I have a large number of paper patterns. Recently I have added several PDF patterns to my collection as well. I am new to the concept of PDF’s, and still prefer to hold the pretty colored envelopes in my hands. But paper or PDF, I followed those instructions as directed and didn’t veer off into creative pastures.
The Love to Sew Podcast introduced me to PDF patterns and indie pattern creators. The two gals, Helen and Caroline, who are broadcast extraordinaires, motivate me to sew all the time. Maybe I’m now sewing too much and not cleaning enough as the number of dust bunnies has multiplied in my house. I listened to Episode 43, #youcanhackit, several months ago (it’s from May 2018). That concept has been kicking around in my brain, and with the development of my idea to create my outdoorsy wardrobe, I found the confidence to try to manipulate my first pattern. Sewing a basic sample of the final pattern using muslin or similar fabric mimicking the clothing piece is encouraged to ensure the best fit. I have never done this before. I want to cut and sew and wear what I am making as quickly as possible.
I wanted to make undershirts or baselayers for layering during cold weather activities. So basically I wanted to make long sleeved t-shirts, but of all the patterns I own, I didn’t have one exactly for that style. I’m never going to know unless I try, so, I chose a pattern that was as close as possible to what I wanted and hacked it. I chose #3827 by See and Sew Now.
The shape was good overall. It was made for a less stretchy fabric than what I wanted for my base layer shirt, and it had a zipper in the back. I figured if I ditched the zipper for a solid back but used a stretch knit, it should work. However, here’s another step I relented on: I needed to make a test shirt to be sure.
The “scrap” fabric shopping is actually a funny story. I was visiting my parents in Pennsylvania. I was in a local one-stop shopping store popular with Amish, Mennonites, and English alike. (You’re referred to as English if you’re not Amish or Mennonite). I was there to buy a pair of ice skates for myself. On the way out, I made a quick round through the fabrics. I grabbed this white polyester/spandex that had earth toned geometric circles as a pattern. It was rolled up like remnant and grouped with many other fabrics packaged this way. The price tag read $7.99 for over 2 yards which is plenty to make my samples. After reading the receipt when I got to the car, the fabric was not a remnant, and it was actually $7.99 per yard so I ended up paying $19! Let that be a lesson to me to slow down to think more clearly.
Anyway, I ended up having great success with my hacking idea!
My shirt came out so well that I am actually going to wear it as a real piece of clothing and not just throw it in my sewing room for reference. There was enough fabric remaining that I made a matching pair of leggings using my “go-to” pattern by Simplicity, #1280.
I now have a basic light layer set for snowboarding and snowshoeing. Yet, I can wear the shirt under sweaters, and the leggings will work with many of my skirts.
Success!
The Pink Lily Pad and Two Tadpoles 