As many of you know, I am completely taken with sewing knits since my first knit success, the Sallie Dress.  I wanted to keep my excitement going this week by participating in the Lark Tee Sewalong.  The lark tee is the latest pattern from Grainline Studios, and I have a feeling it will be skyrocketing to fame in the blogosphere in the next few weeks. 

     

The lark tee is a very versatile and flattering garment. With 4 variations included, it offers 16 possible combinations.  If you use your imagination it is practically endless! Jen has promised a few tutorials at the end of the sewalong, including a cardigan hack and a rounded hem variation.   I’ve already been dreaming of deeper scoop necks and tank top versions for myself.

I have never made a t-shirt before.  I always thought of t-shirts and tank tops as ready-to-wear basics, something I pick up at H&M when my current ones are showing their age.  I am still a bit baffled by where this idea came from, and I am extremely happy to have realized that I can, in fact, make basics!  and sew knits! and stop shopping at H&M!  You guys, this just got real…

     

I made both of my Larks with the standard t-shirt sleeve and the scoop neck.  The berry coloured one was first, and it went off without a hitch!  I did pull the fabric a bit when hemming one of the arms, but it wasn’t too noticeable after a wash.  Once the first one was complete I powered on through to the second version, made with a gorgeous bamboo lycra blend.  OMG this fabric, seriously, it’s the softest.  It doesn’t look like much in these photos so you’ll just have to take my word for it 😛

One difference I made from the first to the second version was that I did a larger zig-zag stitch for the hem on the second version.  I don’t have a serger but I wanted to maximize the stretch on the garment so I can pull it on easily – it is a t-shirt after all.  The larger zig-zag provides more stretch, and surprisingly doesn’t look any more obvious.  The grey version also fits a bit better than the berry one, but that is all due to the difference in fabric quality.  

     

I opted not to topstitch the shirt collar, but I may add it yet.  I was having one of those moments where I got scared that I might ruin the garment, so maybe after I wear it a bit I will add it in. I have already worn both of these shirts twice! In one week!

I’m excited to see your Larks, and I hope you are as excited as I am about this pattern!

 

Final Stats:

Total project time:  Approximately 2 hours each 

Fabric: 1.25 meters of cotton lycra blend (berry coloured shirt) and 1.25 meters of bamboo lycra blend (grey t-shirt).

Pattern: Lark Tee by Grainline Studios

Adjustments: None!