12.5.14

scout woven tee




Well, I've said before that a ray or two of sunshine is what it takes to have me reaching for the sewing machine. So the sun came out and I made a Scout Woven Tee by Grainline Studio, which turns out to be one of the easiest, peasiest sewing patterns ever, and seriously speedy to make, too. Straightforward and taking very little fabric, I had this made from start to finish in a only a matter of hours.

I hadn't downloaded a sewing pattern by PDF before but it's a simple enough process, you just need a decent amount of ink in the print cartridge because there are 16 pages of pattern that need taping together, jigsaw style. Rather than cut out my chosen size, I used bleached parchment paper to trace over my 'jigsaw' just in case I felt the need to tinker with the fitting in the future. It was a good idea as it happens, since I think the pattern runs a little small. Fortunately it has wider than usual hem allowances which meant I was able to claw back a bit of room by pulling out the stitching and doing it again. I do have a rather narrower seam allowance than I would like as a result, but at least I have a wearable garment and my precious fabric didn't go to waste. It's rather ironic to think how I dithered for ages over which fabric to use, not wanting to part with anything too precious in case it was the wrong size. It just goes to show, always trust your instincts because in hindsight I should have pumped for the next size up.

Anyway, I made my Scout with some Liberty fabric left over from this dress that I made a few years ago. The tana lawn, which is so beautiful to wear, is good and wide so just a metre does the job nicely with plenty of room for cutting the bias binding and more to spare.

Next time I shall make my top longer and also add a little length to the sleeves. I say that because I ended up serging (without using the blades) the edges of both the hem and sleeves and then turning them up a rough half centimetre before stitching down. Incidentally, the Grainline Studio website gives lots of advice and tutorials for adapting this pattern, which is immensely helpful. What a great pattern and now I know the size I'm after, I'm all set for another. Then one with longer sleeves, a dress, maybe a tunic .. ooh, the possibilities are endless so here's hoping the sun keeps shining!

Have a lovely week, everyone!

17 comments:

  1. It turned out lovely! I have made three versions of this pattern, it´s a quick project and fits well. Sure that you will sew another one ;-)

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    1. I agree Maider, there are sure to be more. Three versions you say? I'm coming over ..

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  2. Beautiful Kate, a really pretty little top and I love that fabric!! :)
    V xxx

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  3. looks great!love the fabric : ) i'm planning on sewing up some clothing this summer-not my specialty,lol
    take care~

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  4. This looks beautiful and the fabric is stunning. Perfect match! I think I'll have to check out this pattern after seeing your version.

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    1. Thanks Alexandra, and yes you must .. you won't regret it I'm sure :)

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  5. it's so pretty kate, fits you so well. love the pattern, lucky you liberty leftovers!

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  6. Very lovely indeed. I think I might have to get that pattern.

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  7. Thank you for this review, beautiful. I purchased some Liberty Lawn when I visited the Purl in NYC. Lovely top.

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  8. Lovely top Kate, but then all your makes are wonderful:-) I hope the sun is shining for you over there. We've just had an amazing shower of rain - it was like the Tropics - but without the warmth of course!

    Jeanne
    x

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  9. Lovely top Kate, but then all your makes are wonderful:-) I hope the sun is shining for you over there. We've just had an amazing shower of rain - it was like the Tropics - but without the warmth of course!

    Jeanne
    x

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  10. Muy primaveral y funcional¡¡¡, disfrĂștala besos Avelina

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  11. Well I know what I'm doing this weekend! I LOVE it!!! Thanks for your helpful notes too.

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  12. Meant to ask you - have you every made one in jersey? Got the pattern btw, just trying to find the time to stick it together and get sewing...

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    1. No I haven't, this is my first one but the first of many I'm sure :)
      Have you seen the Hemlock tee, on the Grainline blog? That is designed specifically for knits and is a free pattern. Yay! (I'm guessing you've seen the Grainline blog post on sewing the scout in a knit fabric?)

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  13. I hadn't seen the Hemlock t-shirt so thanks for the heads up. I was just thinking about jersey because I unearthed a load the other day. I think I prefer the Scout shape for a t-shirt but the Hemlock for a wide necked sweatshirt. Still trying to stick the Scout pattern together - got half of it done last weekend then life and a small boy got in the way. Am dying to sew now :¬)

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There's nothing like a comment to stop me feeling like I'm talking to myself. If you leave one here I'll pop one back here too, so don't forget to come back and continue the conversation ..

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