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

[vita]

I thought it's about time I say hello. I have been subscribing to your blog through bloglines for a while. I love reading it, looking at your photos & getting inspired by things you & your family did. Thanks for sharing a little bit of you.

[simplybysandi]

The shirt is cute, if the pockets don't strike your fancy you could resort to the good ol' seam ripper and off they come. Then a pocket or two of a different fabric, maybe a cute vintage print with birds on it(hint. hint) perhaps. Just a thought.

I just love your blog. I check it out every time I'm on the computer. Can't wait for the book to come out! Thanks for the calming read at the end of a hectic day.

[Carla]

Unwanted Pockets: take 'em off. Run the shirt through the washer and dryer. Iron. See if it doesn't look better.

[r-dean]

The top is kewl, but I have to admit I was caught by your boots. Those are awesome. I have a similar pair - dressy, all black leather - but these in the green and brown heels - so nice! Can I ask, where you got them? Thanks!

[Abby]

Ohhh I luv this shirt. It is beautiful. If you think it is too barberish maybe you could add a colour or tone change to the pockets??
I would wear it as is though it looks comfy and stylish.
luv Abby

[Katharine]

Ooh, I need a shirt like that for school. I'm forever dotting back and forward to my desk for rubbers (erasers to you!), sharpeners etc. Those pockets would be just the thing! The colour's really lovely too.

[melissa]

um...i like the shirt...but where do i get those boots?????? they are dreamy.

[kate]

maybe you could add small flaps that come over the pockets and button down? then they wouldn''t look SO much like barber pockets.... but that truly is a cute shirt, still!

[Christina]

Love what you did with the pattern! And the color, well I am really drawn to it...I think I really like it a lot! Not sure about the pockets though ;) But it is way cute!

[katie]

i love it all amanda, especially the pockets. the length is perfect too. i think this will be the new fad! really, it is great!

[Susan]

As a nurse I can tell that you that pockets are often a necessity! Cute top!

[Lissilulu]

I still think it is cute....too funny about the feelings of it being a barber shirt though.
I finally held onto one of the Giddy-Up skirts I have designed and been sewing long enough to get a photo....i am sooo excited about how it turned out and how everyone is liking it...specially the little girls. :o)
come pop over to my blog if ya get a second and tell me what ya think.
Lori

[Marianne]

I LOVE the Barber Bill picture!! It was unexpected and hilarious!!

I love all your photography really.

[Meg]

You made me laugh today! The barber bill pictures are too funny to me. I like the top and I could use a haircut. But something tells me that your job as a writer is working out fine.

[Simone]

I didn't read all the way throuhg everyone's suggestion but my thought was to make the pockets even bigger! With a pleat and a button. Poufy, even. I find that it's true sometimes when I don't like a design I'm working on, I make everything bigger or way smaller. PS. Or I vote for a little embroidery if you decide not to go poufy on the pockets. Thanks for sharing with us!

[suzy]

I made this pattern up for the first time yesterday, and my effort looks a bit like a children's art smock. I like yours though - and embroidery would be really cute.

[Emma]

But how could you not comment on those amazing and gorgeous shoes (boots?)???

[nicole]

how great this is, really.

[emma]

I'm loving the pockets! But then again, I'm a pocket-sort of girl. And those boots...

[Jennifer]

You crack me up. Love the shot with the tools of the trade standing at the ready! I'm willing to bet you could cut hair better than most of us, man!

[Siri]

I made a plain, reddish, linen-blend version of this top, leaving the elastic out of the sleeves, but haven't blogged about it, partly because of time constraints but also partly because I think it needs a little something more. Maybe embroidery around the neck or on the sleeves?
I bet Barber Bill's apron doesn't have a gathered neck,now does it, and it certainly wouldn't have gathered sleeve hems, so maybe you could try putting the elastic into the sleeves on this one?

[robin]

Ooo!! I'm a beautician-close to barber!! I'll take that shirt off your hands:) Ha! Such a funny post, but the shirt is darling as-is, I like the addition of the pockets. Cute AND handy!! <3

[Ana G.]

Although long time reader, it's my first comment, from across the ocean.

Love your work, it's always an inspiration. Keep up adding your personal modifications, they make all the difference! And about the barber job, I REALLY don't think you'll need it...but do keep the pockets, they're gorgeous!

[brandie]

wait a minute! i really like it. gray is so my color scheme as of late (okay, forever). i totally dig the shirt. need to try to make a shirt someday soon. for real.

[emily ruth]

oh you are too funny!...love the shirt & i am almost inspired to make one myself...almost:)

[Lisa Clarke]

I'm not sure about the pockets either - would need to see the whole shirt all together. But I think the longer sleeves is a great idea and I may have to try that myself. I'm a huge fan of that pattern myself, as anyone wandering through my flickr photos could probably guess ;-)

[littlem]

It just needs some hot red ribbon across the top of the pockets to make it girlie :-)

[Hannah]

I had an art teacher who said that there is a point in every work at which the artist should be shot. Not that the work is bad, just that we inevitably take things to far and screw the whole thing up.
On the other hand, maybe a little rick-rack could save it from Barber Bill-dom!
Coincidentally, someone just sent me this, which does not support the pocket cause:
http://bp3.blogger.com/_8KVGEZEUltI/Rw-MqO2S0qI/AAAAAAAAAVs/aldhlorjTVE/s1600-h/77-20.jpg

[Julie]

That second picture is TOO MUCH!

[lindsey]

please do tell: where are can i get those boots?

[Kelly]

I LOVE this! I think you've got minimalism nailed, frankly. I'm currently going through a love for that look as well, and working on my own minimalist tunic dress. We'll see how it goes.

P.S. Oh, and I love the pockets. Adds just that little bit of texture and interest. Perfecto.

[Terra]

I loooove that shirt and I think the pockets are perfect! I am going to have to go make one for myself. Love the solid fabric but I would probably add just one tiny piece of embroidery somewhere, maybe on one of the pockets, like a half or a quarter inch flower or something. Great inspiration.

[Amber]

I love this photo set up with the clippers in the hand!

I can just imagine how many other moms have cried after visiting their own Barber Bill...

[kjerstiye]

I just posted on my blog about how this shirt inspired me to make one of my own this last weekend.

thanks!

[jessica]

cute shirt. but who makes those boots??? i'm in love.

[amy*lou]

i'm just learning to use my sewing machine and seeing how cute it looks on you is very inspiring. love the boots as well! :)