/curved hem

6.19.2012

Oh hey! It's me again- remember? The girl who hasn't blogged in four months?

I figured it was about time to get back to writing in this space!
Right now I have a little curved hem action for you.

I suppose they're usually referred to as high-low hems, and you have probably seen them around. Because they have been aroooound  lately.
Here are some of my favorites:

Daryl Shirt by Ilana Kohn, Townson Top at Need Supply Co., Parrot silk dresss by Beyond the Valley







You know those things you buy that you know don't fit or look super great, but you get them anyway because you believe you're some altering/styling wizard that gets these things done overnight?

Right.
That explains this oversized men's shirt I bought last year. It remained on my garment rack for many, many months.
Something had to be done. Something quick, so I could just get it over with already.





Let me tell you, this was a super swift makeover. Faster than lightning.

You'll need a French curve, which looks like this:



1) Choose and mark your high (center front) and mid (side) points, measuring to make sure the side points are equal. You may want to do this while wearing the shirt, so you don't end up exposing half your ribcage. (Unless you want to- that's cool too.) Be sure to factor in a seam allowance; in this case 1/2" is perfect for a simple rolled hem.
Lay the shirt flat and position the French curve to taste. Mark the curve where it meets the CF and side point with a dry-erase marker or one of those overhead pens. Match the markings on the curve at the same points on the opposite side, making a mirror image.

2) Turn the shirt over to the back side. Match side points same as front and mark the center back near the hem. Repeat the marking process with the French curve.

3) Cut away, and hem!
I did a little rolled hem. In case you need a bit of a refresher, Jen at Grainline explains an easy roll hem very nicely here.

I have to admit, this is one trend I am totally behind. On a classic button-down, it might just stand the test of time!

seymour.
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