not even close

I know that "simple" in a beautiful minimalist kind of way is really hard to do right. Martha so rocks it. And Sally, too. I had both of them in mind with the making of this shirt. It's Built By Wendy's Simplicity 3835, which I do love very much (and which, for the record, has brought me success in the past - here and here). This crisp grey cotton I purchased for it was a direct result of channeling said ladies at the fabric store. And changing out the sleeves on the shirt pattern with the sleeves on the dress pattern - that was all good (and Sally's idea, if I remember correctly). I added a little length to the shirt too. Really - all was good at that point and I should have stopped right there.  But I was on a roll with all my little modifications and couldn't leave well enough alone. So I forged ahead with the addition of the pockets. And you know - the pockets may be fine, I don't know. But all I can see when I look at those pockets is Barber Bill. Barber Bill - from the old-school neighborhood barbershop where Steve's grandfather had his hair cut, and where we took Calvin for his first hair cut at 2 years old. The hair cut which made me cry for two subsequent weeks because it was way too short, and well, just way too wrong. Oh, Barber Bill.

But I'm not getting rid of the shirt just yet. Because if this gig as a writer doesn't work out, I'll be halfway to my uniform as a barber. Whether or not I could cut hair - well, who really knows about that. My guess is no. But at least I'll have a sweet barber shirt.

Buzz cut, anyone?

Comments

[erin]

well, i like it. and i do need a haircut....

[betsy]

love. this. post.

Good to have a back-up plan but something tells me this gig as a writer is going to work out just fine. xo

[melody]

I just could not figure out from the sitting picture what you had done to that cute little top, to make you not like it. I think it's sweet. And I'm not saying that I don't like the pockets but maybe a strip of grey print at the top of them or some grey ric rac would help. I personally think ric rac always makes things better.

[Mary Beth]

I love it, especially in the top picture. The pockets are okay too, but I totally understand getting something fixed in your head and then you can't stand it. I can't wait to make this top myself.

[jean]

i LOVE this! when I saw the first pic on Flickr I thought you had buzzed yourself. Phew. Martha's stuff makes me swoon.

[blackbird]

Melody is right!
Ric rac would help...
I've looked at that pattern many times and thought - it needs different sleeves, and to be slightly longer. And then I don't buy it.

[Jessica]

I love this top! But I agree with others, maybe some rick rack, or even a cool applique would really send it over the top!

[Eren]

The pockets remind me of my father in law's linen traditional Mexican shirts he wears...and he is not a barber, he is a physician. Love this honest post!!!

[sally]

Oh, Amanda! This post made me laugh so hard! I love your new top. And the addition of the pockets is fantastic [so handy for storing all those odds and ends we mamas always have in our pockets/purses]. But if you do decide to pursue the barber route, you'd be one cute barber! =)

[Shelba]

Oh my gosh, you are funny. Barber Bill. I really like the top and think that you look great in it, honestly.

[Alicia A.]

OK- I'm seeing a tie at the waist, maybe in a brighter contrasting color, to girlie it up a little, with an a-line skirt and boots. Totally fixable, Bill- er, I mean, Amanda.

[Nic]

Where you see barber, I just see really cool top in great fabric. I like the uniform studio look of the top. An alternative would be to wear it back to front, and have them as back pockets.

[Qalballah]

Could you remove the pockets? lol but it does look good .

[Natalie]

Humor is healthy. You will go far. And the top is pretty... try switching props, like holding paint brushes, or all the goodies your children collect on your next nature walk...

[Crisanne]

Love the shirt! I agree that those pockets would be oh so helpful on nature walks. Maybe a little embroidery or ribbon/ric rac would help take the barber thoughts out of your head.

[julia]

oh i love it. this pattern really just can't go wrong, no matter what.

[UNIFORM Studio]

I don't think barber bill would have such rockin' shoes:)
I like it -alot. pair it with a skirt and you'll you'll be promoted from barber to stylist!
xoxo

[The Simple Family]

If your kids are like mine, those pockets will hold rocks, pinecones, feathers, toys and half-eaten suckers.

[Zoe Krylova]

i like it, and it will come in handy when crafting, you can stick spools and buttons and a tape measure in those pockets. or when you're outside with the kids, so many things will find their way into those pockets. celebrate the pockets!

[Jenn]

Oh my, I too laughed - out loud while reading this post.:) Oy - know the feeling there, of forging ahead with alterations... to reach the end and, well... whoopsie. But I do agree about the ric rac, or maybe even a sweet little embroidered something-something...dunno, all hope is not lost though. Don't fret. Thanks for the chuckle and sweetness. I am smiling. :)

[hannah]

ha! i have this on my to sew pile just waiting in some crisp blue shirting. maybe i will skip the pockets?

[Stefani]

Well it takes a pretty hot tamale to pull of a barber shirt, but dang if you didn't get it done! Seriously, the shirt is really adorable. I love it! But then... I don't know Bill :-)

[Keri]

You're wearing a shirt? Because all I can see are those TOTALLY ROCKIN' BOOTS!!!!!!!

