Feb 9, 2010

No sheet, I finished the shirt!

From Simplicity 8255

Done!

I like this sheet shirt.  It gives me hope I will soon see daffodils, albeit probably not pink and purple ones.  Right now I'd settle for plastic ones.

I ended up using interfacing only on the collar -- sew-in interfacing as the fusible I had didn't take well.  It's a summer shirt; I want it soft. 

From Simplicity 8255
Somebody needs a shave, among other things....

From Simplicity 8255

I think the princess seams -- referred to on the pattern envelope as "side front sections" (ha) look great.  The shirt would be fitted even without them, but they definitely create a flattering line that's not at all "bosomy" -- which is what I feared.  If I'd done the front in contrasting fabrics, the seams would stand out more.  There are also two long vertical darts in the back, making the shirt even more fitted.

From Simplicity 8255

I shortened the length about two inches, which I think looks more modern.  I'll likely wear the shirt outside my pants, as opposed to tucking it in.

For the collar (and collar stand) I used pieces from an old Butterick pattern.  Simplicity 8255 comes with one of those one-piece collars (referred to as a "shirt-type" collar -- as opposed to the other kind?) that remind me of bowling shirts.  Not that there's anything wrong with bowling shirts!

If I made this again I might use contrasting topstitching thread.  This time I just used white.

So what's next after a sheet shirt?  Blanket pants, perhaps?''

For those who demand more, you can read my full pattern review here.   (It loops back to the blog so you won't get lost.)

29 comments:

  1. I love it and the fabric is fantastic for this project! I'm also working on a princess seam at the moment and doing in a contrasting topstitch thread. It's working out quite well and I love the effect. I'm sure you will too! I'm also into using sew in interfacing too. I've had it up to you know where with the fusible stuff. I think it has its place but its falling out of favor with me lately. Can't wait to see some "blanket pants." Those would be fabulous.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Just found your blog, and I LOVE what you do! Going to pass this along to a friend of mine who sews...and is also of the male persuasion! Keep up the great work! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Beautiful shirt in a wonderful fabric - perfect for spring! I love it.

    ReplyDelete
  4. It would never occur to me to do princess seams on a mens shirt. They look rather sporty. Nice job on the shirt.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Your shirt looks great. The wonderful fabric lurking in some of those vintage sheets is amazing and can be had for free or little cost. I have been collecting some white vintage flat sheets 100% cotton that I hope to dye and sew into pjs/gowns as our climate is really hot and humid in summer time. I have made a couple of everyday tops from some printed vintage sheets and they worked out really well so I now collect those as well at thrifts and estate sales. Now that people know I recycle them several have given me vintage sheet sets that they had taking up closet space. The sheet thing is really lots of fun. Getting pjs or an everyday shirt or a caftan for a $1 or so is too good to pass by. I also love not messing up my more expensive fabric if it is a wearable muslin and doing some recycling. Keep the sheet garments coming- you are very inspiring! mssewcrazy

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks, all! I learned to sew shirts sewing from vintage sheets. In fact, I didn't buy fabric for a shirt till I was up to maybe my sixth or seventh shirt.

    At a certain point I grew tired of the lack of crispness of cotton/polyester and the sponginess (for lack of a better word). But you sure can't beat the patterns on these old sheets!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Dude. Are you wearing white pants?

    ReplyDelete
  8. You look like springtime!! I love it - despite beangirl's disparaging of the white pants. Princess seams on a men's shirt - novel and look fabulous. As always, nice work!

    ReplyDelete
  9. *eg* You could always starch said shirts... Okay, okay, 100% cotton would be crisper. Kona cotton would hold the crispness very, very, well, but for a 100% cotton, it's murder to sew. Seriously, though, nice job on the shirt. My brothers would love it for Hawaiian Shirt Wednesdays....

    ReplyDelete
  10. Very nice - I love the colors on you. Now all we need is spring weather

    ReplyDelete
  11. Argh! I want this pattern! I wanted it when I saw the princess seams in the front, but that was before I knew that it actually had darts in the back too. Note to all commercial pattern producers who read this blog: make more men's shirt patterns WITH DARTS! I am sick of adding them in myself to your baggy ass 1994 shirts!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I agree with the Selfish Seamstress. Pattern makers need to make patterns for men who want to show their shape, not hide beerguts. I love the colours in this shirt, it's bright and cheerful and a lot of fun. I made a lavender safari suit for my bloke a few years ago and I think it would go well with this shirt. I like it with the white pants.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Very nice. I think your imagination is great with these shirts. For the jumpsuit pattern, check it out: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40377091

    ReplyDelete
  14. I think I have that sheet!! lol! I've made quilts from sheets, but duh, haven't thought to use the fabric for shirts. What a great idea! I love the bold patterns and I'll bet it's super comfortable!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I think the facial hair adds an edge to this shirt! lovely seams. your blog is making me feel like I could perhaps one day sew for my boyfriend. But let's not hold our breath...

    ReplyDelete
  16. Wow, princess seams. I think it's the first time I've ever seen them on a men's shirt. The result is great, as is the use of fabric (reminds me of the sheets we used to have when I was little - I'm not American but we had access to a US army PX store in Germany when my parents lived there). Makes me all nostalgic...

    ReplyDelete
  17. Yes, those princess seams definitely make this shirt special.

    Myra, thanks for the lead: I bought it!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Side front sections is to princess seams as a Roy Rogers is to a Shirley Temple. Another great shirt!

    I hope you use that snaky vinyl for your new jumpsuit pattern.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I saw that you did, thanks! I hope it works!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Great blog Peter, will follow closely now.
    You like party invitations? Well here you go my friend: Pleeeease come to my place for a poolside BBQ in that gorgeous shirt!!
    It's as hot as Hades here and that shirt will brighten up and fit it perfectly.
    Could be a bit $$$$ to get here though, I'm in Brisbane, Australia.
    I live in hope...........

    ReplyDelete
  21. Great shirt, although I prefer the print of the first sheet shirt you made better. Beautiful work!

    ReplyDelete
  22. This made me think about princess seams on a man's shirt, which I actually don't think I've seen before! They make for a great fit on female garments, so I guess I shouldn't be so surprised that they worked so well on your shirt.

    I love the fabric you used. It'll be so great for summer!

    P.S. - thanks for your helpful comments re: my jacket. I will keep you posted!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Awesome shirt. You're an inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Peter, I love your shirt. Your style is clearly a reflection on your personality- mucho fun.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Love the fitted shape - what a great shirt for the spring!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I adore your groovy shirt. I'd love to see the look on the face of the person who tossed the sheet when they meet up with you in the hall wearing it made into a shirt!

    ReplyDelete
  27. I know -- that's inevitable, right? Unless they died, of course. Hence the sheet toss.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Oh I love the princess seams on the shirt...!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Very much belatedly, I HEART this pattern. My hubby has a sickening V-shape to him this would set off so nicely. /cry.

    I wonder how hard it would be to draft princess darts out of a regular men's shirt pattern?

    I wonder what the odds of him actually consenting to wear a fitted shirt (regardless of how AWESOME he would look in it) would be?

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.