Mini-Log Cabin block & Shirt Pattern review

I was a little late to get sewing, but I joined in the Sew Can She mini-log cabin block sew-along.  I am not a quilter but this little 4.5" block looked like one I could manage.  Caroline walked us through selecting fabrics,  cutting our fabrics, sewing the blocks and finally making something.  I appreciated the tutorials and tips!

I have been wanting some new t-shirts and thought my little block would make a nice pocket. I love pattern & tutorials that Its Always Autumn has put together for her Easy Tee.  I haven't sewn Autumn's pattern yet, but used her Peter Pan collar on my trusted Jocole Mix & Match Ladies shirt pattern.  I have made 4 of these Jocole shirts and have adapted the neckline and length for my body.  I've added 1.25" to each side of the shoulder and shortened it by 4" in the front, tapering down in the back for a high-low hemline.  It's hard to give up a good thing!

I added the pocket to the front shirt panel before starting the shirt construction.  Another modification I make to the Jocole pattern is adding clear elastic to the shoulder and arm seams.  This was recommended in another free t-shirt pattern, the Blank Canvas Tee from 3 Hours Past on Craftsy. I like the stability it gives the seams and I add it while serging the seam.  After sewing the shoulder seams, it is time to add your collar.

Autumn provides the front collar template and I traced the back neckline, adding 2.5" length to pattern the back collar piece.  I really like the bias binding on the neckline and love the punch of color it adds inside.  My fabric was a light-weight slub knit, so next time I would add light interfacing to the collar for more structure. 

To finish my hems, I serged the edges then slip-stitched them.  I wanted to give my shirt a special finish and love the results.  All 5 of us are getting over influenza, so you'll have to live with dress-form pictures for this one. 

Thanks, Caroline and Sew Can She for a fun sew-along.  I learned how to make a mini-log cabin block and how to add a collar to a t-shirt.  Check out the other entries on Facebook  or the SCS blog.