Sunday Sewing
I made it back from New York, and I think I’ve recovered from jet lag. I had a good time, but honestly, I was quite ready to leave. Something about the sheer number of people and rushing and dirt and smells made me a little bit insane (which is what happened when I realized it was time to move out last year). It was good to get away though- I had feared that visiting would make me miss it and re-open wonders of whether leaving was a good decision, but actually it made me feel much better about where I’m at. I’m so happy to live somewhere quieter and slower now, even if it’s not always ideal (ahem, it snowed this morning). Hopefully I’ll post a few photos of some of my NYC field trips this week, but right now I am excited to show off my new shirt/tunic thingy.
I have had the sewing urge for a while now, and I wanted to make something before I dive into a big non-sewing project. I found this fabric in my stash (which I significantly reduced this weekend!) and made up a shirt with Built By Wendy 3835. Things I did differently were: made the sleeves longer with no elastic, lengthened the hem by about 4 inches with a slight flare and added the darts from the dress version of the pattern. The darts make it a tiny bit tricky to get on, but they’re worth adding because otherwise the shirt can be kind of shapeless (as I learned with the first one). This pattern really is SO simple and quick. I cut the pattern during the Spurs-Suns playoff game yesterday (did anyone see it? It was intense!) and sewed it up in two half-hour ish sessions last night and this morning. I would definitely make this version again… I’m getting to the point where I have enough sewn tops in my wardrobe that I could wear them all week if I wanted to. Which I do. Yay.
For more Built By Wendy inspiration, check out the flickr pool.
Tags: "built by wendy", Sewing

April 20, 2008 at 7:34 pm
This one looks great! It is really flattering. I think we are built similarly , so it would look good on me too. I may have to give it a go. Thanks for sharing. Love Stacy
April 20, 2008 at 7:46 pm
love the shirt! very cute.
it is so nice to be able to visit a place you love but to know that when you are home, you are really home. glad you discovered that…
April 20, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Cute! I really love the added length!
April 20, 2008 at 10:09 pm
It looks fabulous!
April 21, 2008 at 12:37 am
looks very cute on you! love the changes you made to the pattern.
April 21, 2008 at 2:06 am
I’ve been making them like crazy, too, with the same mods.
April 21, 2008 at 7:15 am
thanks michelle- i think it was you who gave me the idea for the darts. now i just need to make an army of them, like you did!
April 21, 2008 at 11:07 am
What great fabric! And it looks great on..
April 21, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Super cute top. I really like the modifications you made. I’ve been wanting to make this top for ages but haven’t yet. Soon, I keep telling myself!
April 21, 2008 at 6:56 pm
Adorable!
April 24, 2008 at 2:50 am
I like your shirt! I’ve not gotten up the nerve to try sewing anything that will actually be worn in the day time…..maybe you’ve inspired me!
April 26, 2008 at 3:04 am
Adorable! Love the before and after alterations between the two shirts. They really made a huge difference.
April 27, 2008 at 5:40 pm
I love this shirt you’ve made!! Great fabric, and nice alterations on the pattern.. Built by Wendy has such great project ideas!
April 28, 2008 at 11:11 pm
adorable linda! i still haven’t tried that one, but i’m on my 4th version of 3964 which i love! i think i’ll take your advice about using the darts as i like things to have a little shape. and i didn’t know there was a flickr pool; gonna check it out now ;o)
May 4, 2008 at 9:45 pm
That is so cute & looks great on you!
I haven’t tried any of the Built by Wendy patterns yet because I always assumed they would look too sack-like on my figure. I love what you did with the darts, the length and the flare! Now you’ve convinced me to give it a try.
May 15, 2008 at 3:34 am
I agree with the first poster that said it’s very flattering.
I have some floral material that I’ve been aching to use, I may make one of these as well :).
June 10, 2008 at 10:51 pm
This pattern has been sitting in my fabric drawer for I don’t know how long, and I’ve seen tons of cute shirts (like yours!). Thanks for sharing the flickr pool, maybe I just need a little more inspiration!