send in the clowns

Posted on June 23, 2009 by mariko

clowny2.jpg
I’ve decided to join the circus! Just kidding, but if I ever DID join the circus, I wouldn’t need a new wardrobe. So even though I am poking fun, I actually like this clown shirt. You can’t really see the neckline very well. My photographer is out of town this week, so I had to rely on the self timer and a stack of books.
I was trying to make a shirt out of one of my new Japanese crafting books (I’m too lazy to go look for it. If anyone cares, just let me know, and I’ll supply the ISBN and such). I made a muslin, and wouldn’t you know, the sleeves were too tight! Same predicament as the Built by Wendy pattern with the raglan sleeves and elastic neckline! So, I just extended the pattern pieces a bit, and it worked! I used some nani iro double gauze from my stash and shirred away. The top is super comfy and not too billowy around the torso (one of the concerns with a gathered, tunic-y top). The elasticized clown sleeves are about to push me over the edge, though, so I am going to remove the shirring and narrow the sleeves a bit. Maybe that will make the top less clown-like? That’s not really my goal, though, as I have nothing against clowns (nothing against the happy ones, anyway).

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12 Responses to send in the clowns

  1. Amy W says:
    June 23, 2009 at 18:58

    So…now that you are sewing a bit this summer when is the underwear going to get sewn?

  2. megan says:
    June 23, 2009 at 22:28

    I like your clown suits. I wouldn’t want you wearing anything but clown gear!

  3. Melissa says:
    June 23, 2009 at 22:46

    That turned out really cute. The shirring at the neckline looks good!

  4. sally says:
    June 24, 2009 at 05:08

    So cute, Mariko! I like the sleeves!! You are going to have to teach me how to shirr [??] this summer!!

  5. sally says:
    June 24, 2009 at 05:10

    So cute, Mariko! I like the sleeves!! You are going to have to teach me how to shirr [??] this summer!!

  6. Jennifer says:
    June 24, 2009 at 05:14

    I love it. When I read the title, I thought maybe you had gone to trapeze school like Shanti – http://artemesia.typepad.com/adventures_in_paradise/
    The shirt is adorable. It looks perfect for summer.

  7. Seanna Lea says:
    June 24, 2009 at 07:35

    You are the shirring queen! You are getting really good at modifying the patterns and muslins to fit.

  8. Margot says:
    June 24, 2009 at 09:27

    I totally agree with takin the sleeve shirring out, I think that will absolutely take it from possible clown shirt to cool and relaxed shirt

  9. cara says:
    June 25, 2009 at 07:04

    So cute! Does this pattern come is circus tent size? For me?

  10. A.L. says:
    June 30, 2009 at 07:25

    It’s not clowny! It’s really cute. It looks like something you’d find at Anthropologie for a billion dollars!

  11. =Tamar says:
    July 4, 2009 at 22:05

    I agree. Take out the sleeve elastic and make a more sedate sleeve end, maybe a cuff. The shirring looks good.

  12. Susan says:
    July 11, 2009 at 17:33

    I love this shirt!

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