7.28.2020

Summer of the White Shirts


I can't explain it, but I have been on a white shirt kick.  I haven't actually owned a white shirt for years and I can't remember the last time I wore one, so this white shirt spree is curious.  Not wearing white has mostly been a practical matter.  If I'm going to spill something on myself it's going to be when I'm wearing white!  (this by the way does not mean I don't spill things, it's just not as obvious on a grey or olive green shirt!)  

Since March I have made 3 white shirts, a white dress for me and one for my sister-in-law.  AND, I have two more teed up on my cutting table!  What the ....?  The other theme seems to be antique-ish linens.  All but one has been made from 'old' fabric or other table linens.   I really do like the lovely edges and open worked details of antique linens.  The quality of the fabrics is also wonderful, particularly when they have been washed umpteen times.

My latest white creation started as a dresser scarf.  It has an amazing lace border along one of the long edges.


My woven T shirt pattern fit absolutely perfectly on the piece!  What are the odds?!


I decided to use the finished side edges as my center back.  


Like I said....it fit perfectly!

I did have to find a piece of bias white linen to finish the neckline....hmmm I wonder if I have any scraps of white linen around?😆😜  Since I used the finished edges for the center back opening and the lace edge for the hems, this was a very quick shirt to put together.  I did do french seams so that took a bit of time.  Neck binding and buttonholes...bam! 

          

I used some porcelain buttons that have been inventoried for a very long time!  I wasn't sure if they would wash well, and we already discussed the need for me to be able to launder any white garments in my closet!  So, I made a thread loop on each button and pinned them to the back so I can remove them when I wash the shirt.

            

I'm not sure how many white shirts a person needs, but for now I am having fun and if I spill too much I can always dye them other colors!  Like "pasta sauce red" or "blueberry pie" 😂


Note:  If you subscribe to Threads Insider you can read about the shirt in the bottom lefthand corner of the picture.  I wrote about how to turn beautiful collar points!  check it out HERE

10 comments:

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    1. Thanks! You don't think there are too many??

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  2. May be it has something to do with the pandemic.We are looking at life in a new way.

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    1. Ver well observed! And I like that you say in a "new way" it fells positive and hopeful. Thank you.

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  3. Have you found the sunflowers on 14th. St.?

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    1. I think I know where you mean, but I haven't been that way in a while...we're not out and about very much these days! Maybe I will ride my bike that way! Thanks for the reminder.

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  4. Your new top is exquisite! I have some antique linens but just can't make myself cut into them.

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    1. I know exactly what you mean! Diane Ericson tells a story in her workshops about losing everything to a flood. All her "too precious to cut" pieces were destroyed. She asks the question, "What are you saving it for, a flood? Use the good stuff!" As I am thinking about moving I have been counting how many times I have moved some of my precious pieces and Diane's urging to "use the good stuff" has come to mind often. I do spend some time refining the pattern I want to use before I cut into the "real fabric" but after the first snip it gets easy.

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  5. Lightweight white tops and summer are a classic combination for good reason. How many does one need? For me it would be enough to change several times a day (at least) as I seem to be one who can get a white top dirty in a surgically clean room. I envy those who can get through a whole day and still look like they just put it on.

    Using those old dresser scarves is a nice re-use!

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    1. Hadn't thought about needing to change! I may need to make a few more!;)

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