Hello my awesomesauce stitching fiends! Today I am posting the schedule, the Flickr Group, and the Introduction post for my Flannel Shirt Sew-A-Long! Last week, I posted the supply list. Due to some supply issues for those who got on board the sew-a-long a little later, I am going to be having two rounds of sew-a-long. As you can see above, the first starts on Sunday, November 17th and ends Wednesday, November 27th. The second round starts Sunday, December 1st and ends Wednesday, December 9th. Remember, whenever you get started, I will be available to help with much alacrity all through November and December. Never fear, you will get that shirt made! Here is the sew-along overview:
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And now, a few notes about making a high-end plaid, flannel menswear-styled shirt:
“I NEVER PROMISED YOU A ROSE GARDEN so PULL UP YOUR BIG-GIRL PANTIES”*
1. We are sewing a detailed shirt, out of a challenging fabric. This will be a detail-oriented process. This sew-a-long involves practicing skills, cutting almost every piece of twenty-five by hand one at a time, and time-consuming interfacing methods. For my Beginner stitchers, YES, you can do it. But you will need to proceed carefully. So if I say, “Practice sewing a 3/8″ seam allowance until you have it down”, I really, really mean it. Don’t be all slacking then get upset if you run into trouble later. You feel me? Intermediate stitchers, I’M LOOKING AT YOU TOO, because some of you got sloppy technique here and there.
2. I am not a trained professional, and have learned by trial and error. This is not the “right” way to sew a shirt (as if there aren’t MANY “right” ways!) but the best way I know how. In a couple days I will be posting to let you see just how wonderful the shirt is and why it’s a hundredfold better than retail. If you finish this sew-a-long, you’ll be proud of yourself with good reason!
3. This shirt is going to take a lot of time. DEAL WITH IT. Now here’s the thing: Sewing this shirt will benefit you in precision and sewing know-how for all future projects. You can always go back to shortcuts some other time.
4. This shirt is going to take a generous supply list. DEAL WITH IT. There are times to be frugal with yardage, but it is simply too frustrating to try to make something quality, without giving yourself a little leeway. Think of this sew-a-long as a treat, where you take your time and do it right. (By the way… my “right” is not going to match a lot of other people’s, and I got no beef with their methods and in fact would love for you to tell me about those methods in the comments!).
5. Even with all my great pictorial references, it’s hard to get something perfect. If your resultant shirt isn’t perfect please keep in mind that it is likely still going to be pretty impressive to anyone who sees it when it’s finished! Please consider participating in the Flickr pool and let other sewists encourage you! I am looking forward to your contributions. Let’s work hard on this so any future stitcher can find all ze needs to make a great shirt!
& Now… LET’S DO THIS THING! * Yes. This applies to any gender or non-gender compliant entity and any kind of underwear or non-underwear, because you know what I mean by this idiom!
Kelly – put me on round 2 of the sew-a-long. I haven’t received my pattern yet due to the heavy demand. This will work out better for my schedule since I decided late to become part of this. Thanks,
Ann Chafin
LOL, love the “deal with it” instructions. ; )
Round 1 please
Hey! I hope it is cool that I am using your sew-a-long as inspiration more than following step by step. My plan it to make flannel shirts for my husband, my daughter and myself. The first two will be Christmas gifts and the one for me is well .. for me. I sew for a living so I never make time to sew for us anymore. This has inspired me to do something different. So I won’t be using the same pattern. But I hope to learn and share with you guys through the process.
Happy Sewing!!!
Chrissy Weeks
http://www.chrissyweeks.com
I’m in!
Hello! My pattern and fabric have also been held up in the mail. Round 2, por favor!
I’ll need help with posting pictures on Flickr. I’ll be ok with the sewing part.
@Mary Kay
to sign up with Flickr, you need to first create an account. Go to flickr.com and go through the steps. Let me know if you have any trouble.
I just ordered the pattern, sign me up for round two, please.
Okay…I am considering doing Round 2, except that the “I suck” is in my brain. I have this new old sewing machine that.i.haven’t.even.used.yet because I’m too afraid. So, I will let you know if I order the pattern tomorrow. I feel like it might just be another epic fail of pattern and fabric ordered that has gone nowhere, or it could be what gets me sewing….
@Chrissy
Of course! Glad to have you!
@BexG
If I didn’t give myself permission to “fail” at ambitious sewing projects I would still be making shabby-ass potholders. I have “failed” at so many sewing projects! (SOOOOO MANY) That said, this sew-a-long will ALWAYS be here for you if you decide not to do it now. Either way, thank you for your comment and thank you for your participation in my life!
Okay. I bought the pattern and buttons. Oh my.
I still have to figure out flannel and I measured my dude – his sizes do not fit well into one of the columns of the box. I may have to email you about which size would be best….
I am afraid. Very afraid. Haha.