Summer Shirts and Ice Scating

The maroon shirt on the right is one of my favorite old t-shirts and it's kind of ordinary. It actually becomes more ordinary seeing it here instead of in my closet. But it's very comfortable and I love wearing it. And that can make any ordinary shirt special. Since it's one of my favorites, I thought, why not clone it for the summer.

Here's my first attempt to make an identical shirt. All in all I'm pleased, except the trim at the neck buckles a bit, but it's not important. The maroon shirt is rayon and drapes differently, but other than that, they are very much alike.

The process is easy, so if you have a "favorite" shirt in your closet, why not give it a try. I made a paper pattern first. Take a sheet of paper and trace the back of the shirt. Make sure it's lying flat and trace it close to the seam.

Place a piece of newspaper inside the shirt and trace the neckline, followed by the outline of the front. Then piece the pattern together, cut it out and trace it onto a vintage T-Shirt.

I've used a shirt where the existing shoulder seams could be integrated, so there were two seams less to sew. (Try saying that three times fast!)

Once you're satisfied with the pattern, sew the shirt together. Add embellishments if desired. There are many ideas on the web and here's one from last year.

I'll be making a few of these in different colors.  Has anybody started making spring and summer clothes yet?

It's still deep winter here with no spring in sight, so today, I'll be going ice skating with my daughter instead.

Enjoy your weekend!