Such Treasures

Off and on this week, I’ve been working on a sloper (a master pattern) of a raglan long-sleeve t-shirt for Jeff. After taking umpteen measurements and altering a ready-made pattern (Simplicity 9499), here’s my first attempt. I first attempted to make it based on a Kwik Sew pattern, but that pattern was for more of a loose-fit. The Simplicity pattern matched his measurements better for the fit he desires.

The sleeves are really good on him. The length is good (I added 2 inches to the pattern). It is too big under the arms and in the shoulders. And it needs more shaping from the chest down to the waist. I *think* those will be easy fixes — we’ll see! When I get this t-shirt right, I’m going to cut it apart and trace the pieces for a sloper, from which I can make all Jeff’s t-shirts. I will adjust the ease based on whether the t-shirt will be a base layer, mid-layer or outer layer. Can you tell Jeff is into layering?

That knit is more of a burgundy color. Goodwill had 5 yards of it for $3.99 the other day. Good for practice! And perhaps the girls and I will end up with some finished t-shirts out of it when I get to fitting us properly.