SWAP T-Shirt Q/A's

Thank you for the kind comments regarding my children and SWAP t-shirt! I'm hoping to give my children a few skills and some confidence so that they will continue to create things for not only themselves, but also for others. I've had quite a few questions regarding the SWAP t-shirt, mainly regarding the neckband and the beading, so I thought I'd answer them today.

First, from Leanne, "I notice you have topstitched your seam allowance down - did you use a stretch stitch or just regular straight stitch? I am making Simplicity 3775 and want to topstitch the seam allowance either side of the neck facings but not sure whether to use stretch stitch (it gives a rather heavy look)? " I used a regular straight stitch for mine because I knew that the neckline was large enough to go over my head without stretching too much. You could always do a small sample - with the facing and all to see if you like the look. Another thing you could do is use contrasting thread for the stretch stitch and make the heavy looking stitch look decorative and purposeful.

Second, Mimi wanted to know, "Oh, and when you beaded the raised neckline, how did you apply the beads so that there isn't strain on the threads when you pull the top over your head? Or is the neckline large enough that it doesn't matter?" When I beaded it, I did not pull the thread really tight, there is a bit of slack. Besides that, the neckline is large enough to pull over my head without too much strain.

Lastly, Designdreamer asked regarding the beads, "Did you put the beads on once the top was completed, and did you carry the thread on the back, or did you bead it, then fold it in half and then apply the band? And even then, do you tie each bead off? Also, did you add the same type of bead on top of the sequins as is used singly? The beads were added after the top was completely done. I stitched the beads on through the top layer of the band only. I do a lot of this type of work with my art garments, where I add things later and must only stitch through the top layer, leaving no thread to show on the reverse side (see photo below). I called it "surface work". I did not tie off each bead, but used shorter lengths of thread so that if the beads came loose I wouldn't lose all of them. I used three types of beads: bugles, triangles and some little size 15 or so hexagons. The hexagons are what holds the sequins down, while all three are scattered randomly.

Parting Shot: Birthday Candles! Here he is, blowing out the candles. If you look closely, you can see that the camera captured some of the coconut in mid-air, flying off the cake! I did try to make sure it was stuck well, but there's always a few loose pieces.