French Terry Grainline Linden Sweatshirt

In January when my new sewing machine arrived, Courtney and I had a sewing weekend. I was able to complete a linen Scout Tee, a linen Tiny Pocket Tank, and a Linden Sweatshirt...all Grainline patterns. Because of MeMadeMay, I got my butt in gear and took some photos (with Courtney's help).

The pattern was extremely easy to sew up because of the raglan sleeve construction. Plus, that makes it extra comfy. I used a french terry that I purchased at Fabric Outlet in SF and made a size 8 so that I would be able to wear a shirt underneath. You never know how if the heat / air conditioning will be on in some of these old Philadelphia buildings.

Anyway, it's a nice loose fit and the perfect length without having to add extra. As someone with a long torso, I appreciate that.

Because I wanted to add a little interest, I sewed the bottom band and cuffs with the wrong side of the fabric showing. I think it makes a (kind of) boring beige sweatshirt a little more fun!

As with all Grainline patterns, I can definitely see myself making more Lindens in the future. I just need to get some appropriate fabric....preferably in a nice neutral gray.

// Lauren

Linen Grainline Scout Tee

While I've had the Scout Tee pattern from Grainline for a couple years, I didn't actually get around to making one until January when my new sewing machine arrived. I've been wearing it since then, but MeMadeMay gave me the push I needed to take pictures and blog about it. 

Funnily enough, Courtney and I visited a historic cemetery to take these photos. Courtney stumbled upon it on a run and discovered it had a running trail around the perimeter within the gated grounds. Since there are always people there running or picnicking, we didn't feel as weird taking pictures there. That being said, we were sure to remain respectful of the graves. 

Anyway, the pattern is super simple. It's just a front and a back, two sleeves, and a strip of bias binding for the neck. I used a nice gray linen for the shirt and navy + white seersucker for the binding.

This shirt is so comfy to wear...especially after a couple of washes. The linen is softening up nicely.

I cut a size 6 but made a couple of alterations. Because I have a long torso (and short legs), I added 2 inches of length to the body and cut the pattern to use the size 12 hem, which was perfect. It looks nice with both shorts and jeans.

As long as the fit was right, I knew this linen Scout Tee would get a lot of wear, so I made sure to put the effort in to finish it right. All the seams are french seams and I took my time on the neck binding. I'm pretty pleased with how nice everything looks.

Jen from Grainline has a couple of useful tutorials, this one for french seaming the inset sleeves and this one for a flat bias binding neckline.

Since I like to wear this with cardigans + jeans in the winter and shorts in the summer, I know there will be several more Scout Tees in my future. I have a long sewing list for this summer when I have some time off from school. 

// Lauren

MeMadeMay | Mid-month Update

So this May I decided to participate in MeMadeMay. Knowing I didn't have enough pieces to wear a handmade garment everyday, my pledge was to wear or work on a handmade garment everyday. So far I've missed quite a few days, but it's teaching me about what I like to wear and the holes I need to fill in my closet.

So far I've really enjoyed wearing the pieces I've made. Because I've made them slowly over time (and with care), I think they really fit in with what I like to wear in terms of style, color, and comfort. I'm excited to keep adding to my handmade wardrobe. Right now I have a couple of pieces I'm working on.

Days 1 - 3 // I worked on new pieces. I cut out a Tova dress and a Tiny Pocket Tee. I'm working on raising the neckline of the Tiny Pocket Tank, so it's taking me a bit longer to sew up. That and I wasn't super into sewing on those days.

May 4 // I wore my linen Scout Tee, RTW shorts, Birkenstock Gizeh sandals, and my handmade bag from last May. 

May 5 // I wore a lace Scout Tee that Courtney made me for Christmas.

May 6 - 9 // There were a lack of clean clothes in my closet and I was super busy with school work so I wasn't able to work on anything.

May 10 // On Mother's Day Courtney and I went to the Art Star Craft Bazaar. I wore my linen Tiny Pocket Tank, RTW shorts, and Birkenstock Gizeh sandals.

May 11 - 12 // More misses.

May 13 // I wore a shirred denim skirt...one of the first handmade garments I made. I paired it with a RTW tank top and Saltwater sandals.

May 14 // I wore I light, sheer-ish white Scout Tee (another Christmas gift from Courtney) and RTW shorts.

May 15 // Courtney and I ventured to a historic cemetery to take finished project pictures. I wore my linen Scout tee again. It looks like I'll be wearing a lot of repeats unless I get sewing.

// Lauren