Deer and Doe Givre T-Shirt
Searching for the transitional pattern?
Look no further!
The Deer and Doe Givre pattern comes as a dress or a tee and can be made with long or short sleeves!
Mommy and Me and Me Too Collection….
When I set out on my sewing journey 8 years ago, I intended to sew tons of mommy and me makes.
The problem was I couldn’t find patterns to match my style…
Don’t get me wrong there are patterns and companies who make those adorable Mommy and Me makes, but I had a hard time finding ones that really jumped out at me.
Most of the patterns I found from the big four (McCalls, Simplicity, Butterick, Vogue) were oversized dresses, tops, and aprons. And, to be honest, I’m not a big fan of maxi dresses or boxy tops.
I was already building my collection of sewing patterns that fit my style which I would define as a blend of classic vintage with modern twists. I like garments that can be worn for years and never really seem to go out of style.
Trying to find a garment that looks good on a baby/toddler and an adult (in my particular style) was a difficult task, to say the least!
As my daughter got older, the patterns started to have similar shapes to the ones I had in my collection. And, eventually, I was able to make some dresses that were truly Mommy and Me makes.
Then, along came my little surprise baby! And I found myself back at square one all over again!
I knew I wanted to keep up the Mommy and Me sewing, but now I had to find patterns to match!
The task was so daunting! I decided, instead, to make outfits with similar fabrics and use coordinating fabrics for the same pieces (I.e. bodices the same fabric, sleeves the same, etc.).
Thus, the Mommy and Me and Me Too collection was born!
And let me tell you, it was a blast picking out patterns that had similar features, and yet, still managed to fit our individual styles.
I know these aren’t true matching Mommy and Me makes, but the fabric selection makes them feel like they belong together!
While I would adore having more matching Mommy and Me makes, I’m completely satisfied with a Mommy and Me and Me Too collection that I created.
This week, I finished the collection with my Givre top. If you missed my first two makes, you can find a baby/toddler make here and a little girls top here.
Let me show you how I made my top.
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List of Supplies:
Makes: 1 outfit
Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
Sewing skills needed/used: straight stitch, hemming, inserting a neckband
Skill Level: Advanced beginner
Items you need:
1 yard of fabric for the top (I used the Firework Sky in Liberty from Hawthorne Supply Co.
3/4 yard of fabric for yoke and sleeves (I used the Perfect Jersey in Navy from Stitchy Bee)
Pins
Safety pin
Serger (optional)
How to make the Deer and Doe Givre Top/T-Shirt
Step 1:
Gather the supplies and cut out the pattern to the desired size.
For this project, I’m cutting out a size 48. I’m 5’10” and my current measurements are bust 42”, waist 38”, hips 47”.
Step 2:
With RIGHT sides together, pin or clip the front yoke to the front bodice and sew together.
To do this, I lined up the edges and the notches and clipped them into place. Once sewn, I ran the seam through my serger to finish the edge and pressed the seam up as instructed.
*all seams use a 3/8” seam allowance.
I repeated this process for the back yoke and back bodice panel.
Step 3;
With RIGHT sides together, pin or clip the shoulder seams together and sew.
I also ran this seam through my serger to finish the edge.
Step 4:
With RIGHT sides together, pin or clip the sleeves in place and sew.
To do this, I matched the edges of the sleeves to the edges of the armholes on the yoke pieces. Then, I matched the notches which were roughly 3” from the edges.
After those were in place I slowly worked my way toward the center of the sleeve. I recommend marking the center of the sleeve (the fold line) to assist you.
This process took time and did not require any easing. I did have to manipulate the fabric to align the two pieces.
Once both sleeves were pinned and sewn, I ran them through the serger to finish the edges.
*I did not make the longer sleeve-length versions. I only cut out the top section of the sleeve pattern since I wanted it to be a short sleeve.
Step 5:
With RIGHT sides together, pin or clip the side seams together and stitch.
To do this, I matched points in this order:
Yoke seams (This will be the most noticeable if they aren’t aligned, so I started with this one.
Edges of sleeves
Notches on bodice
Edges of bodice
Once these points were aligned, I placed clips in between the points to ensure no slipping occurred.
This yoke seam transitions between two fabrics and will be noticed if it’s not properly aligned.
I like to fold the seam in half and match the seam lines up, fold the fabric back so right sides are facing each other and clip.
Step 6:
With RIGHT sides together, sew the ends of the neckband together. Then, fold in half so WRONG sides are facing each other and press.
To do this, I ended up having to pin it so it would stay in place for me to press.
After it was pressed, I quartered the neckband with pins and placed additional pins in the notches.
*The notches line up with the side seams.
Step 7:
With RIGHT sides together, insert the neckband.
To do this, I lined up and placed pins in the center front, center back, and the two side seams. Once those anchor pins were in place I worked to place the rest of the pins in place.
Since the neckband is smaller than the neck hole, stretching is required to secure the neckband in place. This is why I prefer the quartering method to insert neckbands.
All you have to do is stretch the fabric between two of the pins and start securing the neckband. It allows you to work in smaller quadrants versus trying to work across the whole neckband at once!
Once the neckband is secure (and edges are serged), then turn the neckband so it is facing up, press the seam down toward the bodice, and edge stitch in place.
Sew close to the seam line to ensure you catch the seam allowance and tack it down with your stitches.
Step 8:
With WRONG sides together, turn the sleeve under and stitch. Repeat for the hem.
To do this, I used a 1/4” seam allowance.
I used the same process for the hemline.
That’s it! Your Deer and Doe Givre Top is complete!
Top Tips…
If you don’t have a serger, you can use a zigzag stitch on your sewing machine to encase the edges.
You can also use pinking sheers to finish the edges. Jersey is typically not prone to fraying.
Use a ball or jersey needle on your sewing project.
I usually use a stitch length of 3. I find that it allows a smooth stitch and the material is less likely to bunch up.
Use LOTS of pins or clips to help secure the curved hems. The more pins you have the easier time you will have creating a smooth hem.
Choose your threads carefully. I chose a navy thread for this entire project, but if I did it again, I would match the thread color to the fabric so the stitching is hidden.
Always check the measurements before you begin a project!
My current measurements are bust 42”, waist 38”, hips 47”.
Final Thoughts and Alterations…
This is my first time making this pattern and I will absolutely be making more of them!
It was a breeze to sew. I went from a cut pattern to a finished garment in under 2 hours! I know I didn’t do the full sleeve, but I really think that would have only added on 10 minutes tops!
The only alteration I made was to the sleeve. And, to be honest, it wasn’t really a true alteration, I just left the bottom part of the original sleeve off!
When I make a top version of this pattern again, I want to add an inch or two to the length. I’m fairly tall and I like my shirts to sit a little lower. Basically, long enough that it doesn’t ride up when I raise my hands above my head.
Overall, the fit of this pattern is perfection! I don’t like my jersey tops to be too clingy around my mommy pouch. This pattern is cut in a way where it’s just fitted enough but doesn’t stick to all the rolly places.
This pattern will be made many times over and is a great addition to any pattern stash! I have plans for future hacks and style ways, so stay tuned!
This completes the Mommy and Me and Me Too makes!
It was so much fun finding the fabrics and picking out the patterns! I hope you enjoyed the journey with me and found inspiration to try out some Mommy and Me makes for your family!
If you have any questions about this process, the fabrics, or just anything please contact me!
Until next time, stay crafty!
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