Fast forward to Halloween 2014. I was going out to an awesome skate night costume contest and wanted to wear a comfortable costume that allowed me to move, but was also cute, silly and fun. Enter Mike Wazowski. As lay the 2XL against another T-shirt that fit me well and my knit block, I discovered:
- The T-shirt was knit in a tube. That means no side seams from the base of the armscye (armpit) to the hem.
- There would not be enough fabric to allow for a seam allowance at my hips.
My Dad & I went to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure (DCA) a few years ago and had a ball! I'm a huge Disney fan, have been since I was very little. I also love Mike Wazowski. I just fell in love with his quirky, adorable character when I first saw Monster's Inc. I also happen to be a Billy Crystal fan, win win!
When wandering about near the Monster's Inc ride and the Muppets show, I saw a woman wearing a Mike Wazowski, one eyeball T-shirt, that read, "I got my eye on you" on the back. So freakin adorable. And perfect for someone like me who's a big kid at heart. I asked where she got the shirt, which was only in 2 places throughout DCA. I found the closest vendor I bought an XL and went merrily along my way. Oops.
I tried the shirt on at some point before I left the park. Uh, I don't know who thought that size was an XL, but it was more like a medium. I couldn't even get it on. Just goes to show that size is not standardized. So fortunately I was able to find the other vendor and exchange for a larger size. I opted for a 2XL. Firstly, because the size XL was so damn small I figured I would just barely fit my hips (I'm pear shaped) into the shirt. Secondly, because I knew having excess fabric would only help me get a better fit when I later resized and remade the shirt into a better fit (smaller in the shoulder, high bust and waist.
When wandering about near the Monster's Inc ride and the Muppets show, I saw a woman wearing a Mike Wazowski, one eyeball T-shirt, that read, "I got my eye on you" on the back. So freakin adorable. And perfect for someone like me who's a big kid at heart. I asked where she got the shirt, which was only in 2 places throughout DCA. I found the closest vendor I bought an XL and went merrily along my way. Oops.
I tried the shirt on at some point before I left the park. Uh, I don't know who thought that size was an XL, but it was more like a medium. I couldn't even get it on. Just goes to show that size is not standardized. So fortunately I was able to find the other vendor and exchange for a larger size. I opted for a 2XL. Firstly, because the size XL was so damn small I figured I would just barely fit my hips (I'm pear shaped) into the shirt. Secondly, because I knew having excess fabric would only help me get a better fit when I later resized and remade the shirt into a better fit (smaller in the shoulder, high bust and waist.
I scoured my stash and found another knit green in a darker tone and like this great article from Threads suggested, I added a straight gusset to the side seams which allowed me to curve the front side seams to gusset and back side seams to gusset. Then, on a whim, I decided to add some flare to the shoulder seams by throwing in a ruffle. It's a bit heavier than I anticipated because I folded the fabric then inserted it. This resulted in 4 layers at the shoulders. It's a bit bulky to sew and wear. Next time, I'd try a single layer (3 layers total) and let the raw edge be free and wild.
The only piece I'm a little sad about is the wording on the back. The way the T-shirt was printed, "I've got my eye on you!" is very high up and close to the ribbed neckband. When I cut that off, it brings the wording up to the base of my neck, rather than resting between my shoulder blades as originally designed. Oh well.
Since I ran out of time before the skating party, I zigzag'd the neck and hem, then let them roll. T-shirts are generally a single knit (they look like they have a unique front and unique back - knit stitch on the right size, purl stitch on the wrong side) which means they roll toward the front (knit stitches). It's a cute, simple finish that I like for my casual Mike Wazowski look.
The only piece I'm a little sad about is the wording on the back. The way the T-shirt was printed, "I've got my eye on you!" is very high up and close to the ribbed neckband. When I cut that off, it brings the wording up to the base of my neck, rather than resting between my shoulder blades as originally designed. Oh well.
Since I ran out of time before the skating party, I zigzag'd the neck and hem, then let them roll. T-shirts are generally a single knit (they look like they have a unique front and unique back - knit stitch on the right size, purl stitch on the wrong side) which means they roll toward the front (knit stitches). It's a cute, simple finish that I like for my casual Mike Wazowski look.
RSS Feed
