Woven Hemlock Tees #3 and #4 : the loominous and sheeeep versions

Shortly after making my previous two woven hemlock tees, I decided to cut into some more fabric for some more easy sewing time ... what really put me over the edge with this pattern is that I pulled out 1 1/2 yds of brand spanking new drool-worthy fabric (44" wide) and was able to finagle my way into cutting out the hemlock from this amount.  

Hemlock #3 : the "loominous" one ....

I bought this fabric when it first came out, mainly because I was super curious before I invested more in a more time-consuming, larger project.  I purchased only 1 1/2 yards (and, note to self, please start buying 2 yards of fabrics!).  This really set me back as the only projects I know I can reliably make with 1 1/2 yards are sorbetto tops, everyday skirts, and scout tees.  (No wonder I've made so many of those!)  So -- I whipped up a quick woven hemlock tee.

Needless to say -- this fabric is divine.  I love it -- it's soft, lightweight and perfect for summer garments.  There will definitely be more loominous projects in my future!

This fabric, called "Big Love," was really interesting to work with.  There are essentially no repeats (that I could see) so that means that I didn't stress too much about matching.  It made me think of the classic ACT analogies : "this to this is like that to that."  In this case, Noro is to the knitting world like Loominous is to the sewing world.  Unique, dreamy and the base for very unique projects.

Can't wait to dream up my next garment!

Hemlock #4 : the "sheeeep" shirt

I have to admit that I probably love sheep just a little more than the average American, and not just because I am a knitter.  It's the wooly goodness, the varieties of all the sheep out there, how cute the little lambies are ... I could go on and on.  So, I'm generally a goner when it comes to "sheep" stuff.  But this amazing Japanese double gauze fabric, put out by Yuwa, especially got to me with all the little sheeps running around being herded by the border collie sheep dog.  I especially love the title of the fabric itself -- "sheeeeep".  (Try saying that in a sheepy voice and you might understand why I'm off in the search of more colorways of this line.)

It turned out, of course, as an incredible woven hemlock tee. I can't decide if I'd rather make an evening dress so that I feel like I'm wearing pajamas at fancy events (wearing sheep, of course), or just make an entire pajama set and be done with it.

I leave you with sheepy goodness.  Yes, this is me, wearing my sheeeep shirt, hangin' with a bunch of sheep, at the Estes Park Wool Market this past weekend.  Fun was had by all, and yes, there was some stash enhancement.   :)

Notes:
Pattern : Hemlock Tee, in woven fabrics
Mods : the Loominous shirt was cut about 2-3" shorter to accommodate the limited yardage.  I like the shorter length!

Woven Hemlock Tees #1 and #2 : the lumberjack version and the fiesta version

I know that there are a lot of people with opinions on what type of fabrics clothing should be sewn with.   It's no big secret that I don't sew with knits a lot ... I think that will change one day, but in the meanwhile, as I'm increasing my sewing skills one by one, I feel perfectly at home sewing with quilting cottons and other woven fabrics.

Thus, when I came across a few versions of the Hemlock Tee in woven fabrics (exhibits A and B), I felt compelled to try out this pattern.   I'm beyond pleased with the end results!

I present : Woven Hemlock Tee #1 - the "lumberjack" version ...

I bought this flannel in the clearance section of my local Joann's thinking it would be perfect to wear on Fridays at my school where I teach (school colors are black and gold), as well as to try out a future pattern.  This was the perfect opportunity to whip up a quick shirt, and I love how it turned out!

This is a perfectly cozy shirt, the flannel is perfect, and it's hard for me to want to change anything on this shirt.  It does have the original longer length, but in the flannel it makes it cozy and oversized.  I approve!

I was so excited about the lumberjack shirt that I immediately cut into some fabric that had been hanging around my stash waaaay too long ... and so I present :

Woven Hemlock Tee #2 - the "fiesta" version ...

This project started years ago when I bought this fabric with the full intent to make a "fiesta" skirt.  This was the beginning of lofty aspirations (or, as I call it, stash enabling ...) and I was happy to finally put this fabric to good use as an experimental muslin of this pattern in quilting cotton.

I had the unfortunate experience of getting a Lionel Richie song stuck in my head and all that I could hear while sewing this shirt was "Fiesta ... Forever ...".  Nevertheless, I was happy with how the shirt turned out -- though I think that a heavier quilting cotton is not the BEST choice for this shirt ... a lighter weight cotton, or something like my previous cozy flannel version would be best.

I wore it on Cinco de Mayo this year, though I don't do a huge celebration in my Spanish class.  (There are so many lesser-known fiesta days to celebrate!)  There are sure to be more fiesta occasions in my class when I will make use of this shirt in the future!

I'd say I'm well on my way to becoming the Frizz ... which is exactly what I want. :)

Notes:
Pattern: Hemlock Tee by Grainline
Mods: no big mods to either shirt, though I might experiment with the length in the future.

Finished top! : Wiksten #2 : the sugar skull version

I made another Wiksten top! I'm embarrassed to say that I made it ... a while ago.  (Last fall?) However, it hasn't been blogged, so I might as well get around to it, right?   This one was made from an awesome Alexander Henry print of sugar skulls, which translates to "calaveras" (which, not coincidentally, is the name of this print).  The skulls have gold glitter on them and I always get a ton of compliments when I wear this top. 

I may have mentioned before that, as a Spanish teacher, I love to wear Spanish-themed clothing in my classroom.  It may or may not be a secret that I really wish I were The Frizz.  I even wore this tank top during Me Made May, on the celebratory last day of the school year ... 

I made this one a smaller size than the first version.  While roomy and comfy, my husband complained that the first version looks like "a tent" on me and is not flattering.  I take his criticism very constructively (that is his intent, after all), and I sized down for this.    While I absolutely adore this top for summer wear, the slightly low neckline is a little too hubba-hubba for a high school teacher, which translates to being able to wear this to professional development days before school starts, or in the classroom - but with a scarf. ;)    Lesson learned!  Watch that pesky neckline in the future.  Meanwhile, I do enjoy wearing this top!

Project notes :
Pattern : Wiksten - Tank Top
Fabric : Alexander Henry "Calaveras"
Mods : Size medium - no mods