Talk about instant gratification! These shirts are so easy to make and only take an hour and one yard of fabric. I’ve been scouring my fabric to find knits to use for them. One thing I have found out with making and wearing this shirt is…
Knits with lycra = good
Knits without lycra = bad
When there is no lycra, they just don’t have the rebound and staying power. This results in gap-age in the boob-age area. I spent the entire day checking and adjusting myself when I wore the pink outfit. I think I need some double-sided tape or something the next time I wear it.
Pink cross-front shirt
Here I am wearing the outfit that was created around the shoes. I bought them a few weeks ago, and they are by Steve Madden and not the most comfortable. Like pretty much all the Steve Madden shoes I’ve bought. They are not designed for comfort, but for cuteness and I won’t plan on wearing them on any long walks.
As an aside on the shoe shopping, I took my kids to get new shoes and had absolutely no intention of getting new shoes for me…really. I failed miserably. The kids did get two pairs of shoes each, though, so I’m no grinch. 😉
I originally intended to use this knit for Anya, but they matched the shoes. Clearly she didn’t need it as much as I. Luckily she has plenty of other pink fabric’s that have hearts and butterflies that I didn’t think were all that work appropriate.
Urn cross-front shirt
Next up was a shirt that did include a bit of Lycra. It kinda looks like urns…or maybe chandeliers. Whatever it is, I like it! I didn’t have enough to do the banding, so I made a quick stop to the fabric store the next day and found this great lightweight drapey grey knit fabric. I even managed to leave the fabric store having spent less than $10.
Apparently miracles do occur…it may be time to go buy a lottery ticket. 😉
It goes great with these new CAbi pants I bought a month ago (which made me very happy to buy a size smaller than last time!). Check out the ruffle on the back of the shirt. I will need to wear my hair up with this shirt to get the full effect of it. 
Next we have a brown one. I have used this brown fabric for two other shirts. No lycra in this one, either, so I may have to wear a camisole underneath or something. The skirt I am wearing in this shot was one I made a few summers ago.
I have ordered some organic cotton knits from spoonflower to make a few more shirts for me. Not sure they will be this style, but I’m more confident in my knit shirt making skillz now, so I bought the expensive fabric. I would only pay that much a yard for fabric if it was my own design, though. I do like the nice soft fabric. I bought these designs, so shirts will be forthcoming when I get it in the mail. Notice they match my new shoes. 😉
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Just so you don’t think I’ve ignored the children this week…I did work on one thing for Anya. She gave me the puppy eyes when I picked her up from daycare one day, and told me her beloved taggie pillow had a tear in it. She’s had it since she was probably 6 months old, as it was one of the first taggie things I made her. It had seen better days. It had a rip in the fabric on one side and the majority of the taggies had been ripped out or were in the process.
Exhibit A:
I made a new cover for her with a wonderfully soft flannel and super soft minky. I had it back on her bed, ready to take it with her the next day to daycare. She uses it for naps there. Of course she forgot it in our mad dash out the door in the morning, but Daddy was able to stop on his way to work and deliver it amongst many hugs.
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Here are some etsy shops that I find inspiring in my search for cool stuff to make: Gina Michelle, Econica
Of course, the one place online that has great stuff is Anthropologie. I love looking at their clothes and designs, but wouldn’t really pay those prices. Great for inspiration, though!
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Hope everyone else had a Crafty week!
Fantastic new tops, the pink one is beautiful with those great new shoes. I really like the ruffle on the back, very classy. For those no-lycra, bad knits, sometimes you can use clear elastic. Stitch it onto the wrong side of the edge of the fabric, measure it a smaller than the opening. Then stitch your hem like usual. The smaller elastic pulls in the armhole and neckline to the body.
Great job sewing.
Love, love, love the red urn top with the adorable ruffle on the back. So HOT! And those pink shoes are mighty purdy too. Do you shop locally for any knits? I need to start figuring them out myself as Patty Young’s fabric is being made into knits. Yippee!!!
I’m glad someone else agrees about Steve Madden. I always say that I’ve never met a Steve Madden that I liked. Cute cute but horribly uncomfortable. I was gonna ask about your pink shoes because my eyes went right to them. Darn, really? Steve Madden?
Anyway- Love the ruffle detail on the back of the red shirt. TOTALLY makes it. It’s nice that Anya will even take a replacement cover for her pillow. My girls would have wanted the old, torn one just patched up. And not craft related but your eyes in the brown outfit are just piercing through my monitor. SO gorgeous.
Surprise- I actually sewed, too! Of course, not at the level you did, but I’ll ease into it.
I am lovin’ those tops. They are so versatile. I am itching to make some stuff for myself, but trying to find the time. Those links are definitely inspirational. I go to the Anthropologie site from time to time and always think I can make that, but of course I never get around to it. Can’t wait to see the tops with your spoonflower material.
Those shoes! LOVE. Sorry they aren’t comfortable, but they look smokin, as does the rest of your outfit. Love the tops and that was indeed a brilliant manouever with the gray fabric ruffle.
Long time reader…and I don’t think I have ever commented…sorry it’s taken so long. Also from MN, like reading about your adventures and had to say that this shirt is great looking! I LOVE the ‘urn’ fabric with the gray ruffle, it looks so cute!
KC
Oh…that pink one – the whole outfit is awesome, Stacy! I want one of those for my “work outfit.” Ha…some days I miss getting all dressed up – especially days I see your rockin’ outfits!
Because we’re old friends, I think I can ask you to do this ha ha! Can you pull down the top of the shirt and expose your boob? Because if so, I’m TOTALLY making a bunch of these for myself – I need some nursing-friendly summer shirts! I absolutely ADORE that outfit with the brown pants and the shirt with the ruffle – LOVE LOVE LOVE and want it for me!
An hour! I can’t believe an hour and 1 yard of fabric, that’s just awesome. Wish I could fine an hour to do anything myself. 😉 You look great in all your new shirts.
I love your shirts!! I wish I had a never ending supply of time, because if I did, I would totally spend more time (or any time at all really) sewing! I think I want to be just like you when I grow up… 🙂
[…] printed up as samples and they look good. I did get a yard each of the designs I mentioned in this post. The organic cotton knit is a bit thicker than I thought it would be, so I have yet to figure […]