For those of you who want to sew tops but are afraid, here’s what you do.
- Do you have a serger or a sewing machine that does a zigzag? If no . . go buy one! If yes, proceed to the next question.
- Does your sewing machine have a stretch stitch capability? If no . . go buy one! If yes, proceed to the next question.
- Can you spare $5 to $8? If no . . start saving. If yes, proceed as follows:
- Go to Love Notions and buy Laundry Day Tee. It’s $5 right now. It’s on sale. Not sure for how long.
- Go to Walmart or Joann’s. Look for their knit fabric that’s on sale. Walmart sometimes has it for $2 – $3/yard. Don’t worry about the colors . . the first one you’re going to make is just a trial piece. You know what you can do . . you can make it out of a thin knit (if you’re like me and always hot) and make the dress pattern and use it for a nightgown or make it like a tunic and use it for a sleep shirt.
- Feel the fabric – make sure it isn’t something you’re going to HATE sewing. This isn’t like a quilt that you work on for months and months. You’re going to mess with it for less than two hours and be done.
Here’s how I look at it – you spend less than $10, assuming you already have a sewing machine that will work . . and you’ll find out whether you like sewing the tops and whether you like the way they fit.
Most of the tops take 1-1/2 – 2 yards and it’s pretty easy to find the fabric for about $6 – $8/yard. I think having a great top for $10 to $12 is pretty amazing.
Mary says
If you join the support group on Facebook for Love Notions, you can get a code that makes the Laundry Day Tee free, making your first sewing experience that much cheaper. FYI
Rebecca in SoCal says
Nancy Zieman teaches how to use a “wobble stitch” if you don’t have a stretch stitch. It is a very slight zig-zag, and provides a little stretch with less bulk than many of the built-in stretch stitches.
dezertsuz says
More good ideas! Thanks!
Sharlene Barrett says
Thanks! Just bought the pattern. now to find the time…..