my first anything!

[diamunds]

I got a sewing machine for Christmas and this was my first project (back in January).  It's finally warm enough to wear it - yayay!



I made it with a New Look pattern but got annoyed with it halfway through and just did my own thing from there.  It's held up pretty well - but when I wash it, the edges of the fabric frays (they're on the inside, but it's still annoying) - any tricks on how to make that... not happen?

thanks for looking!

[Seika]

Ooooh, I like!  The stitching looks really nice.

You might zigzag over the edges, to help with the fraying, just making sure you don't hit the shirt!

[Rowdy Vamp Raquel]

That's pretty darn good for a first project and not following the pattern halfway through. I looks so comfortable! The way you end fraying is adding some no-fray glue to the ends, or serge the ends (zig-zag if you don't have a serger)

[yay_it*s_tanya]

I really like the stitching and the neckline. As for the edges, maybe you could try this anti-fraying stuff called Fray Check. I think it's at pretty much any sewing and crafting store.

[indigo flower girl]

Wow, that looks great! 

There are lots of different ways to finish edges, depending on the fabric you're using.  A couple more besides what's been mentioned are folding the seam allowance under and straight stitching, or using French seams.   

[kcfirecracker]

Oooh! I agree with everything, The accents on the neck line and around the bust, is beautiful!  Fray check is great - just make sure to open a window before hand.  Way to not obey all the rules!

[peroxsym]

That is really pretty, I love the detailed stitching! Very smart and summery:)

xx

[diamunds]

i'm glad you guys like it!

i must admit it was a bit silly for me to pick a pattern with contrast stitching as a first project - but i'm happy with the way it turned out (even if i had to tear 'em out a few times!)

thanks everyone for the advice!  I'll hafta check out Fray Check or somethin' like it for this shirt and maybe try out the zig-zag or french seam in the future...

so excited about being able to make clothes (and the fact that they fit!!)

[bruisinraincloud]

oh my!

you did a great job!!!

[aziita]

that blouse is freacking gorgeous i'd wear it everyday!
cheers*
i think the best way to keep the edges from fraying if u don't have the overlock machine (actually i don't know how u call it but in mexico we call it over lol...) is the french seams, cuz zig zag can help but fabric stills frays a little