Friday, May 31, 2013

O's Birthday Tee: USS Constitution Style [with Template]

Originally guest posted at Once Upon a Sewing Machine as part of their Sew You Had a Boy series.

Most years I make O a birthday shirt.  Last year he even designed his own outfit!  His 8th birthday is next week, but he didn't have any suggestions this time around.

We recently went on a trip to Boston, and one of O's favorite things was a tour of the USS Constitution, so I used that as my inspiration.


My original plan was to somehow applique or stencil the ship onto the front of a tee, but fortunately I realized that simplicity is a virtue and a life preserver would be less likely to make me want to tear my hair out.

For the shirt itself, I chose the Fishstick Designs Patrick Curved Raglan, which I have sewn more than any other pattern.  It is definitely one of my go-to boy patterns!



The life preserver is a combination of raw-edge applique and freezer paper stencil.  I sewed the left side seam, then placed and sewed the applique before sewing up the other side.



I'm really happy with how it turned out, so I hope O likes it too!  If you'd like to make one for your own little history lover, you can download the applique and stencil template here.


Thursday, May 2, 2013

Guest Posting at Once Upon a Sewing Machine Today!

I'm guest posting at Once Upon a Sewing Machine today as part of their Sew You Had a Boy series.  Please stop over to check out O's birthday shirt, inspired by our recent trip to Boston.



I'm hoping this will kick-start my sewing and blogging mojo.  I haven't been sewing much, but I do have a few things to blog, some from as long ago as February.  Yikes. 

And for some housekeeping: Follow my blog with Bloglovin