Elizabeth Suzann Tee

Since I’ve been on a sewing kick lately, I thought I’d try to keep a record of it.  Living the mom life, a lot of my time is not my own.  For example, right now I can’t print a pattern I want to make because the girls are asleep and I’m not messing with that.  So writing about sewing projects gives me a way to ruminate and strategize when I can’t actually sew.  So much of the pleasure is in the planning anyway.

This is my most recent make.  It’s the popular Elizabeth Suzann tee.  I cut size OSP with no alterations.  I was close to the next size up, but would make this size again.  

I bought a couple of lengths of linen intended for this pattern from Stylemaker Fabrics, and they are the most I’ve paid per yard to date at about $26/yd.  I wanted to toile before cutting into the good stuff, so for my first attempt, used a $6.99 off white linen from Fabric Mart (nearby in Pearl City).  I’m really happy with the fabric.  It washed up very soft and slightly drapey, and I machine dried it before cutting, even though I’ll probably hang the tee to dry.

I’m especially proud of the bias neck band because I’ve bungled bias application before.  I struggle with precision in sewing.  

The only way I altered the pattern was by understitching the bias band after applying it right sides together and before flipping it to the inside and stitching it down.  I figured anything I did to prevent rolling would help.  I hate a peeking facing or lining or tape.

Overall, it’s such a great make.  Its simplicity showcases good fabric.  The sewing was so straightforward that I was able to get pretty pristine results.  I finished all exposed seams with the serger and think that it will hold up really well.