Crazy for Shirt No 1

Marta has really started a craze over here at Fancy Tiger Crafts and we are all sewing up Shirt No. 1's. Amber and I couldn't resist joining in using some of the new hand-loomed ikats from India we just received.

Jaime's Shirt No 1

Pattern: Shirt No 1 by Sonya Philip's 100 Acts of Sewing
Fabric: Ikat Diamond Streak in Blush
Size Made: Small
Modifications: none

Sonya Philip is a genius. She somehow has managed to create a very simple pattern with only one pattern piece that looks good on almost everyone and is easy to sew. Shirt No. 1 is a great first garment that will introduce sewists to the basics of garment construction with clear instructions. 

The top front and back pieces are the same. Once the shirt is assembled (there are instructions for either regular or french seams) Sonya has you try on the top and mark and cut out your front neckline. I can't believe she trusts us to do this, but she explains it and I did it and it worked! The neck is then finished with bias tape - I choose to make my own out of this ikat. The hem and sleeves are finished with a simple turned hem. Done. 

I love this top. I've already made another out of Nani Iro double gauze and I'm scheming a third in a basic black viscose batiste. Thank you Sonya!

Amber's Shirt No 1

Pattern: Shirt No 1 by Sonya Philip's 100 Acts of Sewing
Fabric: Ikat Brush Stroke in Red
Size Made: Small
Modifications: Added 1” in length to the pattern pieces, Finished hem with jersey bias binding, total length added was 1.25”

Jaime has already sung the praises of this uncomplicated yet flattering pattern, so I won't go on and on. However, I was definitely surprised to see that you cut your own neckline out of the partially finished shirt, as I think most people are, but it ended up working out great. I marked and cut my top 2.75" down from the original neckline for a gentle scoop neck.

I also decided to finish my hemline with stretchy jersey bias. It was very easy to keep the binding flat while sewing and I just overlapped where the two ends met back together to keep things simple. It's a soft and quick finish that I am so glad I tried. I also decided to serge the interior seams for ease and speed. I love the look of a french seam, but I just wanted this shirt on my body ASAP!

It is definitely worth noting that when I washed this beautiful red and white ikat, I just used my normal washing settings. I did notice a little bit of bleeding on to the white while I was working with the fabric so I would recommend washing this on cold without other things in the wash with it.

I'm sure you will want to join our Shirt No. 1 frenzy. It is the perfect spring/summer garment to show off so many wonderful fabrics. Enjoy!