Men's Shirt Sewing Project.

[ironrite]

Hopefully got the right forum for this. For those of you that sew and perhaps have thought of trying to make a shirt one of the blogs I follow is starting a shirt sew along. I've listed the link below. You can back track a few days to get caught up. It won't be starting until February 1st and looks like a lot of fun. You don't have to have a fancy machine, in fact Peter uses a treadle for some of his projects. I figured it's time to update my wardrope, and I'll be sewing along as well.

male pattern boldness

the world's most popular men's sewing blog!

www.malepatternboldness.blogspot.com

 

[peterh770]

I should do this. I cannot find shirts that fit me the way I want. But first things first...

 

[bugsyjones]

Pretty neat site

It's a good resource for everybody. Especially guys who aren't familiar with making their own clothes.

I sew quite a few western shirts (among other garments) for clients. Custom embroidered with options of fringe and rhinestones.

I read the entry about the things you must have. And honestly, I only use one or two of those items listed. A steam iron and a straight stitch sewing machine. To sharpen points I use a dull-tipped colored pencil.

I detest those flimsy tissue paper patterns. So I made a hard copy of all my patterns out of poster board. Makes it much easier to cut patterns. Just draw a chalk around it and there ya go. 'Off the rack' patterns are a disaster anyway. I end up altering and re-doing pattern pieces. Some I've made completely from scratch.

The good thing about sewing is everybody has their own way of doing things. Sewing is an enjoyment not drudgery.

My sewing machine arsenal includes:
1950 Singer 66 (straight stitch)
1960's Deluxe 929 Zig Zag
Brother Innovis 4000 (for embroidering only)
Pfaff HobbyLock (for overlocking seam edges)

The HobbyLock is the newest addition. I only use it for one thing. Overlock stitching to keep raw edges from fraying. It's insanely hard to thread. Have to use tweezers that came with it.

Old machines are much easier to work with!

~Tim

 

[retropia]

Nice shirt!

 

[austinado16]

Holy Serious Shirt Sewing!!!!

Beautiful job on that....wow!

My machine is a Pfaff 360, but my skill level is nothing more than basic stuff.

 

[gansky1]

Oh, come on Peter. I'll sew along too! Do you want me to send you some Maytag fabric? It would be pretty smart looking - certainly heads will turn when we step out in fashionable (?) Maytag togs!

 

[ironrite]

Some more links

To go to the links you'll need to copy and past into your browsers.

Here is another website from another guy who sews http://www.briansews.com/ Check out his YouTube channel. He gives some very good tips. I've been sewing for years, but after watching his video on how to do a rolled hem, I finally figured out how that darn rolled hem foot works. He hasn't updated his site in a while, but the archives are interesting to take a look at.

Peter, I am getting into that same boat, shirts that don't fit right. I assume my Samsung washer and dryer have something to do with it as they seem to keep shrinking, especially around the stomach area. So I have this to make my pattersn. You can go to http://www.wildginger.com/ and then look for a module called Tailor Made. It's for making men's clothing. Put in a few key measurements, make a fitting garment and then you have a custom made shirt. This is what I am using for this project. You also have options to make jackets, pants, underwear and such.

And finally some fabric. This is from an online quilting store. I'd really like to see what sort of quilt would be made from this fabric for Valentines Day. http://equilter.com/cgi-bin/webc.cgi/st_main.html?catid=286 If hearts and flowers aren't your thing, they also have policemen and cowboys too!

Tim, that shirt is just spectacular! I agree, some sergers, like my Elna 945 are a pain to thread. If you can find one of the airjet threading Babylocks get it. Sooo much easier to thread. I'm going to see about getting the Evolution model. Also, for your threading, go get some plastic dental floss threaders. Check out the toothpaste aisle. They're sold in little packets and are cheap. Put your thread through the loop on the end, then use the threader to take your thread through your serger. I do that with mine and it helps a lot.

Todd, give the shirt a try. I tell customers that sewing a shirt is just like following instructions for say putting together a storage cabinet. You have a wonderful machine with that Pfaff.

 

[austinado16]

I have actually made some stuff...

I just don't do it very often. A few years ago, while my mom was out for a visit, she and I used the Pfaff to sew an Indian dress for my daughter and one of her school projects. My mom taught me how to sew, so it was fun to do a project with her.

Scored the machine in it's original "Citation" cabinet, at the local swapmeet (of course). It was $40 and the internals were locked up solid from not being used. It was fun to take it apart and bring it back to life.

I probably have about 30 specialty feet for it...most of which I'll never use.

 

[whirlcool]

We have a Simplicity sewing machine from around 1985 or so. Karen uses it on occasion, but in around 1995 or so my sister gave me sewing lessons at a local Singer shop as a Christmas gift. I went and took the lessons. While I don't think I can make a garment I can repair clothing, make drapes, and alter the length of a pair of pants.

At first I thought the sewing class would be all women, but it actually was 50/50 men & women. I was surprised by the amount of guys in the class. And I also have noticed that if you are a guy in a good fabric store the help there usually will fall all over you to help you with your project, including offering you tips about how to do things.

Lastly, even though I don't drag out the sewing machine but a couple of times a year, I do find it very relaxing to sew!

 

[mattl]

I'm in the same group as wirlcool, fix a pants hem and sew draperies and curtains, I'm actually pretty good at that. Sort of taught myself. Years ago I had wallpapered our kitchen and my mother was supposed to make the matching curtains, but never had time. Matching the pattern was very similar to wallpapering so with a few tips from her I learned to make the curtains.

I'd like to attempt doing some upholstery if I can find the fabric, but the odds are long. Have a Drexel sectional sofa from some years ago, the cusions on two sections need some work, the other 6 or 7 are in perfect condition. I seriously doubt Drexel would still have that pattern but one of these days I'll contact them just in case. There are 8 pieces and only 2 need work, no budget to replace or recover at this point.

 

[jeb]

sewing project

My latest sewing project for a local historical house tour. Jeb

 

[spiceman1957]

I really like the Butterfield's

over size shirts. I have noticed this these shirts are coming back and even seen a gentleman wearing this type shirt with a sport coat. I remember my mother made matching shirts for her and dad, which he refused to wear!
John

 

[peterh770]

I like Butterfield too

But I think all of Betty's patterns are for mumu's (moomoo's?).

Greg, I have too much ahead of me right now. Would love to have a matching Maytag shirt with you!

 

[amyswasher]

I sew a little, but I can't stand to do cuffs. Collars, pleats, zippers, buttons no problem. I have even made some western shirts from the early '90, but with no long sleeves.

 

[circlew]

I'd hate to see how any garment I'd sew would look. It would probably be as bad as when Lucy made herself a dress in the episode "Lucy Wants New Furniture".

 

[ironrite]

Jeb, those dresses are beautiful. I'd love to sew something like that I've been making some nightgowns for my partner's mother. I find the women's patterns use different techniques from mensware.

The Lucy reference reminded me of the episode when they are in Paris. Rickey gets some burlap and feebags and Lucy and Ethel start a new fashion trend.