Fabric Sewn Into Fashion is a feature in my weekly newsletter that’s meant to inspire our creativity and showcase what’s possible with fabric and imagination. Kasey shares two knit shirts she made for her husband, inspired by fellow client Chris, who created the same pattern for her own spouse. I love seeing how ideas travel through our sewing community and spark new projects. Thanks for sharing, Kasey!
I was inspired over the summer by Chris’ Hubby shirts in Sew Much Fabric’s newsletter, using M8589; I thought, I have that pattern, so let’s try it out.
My first iteration was in Navy Cotton Spandex Knit, with Hubby’s Company logo on it (shh, I didn’t have permission to use it!) I digitized the logo myself, as well as embroidered the shirt.
This pattern was, well… I thought it was going to be a fun, interesting pattern, but my dyslexic self had a time with it, is all I will say. This is the pattern piece for the collar – to me, a confusing mess of lines; it took me three tries to trace off the correct one.
And then… I still assembled it wrong. I was able to save it, though with a patch that no one but you, me and the wall will know is there. I think I did an OK job hiding the hole, which is more obvious from the back. And Chris is definitely right, use a bit of something to stabilize the bottom area of the neckline (which I forgot to do, of course.)
The fabric is a nice weight and makes good, sturdy tees and polos. The cut edges do curl really badly, though, so you might want to get out the spray starch or at least press the edges well to keep the curlies under control.
Hubby likes his new shirt, especially that he can raise his arms and not show navel – he has an extra long back so it’s a lifelong problem. He did not, however, like how low the neckline was. And he was dubious of the no-button thing, though he was willing to try it once I showed him the style on the U.S. Ryder Cup polos.
Second iteration… Hubby was recently in a work-related golfing event, but his new cotton work shirt was not a good option: one, it’s navy so not a good color, two it’s cotton, so not the best for sweating in.
Instead I used a white bamboo/ spandex knit (sold out) also from Sew Much Fabric. I altered the neckline to the smallest size, and also made the pocket taller, as the original pattern size seemed a bit short.
While I did a better job with the neckline on the second try, it still got a bit stretched out (because I still forgot to stabilized the bottom of the neckline….)
The bamboo knit is a lovely feeling, drapey fabric that sewed easily. Just don’t forget the stay tape for that lower neckline area! I used the new mid-weight interfacing for both the navy and white versions. It has a lot of adhesive on it, so you’ll want to use a press cloth or applique non-stick sheets when using it. But it’s a good weight for knit collars.
Hubby says the shirt was comfy enough, not holding too much moisture (despite being 97 degrees that afternoon) and long enough to prevent accidental navel exposure while swinging his clubs.
While the neckline was higher, Hubby still isn’t keen on the no-button thing, so these may be his only two. But I think the style doesn’t look too bad on my dress form, so I may make one for myself in future (can we get more of that bamboo knit Roz?)
