Sew-a-bration of Womanhood

Today I'm participating in a the Sew-a-bration of Womanhood blog series hosted by the Shaffer Sisters and Call Ajaire.  All month long, these lovely ladies will be featuring a variety of women bloggers and showcasing their projects created for themselves or for a special woman in their lives.

For me, I decided to sew myself a little something.  Specifically, I made myself a new t-shirt using the Shoreline Boatneck pattern from Blank Slate Patterns.

I was provided with a copy of the Shoreline Boatneck pattern by the designer, but all opinions about this pattern are my own. Also, I am an affiliate of Blank Slate Patterns, so if you click any link associated with the pattern or Blank Slate Patterns and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission.  


If you follow my blog regularly, then you know that most of what I sew is for my daughter, Ella.  I love her dearly, and I'm so glad that she enjoys wearing all the handmade items that I create for her.

Why don't I sew clothes more often for myself, you might ask?  Well, sewing for children is so much easier than sewing for women and all our curves.  Children's patterns are pretty basic and forgiving when it comes to fit, but for women's clothing, well, you have to own up to your true body measurements and face the music when determining your size according to the pattern sizing chart.  It can be painful, and I'll admit, I've abandoned an entire project before because I just couldn't accept the size I would need to sew.

Lately though, I've been a bit more adventurous and tried out a few new top patterns for myself with pretty good success.  I've made the Casual Lady and the Parisian Tops from Go To Patterns, and I've even made a Washi Dress and Top using the ever popular pattern from Made by Rae.

So when Melissa of Blank Slate Patterns asked me a while back if I wanted to try out her Shoreline Boatneck pattern, I thought sure!  It's the woman's version of the Beachy Boatneck pattern that I made for Ella last year, and I really liked the style of the shirt and thought it would be a very simple sew.

I was absolutely right!  It was very easy to whip together except that I decided to try using woolly nylon thread in my bobbin along with a double needle to hem it.  After several failed attempts (I never could get the top tension right), I resorted to using regular bobbin thread and a single needle to hem my new shirt.

Another issue I had, and I'm still not sure how this happened, is that the stripes on my side seams do not match up.  This really bugs me because I carefully matched up the stripes when I cut out the pieces, but as you can tell, they are off big time!  Oh well!  It's still super comfy, and I love the colors of the fabric.

The Shoreline Boatneck has a facing at the neckline, and I chose to topstitch at the opening and again at the outer edge of the facing to make sure it always lies flat.  Using my regular thread and single needle, I had no problems sewing this time.  For the side seams and shoulder seams, I used my serger with two needles and all four cones.  I love using my serger on knits!

And finally, I cut out the sleeves so that the stripes run vertically.  I thought this would add a little visual interest not to mention it was the only way I had enough fabric to cut out the sleeves!  Ha!  I was working with a fabric remnant of just under a yard that ended up having a couple of stains near the selvage that wouldn't wash out.

I'm already planning to make a few more of these simple, comfy Shoreline Boatneck shirts for summer. Plus, the pattern includes pieces for making a dress version as well.  Since I don't work away from home anymore, my wardrobe doesn't get much fancier than this!

Pattern:  Blank Slate Pattern's Shoreline Boatneck Top

Size:  Small

Fabric:  Approximately 1 yard polyester knit from Joann's

Difficulty:  Easy

Fit:  Great!

Would I sew this again:  Yes!

Thanks for stopping by today!  Be sure to visit all the other great bloggers participating this month in the Sew-a-bration of Womanhood!

The Life Of A Compulsive Crafter | Serger Pepper | House of Estrela | sewVery | Our Busy Little Bunch

Modern Handmade | Golden Rippy | Sew & Tell with Mama Eggo | Shawnta Sews | Fishsticks Designs
Ali Cat & Co | Paisley Roots | Like a mother | Giggles & Beans | Call Ajaire
Shaffer Sisters | I Married Superman | A Jennuine Life | If Only They Would Nap | Once Upon a Sewing Machine

Naptime Creations | Pattern Revolution | Two Many | Rebel & Malice | Simple Simon and Company

SewingSober | Handmade Dress Haven | Daisy Chain Creations | Swoodson Says | I'm Feelin' Crafty So Cal Sewing Mom | Keep Calm and Carrion | DandelionDrift | The Crazy Tailor | Max California 

Falafel and the Bee | Lexi Made | Winter Wonderings | Kid Approved | Scientific Seamstress
Becca DuVal | Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop | The Berry Bunch | Little Kids Grow | leighlee
Feathers Flights | That's-Sew-Kari

Have fun sewing!