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Member since 6/17/04
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Posted on: 11/25/09 3:33 AM ET
I don't know if this is the right forum to posting this, but I had to tell you that after a few months of not sewing, I have finally gotten to the machine again and actually refashioned to t-shirt for my girls besides mending, fixing, altering a bunch of other clothes. I didn't want to put in a new review, because really I have used this pattern a few times already and wrote several reviews, but still wanted to post my accomplishment. So, just a picture:



I completely took this and one similar shirt apart, used the original ribbing (cut in half lengthwise to make it fit the new larger neckline) and sewed it again.
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Natalija from Serbia (mom to 6 daughters and 1 son)
  
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Member since 4/8/07
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Posted on: 11/25/09 8:55 AM ET
I love the new t-shirt! Please give details on what you did. I would like to try this myself. Well done!
  
Member since 9/3/06
Posts: 8552
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Posted on: 11/25/09 9:34 AM ET
In reply to TalyQ
What a wonderful new look!! Do post it again for us..
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2009-113.25 yds
2010-115.5
2011-80.25+30+donated
2012 86.3 yds..
2013 21.0
Everyone who sews seriously has a stockpile of fabrics, because it is natural to purchase more than can be sewn in any one season" Singer, Timesaving Sewing, 1987

  
Member since 6/26/06
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Posted on: 11/25/09 10:21 AM ET
In reply to TalyQ
It looks so much cuter your way! Nice job!

JT
  
Member since 10/7/08
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Posted on: 11/25/09 11:06 AM ET
Wow. That is really cool.
  
Member since 7/19/03
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Posted on: 11/25/09 11:11 AM ET
Way to go, Natalija! Glad to see you have become reacquainted with your sewing machine!
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blog: goodworks1.wordpress.com
  
Member since 12/28/07
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Posted on: 11/25/09 11:50 AM ET
In reply to TalyQ
Are you starting to sew now on the Elna.. Just wondering what you think of that machine, and how it is sewing for you..
  
Member since 5/27/09
Posts: 1175
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Posted on: 11/25/09 11:53 AM ET
Love the neckline it's perfect. Beautiful girl. I never thought of doing the sleeves like that, it's a more polished look.
  
Member since 4/23/07
Posts: 4223
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Posted on: 11/25/09 12:39 PM ET
your daughters are beautiful. Those t-shirts look great. I'm also woundering that elna did you ever get it fixed and are you sewing with it. Great t-shirt.
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Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to god. And
The peace of god, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
  
Member since 6/17/04
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Posted on: 12/11/09 6:24 AM ET
In reply to Lynnelle
I am sorry, I didn't reply right away. Lynelle, I will try to remember to take picture the next I do it, in the meantime I am just going to give a quick text description. BTW, I did 3 more shirts for my daughters this way in the meantime, just didn't tak pictures.

This is what I usually do:

I just cut a part the large t-shirt at the side seams, then I cut of the sleeves very close to the stitching (I used to rip this apart, but it took forever, so I rather just cut it now). If the neckline is good, then I try to preserve the shoulder seams, but often they are too boxy, so I just cut them apart. My girls usually want the neckline larger, so I cut off the ribbing/binding.

Usually at this point I regret even doing this, because (especially if it was a cheap shirt), I see how horribly off grain it had been cut out ~grrrrr~. But I usually continue, straightening the grain if there is enough fabric, if not folding it off grain like it was before. I fold both front and back pieces in half, pull out a fitting t-shirt pattern and re-cut the pieces according to the pattern. I always try to preserve the original hem, if possible, which will save some time later on.

Then I cut re-cut the sleeves, if there is enough fabric. If I can, I also preserve the hem, if not, I open it up and resew it later. If the sleeves are too crooked or too short, I might cut new ones from coordinating fabric. I did this with the last shirt for my oldest, since she needed more long-sleeved shirts anyway. And since the original shirt was too short, I used that same fabric to attach a strip to each front and back piece at the hem to make it longer. I also then used that fabric for the neckline, so you wouldn't even guess it wasn't part of the original shirt.

Then I basically sew the whole t-shirt (shoulder seams, neckline, attach sleeves, side seams). If possible I reuse the binding or use FOE or another fabric for the neckline. Ta-da a new shirt that is stylish and fitting. I will soon take pictures of the other shirts and show them to you.
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Natalija from Serbia (mom to 6 daughters and 1 son)
  
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