experiment with now.
Hi Theresa, I always enjoy watching your videos. I learn so much.
How sweet! Thank you, Zelda!
And just like that, my spring sewing plans have changed. I was going to sew a Gardenia Blouse from Sewing Workshop, but I think maybe I need to do the La Brea tee instead! My sewing plans typically revolve around 'will it layer?' because we can have days like today that start in the 20's and end near 60 (although that is unseasonably warm for us).
I love the versatility of the La Brea Tee. I hope it works out well for you!
The Teresa fabric is a winner. Love the match set for the pink slub. Definitely going to get lots of wear out of both pieces. Your tentative plan for your velvet silk is fabulous. I think all these plans are super. Your wardrobe building os going really well. I look forward to seeing all your spring makes as you complete them.
Thanks, Nancy! I'm going with some TNT's that shouldn't let me down. Could be my famous last words. I'm hopeful that these will all be really wearable pieces!
I'm very curious about your shirring experiment. Looking forward to your report!
I'm looking forward to it, too!
Some very good ideas 💡!!!
Thanks! Should be fun to try!
Great plans, Theresa! That Joni dress will be awesome! Can't wait to see the end result 😊
Thank you! I'm curious to see how it comes together!
Hi Theresa, I’ve made the tempo dress by Love Notions and its bodice is fully shirred with a full bust option. It might be worthwhile to have a look if you’re not happy with the shirred bodices you’re planning to make. Love your videos, I find them very inspiring 😊.
Oh cool! I'd be curious to see how they alter the pieces to make it work!
Thank you!
You're so welcome!
Beautiful plans and fabric! That pink linen viscose is dreamy. Looking forward to seeing how the jumpsuit turns out too.
Thanks! I was so in love as soon as I saw that fabric. It was meant for me!!
Hi, Teresa. I enjoy your videos, your confidence and love of the craft. You asked for input on the shirring fit issues. Experienced sewist here, very long time, lots of fit exp. I would do niether of those two suggestions although my suggestion is to try them all out in a muslin, one you won't wear, just a mock bodice. Adding shirring rows to the top of the neckline will not solve the problem. Because of the fit issue, the bodice want to naturally ride up, which it is doing and will continue to do so. If this were a tailored plain shirt you would solve this by adding an "S" dart to the the front under the bust. Then the garment would hang where it is supposed to. But this is not a traditional bodice, it is shirred. (And thank you so much for not calling it smocking, which it is not.) I wouuld do two things, basically the same thing in two different areas, definitely no darts. I would do a "cheater FBA" instead of darts. This will have you draw out a curve, aka, elipse, on each side of the bust at the side seam, At the fullest part of the curve, try for a hefty half inch additional and make it taper to nothing as you moves away from the bust area. IOW, you are adding a C shape to each side of the bust in the side seam but only in the bust area. This will provide additional fullness. Next, we want to add a mock "S" curve dart under the bust. For this you will do exactly what you wanted to do at the neckline but under the bust. Have the lowest line of shirring end where originally intended in the side seam but lower it a good half to 3/4 inch down at CF, below the bust, tapering back to it's original placement at the side seams. GRadulally line up your other rows below the apex to look nice like you were thinking of doing with the neckline, just opposite area . Just work from the underbust to the apex line across. From the apex line across and up make no changes. This will have the hem hanging where it should. Moving lines up toward the neck won't. Let me know which system you finally decide on. You are such a motivated sewist I know you will get this to work out. BEst of luck.
Schwew! That's a lot! But thank you for explaining it all - I learned somethin.
This makes so much sense! It's actually more like the adjustment I'd typically make on a knit top without a dart. It's certainly complicated by the shape of the shirring rows under the bust. I'd have to think about those.
Thank you so much for your detailed response. I looked forward to some planning and playing. If only shirring didn't take so long (and use so much shirring elastic!).
I'm painting right now but I did pull out some corduroy fabric to make another pair of overalls (my completely altered version of the Yanta by Helen's Closet). I don't know if I will make them any time soon because the call of the paint is strong. 😄🎨
We all need to listen to the muse! Enjoy what you're enjoying. Your yantas will be waiting when you are ready.
