You probably thought I was finished with this shirt.
But last night I realized there was something else missing: pocket flaps!
I didn't stitch across the top of the pockets when I made them and, as a result, they always looked a little bare, imo.
I made my flaps tan on the outside, purple on the inside.
I think they give the shirt a more finished look, don't you?
I also toyed with the possibility of epaulets -- also tan on the outside, purple on the inside.
But when I pinned them on, they made this tan shirt look too much like a Foreign Legion uniform. So I passed.
That's it, readers. All I ditched today was a worn out top sheet, but it's the thought that counts, right?
Have a great day, everybody!
Your mention of ditching reminds me of what a huge vote of thanks I owe you. On Saturday we took four big tubs of assorted household goods and three boxes of books to a lovely thrift shop that benefits hospice work. It was the only area charity I've found that will take virtually anything, and they were thrilled with the stuff. I'm thrilled with the space, and there's not a thing there I'll ever think of again.
ReplyDeleteWe already have three more boxes of books and one more tub of small stuff lined up, and off they'll go sometime this week. If we keep up this way, we may actually be able to walk from room to room and possibly even have places to sit!
(I kid, but not by much...)
Oh - and lovely, lovely shirt. Looks great on you, although those of us who are fuller of figure need to be careful about breast pockets - no need adding to what there's already too much of!
Congratulations -- I hope you kept the Busby Berkeley DVDs!
DeleteBusby Berkeley!
DeleteI'm so enamored of the 42nd Street finale number I had it on a 16mm short film that I could run at home in the dark ages before video tape and DVD.
Nice! It definitely has that "finished" look now. Every tweak you made was worth it.
ReplyDeleteMuch better! Looks finished and the accents help offset the color. I'm impressed. Nicely done.
ReplyDeleteEvery tweak brigs it closer to perfect, but careful you don't go too overboard! :-)
ReplyDeleteI desperately need a good ditch. I've got a couple of hundred books waiting for a sunny Sunday but every car boot sale is wet at the moment. :-(
Great job, Peter, your changes are just right, the pocket flaps are my favorite. I need to take a lesson from you, work on a garment until it is just right.
ReplyDeleteWe had our great ditch earlier in the summer. Winter comes early hear and so you have to move while it is warm and sunny. The winter is the time to seal yourself into the sewing room with lots of warm projects. Lucky me, I still have summer projects to do. Way behind.
ReplyDeleteLove the shirt.
You used design talents that are amazing! You got it perfect!! I am awed.
ReplyDeleteI'm all for the pocket flaps!
ReplyDeleteHugs
G
Looks grand! I imagine that putting on the new collar was anything but easy. I know I wouldn't have the patience. All your work was well worth it in the end.
ReplyDeletei love the idea that you took a 'meh' garment and kept at it until you produced an elegant item of apparel.
ReplyDeleteYour pocket topstitching is perfect! Do you use a stich-in-the-ditch presser foot to make it that exact or are you just that pro?
ReplyDeleteI eyeball the outer line of stitching and use the wide edge of my Singer straight stitch foot as my guide for the inner line (1/4" from the first line).
DeleteThe pocket flaps are a great improvement, Peter.
ReplyDeleteI am working on a project with epaulets too, for the very first time ever. They do definately have a certain connotation, don't they?
You ditched a sheet you could have used as a muslin? You are getting serious!
I love it Peter!! The pockets are fab. I like epaulets but can never wear them myself -- I'm retired Navy and it always reminds me of the white uniform shirt (which I kept)!
ReplyDeleteI like the new shirt version. The pockets look great. I know what you mean about epaulets. Do those ever work on non-uniforms?
ReplyDeleteThere are times a sewing project just doesn't feel right to me. I'll tinker with it and hopefully the puzzle becomes whole.
ReplyDeleteYour shirt looks finished and I particulary like the pocket flaps and buttons.
THANK YOU for not putting epaulets on this great shirt. I worked with a guy in the 70's who wore those safari type shirts, avec epaulets, every day. I wanted to say to him "Goin' on a lion hunt. I'm not afraid." Your workmanship is really impressive. Great job!
ReplyDeleteThose flaps absolutely complete the shirt! I wouldn't have even thought of it.
ReplyDeleteHow do you push your corners out so perfectly??
Carefully! I think the trick is to remove as much bulk as possible by trimming your seam allowances near your corners before you turn your fabric. And then shape the corner over your point presser rather than jabbing the presser into your corner.
Deleteahhh! Thanks Peter! I think I've finally been convinced to purchase a point presser (say that last part three times fast). :)
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