[heather]

you rock the shirt as is... for sure. but i do like what alicia a. suggested.

you could always embroider "channeling barber bill" across the top of one pocket. in just a few tones lighter than the color of the shirt, like a secret message... but i strongly advise you stay very clear of taking fashion advice from me! ;)

[brianna]

oh I like the pockets! boots too : ) and the fabric choice is awesome. I feel you with the struggling with the "simpleness". I'm always like...should I put some bright Amy Butler fabric on this?!? haha. But I adore the simple too : )

[michelle]

I thought some tiny embroidered flowers along the top of the pockets.

I'm not very good at simple, wish I was.

[tracy]

hmmmm. i like it. a lot. (not sure what that says about me??) i am sooo much about pockets one can put stray lego, feathers, coins, whatever else may be on my livingroom floor into! xo

[geek+nerd]

*laughs* the last picture looks exactly like one of my dad's dental laboratory smocks! It looks cute on you though!

[kjerstiye]

it's totally retro. in a dental hygenist/ hair colourist circa. 1954 kinda way.

you meant to do that, right?

[Emily/ Five Flowers]

It still rocks girl. A little embellishment maybe? It's perfect for baby supply carrying and such. But I know that barber bill feeling... too funny!

[Tee tee]

One must kept their options open...tee hee!

[Jennifer]

I love the idea about embroidering "Channeling Barber Bill" on one of the pockets. It will make you laugh every time you wear it! Brilliant, Heather!!!

I totally need more information about those awesome boots...

And, seriously, I am freaking addicted to your blog. You & your family are so dear & lovely. :)

[Kristina]

I think a small embroidery would really add a lot to this shirt. But a very simple one, nothing too big or intricate.

PS (love the blog)

[kendra]

I agree about Keri, I didn't notice the shirt because I was staring at those awesome boots! I love them! Where did you get them? I'm in dire need of a new pair of boots....my last loves had to be thrown away in a very sad state last year :(

[SOULEMAMA]

Thanks for all the shirt love - it's nice to know I have a few back up options! Barber! Dentist! SO much more! ;)

The shoes - for those asking - are by Miz Mooz. They're a few years old. And they might rival blog appearances with my children, I wear them that much. ;) I adore them. And they're getting beat. Time for some new ones!

www.infinityshoes.com is my favorite source for Miz Mooz once you figure out your size.

[alicia]

Yes- love the boots. Good jeans too. And I dig the shirt.

[~Colette~]

I love it !!! Do you know how handy pockets are to a mother?! :) Especailly when I have that one skirt on that doesn't have pockets!

[amanda]

With your clippers in hand--ha! That is too funny. You rock it, mama. Pockets are handy.

[Jess]

The pockets need a little embelishment or maybe the hem of the shirt and then it would be really cute. But I like the pockets.

[Grace]

so funny. i also found it funny that you had all those barber supplies on hand for your photo shoot. the little hair cutting scissors. and the clippers! fab.

[julie]

Forget the shirt. Tell me about the boots. Those are the most awesome boots ever!

[Heather]

Put some embroidery or contrasting fabric patches on those pockets and you'll be set. Or start hunting for twin joeys. I do love your barber shirt idea, though!

[Visty]

Evil Barber Bill! But I would venture to say he did not have such a pretty neckline on his shirt.

[RonikaLeigh]

Ha, how funny that I am reading your entry today wearing the mini dress from that pattern! I finished making the dress last night and wore it to work today over a pair of jeans. I made it out of broadcloth cotton, red with tiny white hearts! I currently don't have a serger so my seams are finished with zig zag. I love the fabric choice and how you played around with the pattern to make it your own. FABULOUS!

[camerashymomma]

i agree with the idea of contrasting color for the pockets. every mama needs a set of pockets! make it girly and less barber bill (you are hilarious by the way!) with some hand embroidery on those pockets or some fun vintage fabric. isnt' it funny how memories taint us? i think you rock for posting this! you've gotten alot of good ideas here. and PS- sweet boots!

[Kristy]

I love the fabric and the way the top hangs.I think the pockets might have worked better if they were square and not rounded and maybe even right at the sides (over the seams)? You could even had binded the top edge of the pocket in the same fabric.Just a few ideas.I hope you don't mind?!

[Suzanne]

I like it--all you need is one of those Brber Poles in the red, white and blue and you'll be all set for your new profession...LOL!

[bekka]

yup, got to say that i love the boots, too. fabulous green. my favorite shade, even. the shirt is lovely, but on to the boots!

[heather]

uh oh... my monitor was left on with your site open, scrolled down to the second photo... my daughter just went over to use the computer and said "mommy, what's soulemama doing with a razor, scissors, and a barber coat?" i. kid. you. not.

[Persephone]

I love the stuff you create, Soulemama. :) I'm not sure if you want advice or not, but if you do, here's what I would do: I'd add a pretty ribbon trim to the pockets, and MAYBE the sleeves. And a colorful ribbon in what appears to be a drawstring neckline. But then that could be because I"m not a fan of that particular color, and think it needs to be brightened up a bit.

I think the pockets are cute, though. :)

Off to check out those blogs!