Hi Theresa. What a neat experiment with bust darts and shirring! I used to love shirred bodice dresses when I was younger. These days the elastic is horrible on my skin. I've been thinking that it might be possible to use a cotton/spanex jersey to make a smaller bodice (probably just smaller in the horizontal direction) and just stitch the woven cotton fabric to it to make an ersatz shirring -- maybe pin the side seams together and then just stretch the jersey to fit and stitch with a small zigzag in parallel rows. That's been in the back of my mind to try since I saw your shirred jumpsuit and video. But other projects always cut in line to get made first. Currently I'm working on a memory quilt of my mom. I took a Free Motion Quilting class and have been practicing technique with little sample panels. I'm about ready to jump into the actual quilt. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to do it with my neck issues, and the 3-hour class did flare me up for a week. But with my home set-up I think I'll be able to do lots of mini sewing sessions and it will work fine. I'm so excited about that. Wishing you very happy sewing while you create your Spring outfits (and yay that you will finally get another beloved Peppermint Pocket skirt), Antonia
Antonia, I actually have done this. I was skeptical but recently did this on a sweater knit.Underneath I used a pieced of lightweight ponte knit. I pulled it tightly as I stitched the rows and used an open, kind of narrow zigzag stitch. Worked great. I'd give it a try.
Hi Bunny. Wow, thanks! How did it look once the sweater knit was kind of gathered in? And how comfy is it to wear? @@bunnypep55
You could also try stitching parallel rows of straight stitching through both layers (you could use woven for both if that's comfortable enough) and then thread regular elastic through every (or every other/ every second) row. You get the benefit of the elastic gathering the fabric, but it's more flexible, since you can adjust how tightly you pull the elastic, and you don't have the shirring elastic against your skin.
How awesome is this community?? I love that some sewing friends were able to get back to you with some feedback before I could. It's especially helpful when you can hear from direct experience. Good luck seeing how it works for you!
Re: extra length for the bust in the shirred bodice...
With very fitted knit tops, you can add in extra length to travel over the bust, which you ease into the shorter back piece. It's effectively converting a bust dart to gathers at the side seam, but because it's jersey, it doesn't really show that much (depending on how much extra length you need to ease in). I think you could do the same with shirred fabric pieces, i.e., just gather/ease the excess fabric in, rather than sewing them as darts. Does that make sense?
Alternatively, you could potentially use a regular, unshirrred front bodice that fits your bust nicely, then only shirr the back bodice. Theoretically, as long as you can make the back piece wide enough that combined with the front the circumference is wide enough to pull over your hips, but can shirr up enough to be fitted, it should work. Maybe faux shirring with elastic in channels would be better for that though. 🤔
I'm really liking your idea of gathering the extra bust fabric in at the side seam. It reminds me of some maternity wear over the bump. You've got my brain going there... Might have to be one of the experiments!
Interesting, I hadn't given that much thought to that when shirring so I am looking forward to seeing how you get on. Love those fabrics 🤩
Thanks! It should be an interesting experiment!
Hi Theresa, I thoroughly enjoy your channel. Your plans look amazing and I look forward to seeing your progress. 🌸
Thank you so much! Wishing you a happy spring!
Yay! another peppermint pocket skirt for you!
Not my style (retired now, reclaiming my tomboy era!) but I love it on you and the joy it brings you. Perfect fabric too!
Love that top - especially the ease and the cup sizes. I agree - matching separates are so versatile.
Thanks! I'm looking forward to the faux dress. It will be my first!
Great plans! Big love for the La Brea! What a fab pattern!
Thanks, Rachael! Glad to have turned someone else on to that pattern. It's a winner for me!
Such beautiful fabrics! Can’t wait to see the results!😊💕
Thanks! Happy spring!🌷
I love what you did with the pocket placement. I'm going to have to find that video, did you talk more in depth about the process? also really like the fabric/top that you are wearing.
Thank you! We probably all have our own preference for the pockets, but I like how mine turned out. I talked about it here: ua-cam.com/video/WmDYkg5xOWc/v-deo.htmlsi=L2wI_T3wsbUnpcPP
Hopefully it is clear, but let me know if you have any other questions!
I love these fabrics - especially the Teresa daisies! Not my color palette but so lovely.
Thanks! I struggle with a springtime color palette, so this was a good compromise for me.
Can the tee be made with 1 yard of knit fabric? Love your plans. Looking forward to seeing your makes.
Absolutely. I've made it more cropped with significantly less than a yard. It's a great one for small pieces of fabric because there's just a front and back piece (plus bias binding, but you can use contrast or fold it inside and use different binding in a pinch)!
Good hacks on the pocket skirt.
Thanks! I love how mine came together. I'm excited to have another in my wardrobe!
Hi! I thought you were reading my mind but then you went a different way lol. Do you think I could add a shirred waistband to the pamona pants? I’m thinking it’ll be nice maternity/postpartum pants.
Haha, nearly! Yes, you could totally add shirring at the top of the pamona pants. Just extend the rise up to below your bust. I'd recommend adding an elastic channel for 1/2" or so elastic at the top so it doesn't ride down. Then just add as many rows of shirring as you want, starting at the top. You can even try it on as you go. It would be really easy!
Hi Theresa
Hello! ❤️