The First Garment of 2013

 And it is finished! My first garment of 2013--and it is only January 7th! This v-neck may not be perfect but it is certainly wearable--even in public! Here are my notes for posterity:

• The directions were super with the slight exception of the lack of detail about putting in the neckband. I really liked the final results though.

• The sides are a bit snug but I've also put on about 5 lbs since the beginning of Christmas season so I don't want to alter the pattern too much for a problem area that I KNOW I can get whipped into shape by next month.
• The bust is also a bit snug. Instead of doing a major change to the pattern, I think I'll just add a bit more length to the front and then ease that into the rouching on the sides. I HATE t-shirts with darts so the rouching is a nice alternative.
• I had a few blips in setting the sleeves the first time so a little ripping and restitching were called for. I think I'll improve with experience.

• My topstitching on the cuffs and hems leaves much to be desired. Next time I'm going to lengthen the stitches and experiment with the double needle option. Too much puckering.

Now as for the contest, I'm not sure how many of these I really want to make. I certainly have a white rayon shirt on deck and I'd like to try out a stripe. Not very creative but at least I'll make my goal of having an entry.