Scout Tee Forever!
Ok, I feel I should preface this post with a bit of backstory. The week before I made these shirts I had been making a lot of sewing mistakes. Repeatedly. Dumb mistakes. And I should know better.
For example I was sewing a bag, a large tote bag with lots of pockets. I totally messed up the outside zipper pockets. I read the instructions wrong or mixed up the illustrations. In the end, I had to re-do several steps before I could continue.
Then I worked on a baby romper for a friend. In my defense, one of the pattern pieces was mislabeled so I marked the wrong spot to attach ruffles. But I can’t blame a typo for mixing up my ruffles and I swear to thread I sewed that damn bodice with that super tricky elastic onto the bottom part of the romper three times! Ugh. And I have to do it again! 
…with those setbacks in mind I felt I needed a “quick win” and what better pattern to use than Grainline’s Scout Tee.
(Precious Scout Tee, too good for this world, too pure…)
“When in doubt, make a Scout” should be carved on my gravestone.
I made these two Scouts over a couple of days and it’s nice to just have a simple project to get your sewjo back.
The Fabric: I can squeeze a Scout out of less than a yard of fabric which makes it a great candidate for stash busting. Both of these fabrics are leftovers from previous projects.
The gray top is a printed cotton jersey I bought from the Cloth Pocket sometime last year. This is my first knit scout and I used the same size I normally cut and it worked out fine. The only problem with this fabric is that the grainline is so janky and sideways I had difficulty figuring out how to lay the fabric straight. 
The brown chevron version uses leftover rayon challis from this romper from last year. I had to drown this stuff in starch, it was so shifty, and I was forced to cut one of the sleeves out a second time because it was so oddly shaped.
The Changes: Nothing major. I tried a new technique on the knit top neckline. I sewed the binding so if folded over to the right side, stitched it down and left the raw edge free.
It rolls up on itself and I think it makes a cool effect. Oh, and did I mention that I totally sewed the binding on the wrong way the first attempt because I am why I can’t have nice things? 
I also tried a technique that my friend Susan recommended to first adhere some Stitch Witchery in the hems as a stabilizer and then sew over it with a twin needle. It helps prevent that ridge you sometimes get with twin needles and makes for a crisp hem without making it too stiff.
On the rayon top I cut the neckline about 3/4″ lower for some reason I don’t remember.
The Results: Ugh, sometimes you just need something to work. Something familiar and safe. If there’s comfort sewing like there’s comfort food then the Scout is my buttery mashed potatoes.
Two great makes there. I always make a skirt when I want a successful make from my favourite Ottobre pattern
Thanks Joanne! I wish I had a good go-to skirt pattern.
The Scout is one of my favorite reliable patterns too. Love the neckline on the knit one. I will definitely try that. And the tip to stabilize the hem before stitching with the twin needle – that ridge always bugs me!
Thanks, Noelle!
I totally agree! I just made two scouts last week. I haven’t yet made a jersey one though. http://alittlepinchofsalt.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/crafty-grainline-scout-tee-x2.html
Thanks, I looked at your versions – they’re great – but I couldn’t comment. I got some error about how Disqus wouldn’t load. :/
Aw no! Thanks for letting me know! I think that I have sorted it out – had to remove Disqus though. 😛
Yes! The Scout is what I pull out when I can’t figure out what to do with a fabric. I’ve even been thinking of trying it sleeveless… wonder how that would work. These are both cute tops!
It probably would work sleeveless because the armhole curve is so well drafted, but I’ve never tried it. Thanks!
Cute tops! I’ve only made one scout, but I really love it, the shape is fantastic. Yours look great!
Thank you, Monica!
ooh! love these two tops- so simple and so wearable- definitely going to be getting this pattern 🙂
Thanks! Yes, I definitely recommend this pattern.
I feel like the real star in all of this is the pinky ring…
😛
Scout is next on my list after everyone talking Scouts at the last meetup! I especially love your rayon one.
Also, those sandals with the rainbow straps! Adorable!
And that necklace! Where is that necklace from? I’ve been wanting something similar, but am finding it surprisingly difficult to find.
Thanks and thanks! I made that necklace. It’s just three wood beads on a length of wire attached to a chain. I think I got the beads at Sea of Beads or some place like that.
I love these tops, I never made the scout tee, I always go for plantain, it fits really well, so why change it. I just really like to read about people making clothes to wear on a regular basis.
Thanks! I haven’t tried the Plantain yet, but I want to. The Scout it good if you want a woven t-shirt. I think the Plantain is only for knits.
I think the Rayon one is so pretty! I love when something can be dressed up or down!