Learning with Allison: E+M Shirt No. 7

I was lucky enough to be chosen to test a pattern for E+M Patterns! It is a cute little colorblocked t-shirt, but the kicker is that it is made of woven fabric! It is rare to find boys patterns at all, and if you find a shirt, it is almost always a t-shirt or polo made from stretch fabric. If you do find a shirt made of woven fabric, it is almost always your more classic, tailored, button down.

This pattern was cute and funky!! It buttons at the shoulders so big heads can get in, has a pocket "for little treasures," and is just full of adorableness!  The colorblocking gives options for all sorts of fun twists and shouts!

So here are the deets!

The pattern includes a bias faced neckline, topstitched seams, and a vent at the hem of the shirt. 

This was my first time making bias tape and facing a neckline this way. I think it turned out nicely.

I topstitched the seams which also served as edge stitching on the seam allowance to prevent fraying. This is suggested by Allison in the pattern, along with other great tips and tricks! (As a beginner, I used thread to match the bottom part of the shirt for the top stitching at the side seams just in case they were a little wobbly, but I used the edge of my presser foot as a guide and they turned out pretty straight!) 

Flat construction of the sleeves makes easing a dream! Look at those smooth seams!

And I had no idea how to sew a vent in a shirt, but now I know!

I bungled the pocket though. I may rip the seams and do it again. (Or mayby/most likely, I won't. It can just be a groovy sort of decoration.) I used the edge of my presser foot to get straight lines.  Eh... The pocket was not a good place to do that.  Don't do like me unless you want strange designs that make the pocket smaller. 

Here is the shirt. I saw some much cuter pics in the testing group, but this is totally a funky shirt!  (The pattern directions are pretty good too! Color pictures and lots of details.)

If it stops raining, I may take some better pictures outside.  Or you can just go check out the other ladies' versions as they publish their blogs!

Now, for the giveaway...

I am so lucky to be a member of one of the nicest sewing groups on Facebook: Sewing Inspiration and Tutorials. The wonderful members are so kind to one another.  They help each other out.  Virtually no question goes unanswered, and they are super supportive with the likes and comments! I have learned so much from them.  In celebrating reaching 20,000 members and remaining virtually drama free, I will be giving away one free E+M Pattern.  All you have to do is look at the E+M Patterns and comment with your favorite one and comment on this Facebook post. .  The random drawing will be June 18, 2014.

More information about the purchasing the pattern and the other giveaways can be found in yesterday's post.  So head on over!