Back to Basics: Simple T-shirt - New Look 6838

I usually wouldn't post about a simple project like this but this is the second piece I've completed for the Suduko Wardrobe Contest and I plan to do a post for each of the ten pieces. One of the reasons I decided to participate in the contest was to make myself to sew some separates. If you've been with me a while you know I love dresses, they are my favorite garment to sew and wear. Sure I make other items but I think I sew up pants and tops the least. In this challenge it is hard to make dresses or jumpsuits work (believe me, I tried) so I'm forced to sew 4 tops and at least 2 bottoms.I needed a simple tee to go with three separates. I pulled black and white from the Asian Floral Fabric I used for my first top (here). I LOVE stripes and decided stripes would work with everything in my collection. This black and white double stripe jersey has been in my stash for a while. I'm 90% sure I purchased it from Hancock's flat fold table (gosh I miss Hancock).I looked through my pattern stash and realized I had a couple of tee patterns. I knew I wanted set-in, three-quarter length sleeves and a round neck, so New Look 6838 was just right. I sewed up View A which has a bandeau neck and three-quarter sleeves. I immediately knew I would omit the back center seam by cutting the back piece on the fold (after subtracting the seam allowance) because lining up the stripes was going to be too much of a pain. I love stripes until it's time to cut out the pattern pieces. I tried to line up the stripes along the armhole as well but those were a little off.I didn't follow the instructions as I typically sew simple tops, dresses and jackets the same way. First I attached front and back at the shoulders, then sew the sleeves in flat and sew the side seam from bottom hem to the end of the sleeves. With almost everything I sew, I sew first and then serge. When I tried the top on for fit I noticed that the sleeve almost hit my wrist, definitely not three quarters but too short to be a full sleeve. This was a surprise (as I have fairly long arms) and I had to cut off around 3-4" to make the sleeves hit right below the elbow.The pattern instructs you to fold over and sew the neck, sleeve and bottom hem. The neck was already quite wide and I didn't necessarily want it any wider. Additionally, my jersey was very thin and I knew it would be a pain to make it lay flat with a foldover hem. I decided to draft my own hem bands for the neck and sleeves. To do that I simply measured along the neckline on the front and back pattern pieces (and the arm opening of the sleeve) and subtracted an 1" for the length of the band. For the width I just cut from the top of one double stripe to the bottom of the next so that I could create a solid black band, this was about 1.5". I attached them with a 1/2" SA using a narrow zig zag stitch to prevent pop stitches later, I finished the seams with my serger. I thought about adding a band to the bottom hem as well but I felt it would take away from the t-shirt feel. Instead I did a double fold and used a narrow zig zag stitch.That's it, like I said pretty simple, but I like the way it turned out. Even though I omitted it the center back seam it is great for making fitting adjustments, if I was using a solid (or even an abstract print)  I could see keeping it. I like the length of the top and the neckline, though I believe I will always add the neck band. I want to sew View C of this pattern that has a facing for the V neck.

Did you notice my necklace?  If I was Oprah I would put it on my "favorite things" list. Take a closer look, see the singer sewing machine and a spool of thread charms.  I purchased it from Lolly Llama. Order yours here (I was not compensated for this nor do I get a kickbak). Follow the boutique on Instagram @shoplollyllama

I need to ramp it up, two sews down and eight to go and only 5 weeks to go. I'm putting the finishing touches on piece 3 now and I can't wait to show it to you. I hope to start and complete two more sews this week.Pattern:  New Look 6838Pattern Description: Knit tops with neck and sleeve variations. Loose fitting pants in two lengths.Sizing: XS-XL, I sewed a SmallDifficulty: 1/beginnerFabric Used: Black and white double stripe jerseyDoes it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope? Yes,  mostlyWere the instructions easy to follow? I didn't use them, but the top is so simpleLikes:  Boatneck/ bandeau necklineDislikes: The three-quarter sleeves (View A) were long on me.Pattern alterations or any design changes made: I omitted the center back seam and finished the neck and sleeve hems with bands I drafted.Would I sew it again? Yes. I also like the V-neck top. I've already sewn the pants.Would I recommend it to others? Definitely, great beginners project.Conclusion: Easy t-shirt pattern