Today we have Suzanne of Pattern Revolution and Winter Wanderings, Wonderings and Whatnot. I was particularly thrilled when Suzanne agreed to join the team because of her stellar photography and her expert sewing for both boys and curvy women. And as usual she rocks this Shoreline Boatneck.
Hi everyone - I can't say how excited I am to be here as a part of the Blank Slate Sewing TEAM!!! To say that Melissa is a mentor of mine would be an understatement - this is the first blog I started following when I entered the world of sewing blogs. I have sewn many of her patterns, tested for her, and am now so happy to be in the IN. Ok, enough of me gushing - on to sewing!
Today I get to share the Shoreline Boatneck with you (If my house hadn't been hit by the death plague, and I had just one more day before leaving town, I would be showing you my top and dress... but for now I'll just give you the top!). I am one of those girls known for not being able to color in the lines or for being able to leave a pattern alone. But that is one of many reasons that I love Blank Slate Patterns.
Melissa has truly designed blank slates so that you get to add your own twist, your own stamp of ownership and creativity. Each pattern allows room for you to express your love for sewing in as simple or advanced a manner as you desire.
I love the shape of this garment, the gentle curves, the wide boatneck that still keeps your bra straps completely hidden, the curved hem to help camouflage both tummy and booty - many of you may not have to worry about that, but I do!!! The professional facing of the neckline provides a beautiful clean finish without visible top stitching. And from cut to finish, this is the type of project that you can easily finish in an hour.
I made the XL and love the relaxed fit.... I think I could do a L with extra length if I wanted a more form fitting shirt..... but remember how I talked about HIDING the tummy...... yeah, I'll stick with the XL until I get my stress/happy/sad/celebratory/lonely eating under control.
As a curvy girl, I am constantly on the hunt for the perfect black shirt. I have made a few over the past year, and while I wear them, I certainly have not achieved perfection in them yet. So as I looked at my stash, I quickly landed on this very soft black knit. It is medium weight with a great drape, and to the touch makes me think of very think cashmere - sooooooo soft!
But, as much as I might love them, I didn't want just a plain black shirt to share with you all - that just isn't at all creative enough! So I decided to color block the back with some black and white striped lace that I picked up at Joanns during one of their 50% off red tag sales, and to add some elbow patches. Both are simple additions that elevate this classic basic to a trendy staple that is easy to wear.
Lace is in, color blocking is in, black and white is in, patches are in...... I am so IN!!!!!!!
So if you should want to color block your own Shoreline Boatneck, here is how:
- Cut your Front bodice and Sleeves as Directed
- Take your Back bodice and fold along the trim line between the top and middle paper pieces of the pattern
- Cut the bottom portion of the back bodice out of your main fabric adding 1/2 inch for seam allowance to the top edge
- Cut the Top (folded down section) of your back bodice out of your coordinating fabric adding 1/2 inch to the bottom
- Match the Top and Bottom of the back bodice right rides together and sew with 1/2 inch seam allowance to create a new solid back piece
- Sew the remainder of the shirt as directed.
