Orange Plantain

Deer and Doe, a French designer, recently released their Plantain t-shirt pattern for free. After seeing Plantains pop up all over the blogosphere, I decided to make my own. 

Front

I started and finished this shirt (just my third-ever shirt) on Sunday. Sewing an entire garment in one day is a record for me. This pattern is nice and simple, with just four pieces, five if you include the elbow patches. It includes three different sleeve options: short, long, and 3/4 like I've done, so it's pretty versatile as well. 

I'll admit that I am a noob at knit fabrics.  This is only the second item I've ever made using knit fabric. The fabric is a thin cotton knit from G Street Fabrics.  G Street is a local small chain fabric store.  In the back, they have a handful of giant shelves filled with wonderful fabrics for $2.97 per yard.  This orange fabric was one of my finds from my most recent trip. I got just over one yard. 

Back (this is closer to the actual color)

Doe and Deer's Plantain pattern calls for much more fabric than I bought, so I was a little worried about making the pieces fit.  It came together with no problem, though, and I was able to properly align all of the pieces with the grain. 

The shirt came together easily.  I used my regular sewing machine with a zig zag stitch.  I didn't have any trouble attaching the neckline, and I think it has a nice and professional finish.  

Neckline detail

My only issue came to light once the shirt was almost finished.  In my excitement, I didn't really read the sizing chart that comes with the pattern.  I jumped right in and started cutting the smallest size (as I typically do with commercial many patterns).  I tried the shirt on once the side seams were sewn, only to realize that I should have cut a size or two larger.  Hence, there are no pictures of this shirt on a person. Next time... 

I do plan on making this shirt again, in a more appropriate size for me.  

Abstract
Pattern: Plantain by Deer and Doe
Fabric: Orange cotton knit from G Street Fabrics
Cost: About $4
Time: 4(ish) hours

Hi there

I started sewing about two and a half years ago, using my mom's sewing machine from the 1970s. Like many sewists, I started with aprons and napkins. Before long, I invested in my own (modern) sewing machine, and for Christmas 2012, I decided that I would make all of my gifts for family and friends.  

Since then, I like to think that my skills have improved.  Now, I mostly sew clothes for myself.  I also sew some clothes and other household projects for family and friends. 

Fabric and notions for a McCall's dress

Me Made Makes will be my sewing blog.  I'll post my sewing plans, works in progress, finished projects, as well as, perhaps, my ideas on integrating my makes into my wardrobe and everyday life.  

My current sewing goal is to make enough clothes this winter and spring to participate in Me Made May 2014.  The idea with Me Made May is to wear at least one garment that I've made for the entire month of May.

I hope you enjoy reading, and maybe even become inspired to sew something too!

Renee