So much for super-productivity yesterday! I spent most of Friday and Saturday hunched over my computer, my sewing machine, the ironing board, a table full of pattern envelopes to stuff… and by Sunday afternoon my neck was seriously sore. Blogging and sewing can be hazardous to your health!
I like to think I’m some sort of superwoman and can keep going at full speed, seven days a week. Eventually, your body tells you it’s time to take a break! On that note, it’s important to make your workspace comfortable, whether it’s your sewing station or your computer station or even the table you stand at to stuff pattern envelopes. It’s not just for your own enjoyment, but for your health. I’ve been standing to work at my computer, standing to stuff patterns and it’s taken quite a toll on my neck. So, if you’re reading this post in an uncomfortable or strained position – get comfortable!
Speaking of necks, I did manage to fix the neckline on Mr Sewaholic’s shirt though!
If you remember from last update, here’s what it looked like: 
Here’s what I did to fix it. The fitting changes are still not done, but we’re much closer!
First, I seam-ripped the collar from the shirt muslin. This way I could see where the neckline would actually fall on the body. (I could see where the neckline seam was, because I machine-stitched all of my seamlines when I made the muslin. This is where that comes in handy!)
Then, we put the muslin back on Mr Sewaholic. Once the collar was off, the fit issues of the neckline were more obvious! We could see that the neck was riding up at the centre back, not the front. 
We’re looking at the shirt in the mirror so we can see all angles.
Next, I took a marking pen and drew in the new neckline, based on where the muslin started to bunch around his neck.
After that, we took off the muslin, and I stitched in the newly-marked neck seamline (quickly, before the marker faded!)
Then I clipped the seam allowance to the new neckline, so that it would lie properly around his neck.
And then we tried it on again!
Now you can see the yoke lies flat across the back of his shoulders, and the neckline fits around his neck without bunching. Much better! 
The next steps are to figure out how much to add to the collar and collar stand, so that it fits the new neckline. We’ll measure our old neckline, then measure the new neckline, and add the difference to the collar pattern pieces. (More on this tomorrow!)
I’m still not convinced this will be perfect, and I really want his shirt to be just right! So I will likely make up a second muslin of just the neck and shoulder area, to make sure our pattern alterations are correct.
More shirt updates to come this week!
PS. There were some problems with blog post updates by email, over the last couple of days none of the update emails went out. Everything should be working properly now, thanks Maureen for letting me know!
Ah! So much better. From experience I’ll tell you that you’re probably going to have to add more to the collar than you think you will. My theory is that men’s collars eat inches of fabric for breakfast, so you have to give them a little more so they are satisfied. :p
The shirt is lookin’ good! I am definitely keeping this series in the back of my mind as I’m hoping to buy the new Colette Patterns shirt pattern and make my husband a few shirts next year.
Yes, blogging and sewing–especially when combined–can be a health hazard! lol. who knew?! But I have had more sore neck/back days since I started doing this more often. Like you, I tend to get caught up in the “super woman” mentality and not let myself have some r&r every so often. I’m just not good about knowing when to put on the breaks, as it were. ;) lol.
‚ô• Casey | blog
I was always nagging at my kids to sit properly when they were doing anything (like homework, drawing). That’s something that got hammered into me by my grandmother. Seems that no-one cares about this anymore. It does make a difference to the health of your back and neck! Yes, I do slouch, just like everyone else, but the least little ouch from my body, and I’m adjusting my chair, sitting up straighter. A little “exercise” break helps too. Stand tall. Swing your arms in full circles – a few times backward, a few times forward, stretching them the whole time. Kind of aligns your back, and then you’re ready for more sitting at the sewing machine, computer, or whatever.
Oh, it’s looking good!
Interesting that the fit issue with the neck was more obvious *without* the collar. I will definitely keep that in mind next time I’m fitting a shirt—for me or the hubby. :)
I spent a good chunk of last evening kneeling on the living-room floor doing hand-sewing on the coffee table… speaking of non-ergonomic sewing behaviour. >_<
Thanks so much for putting in the link to the “last update”. I hadn’t gotten it. I finally finished a blouse for myself this past summer. I had to make the neckline bigger. Those who made comments about having to add a LOT to the new collar were right. I was really surprised.
I am fascinated by collar and lapel tailoring, so all info is appreciated.
And recalling our history, many of the famous first struggles for workplace improvement and safety by women were in the sewing and garment industry. It may seem a genteel activity but as we know, sewing can be very hard on the body. Everyone is right. lots of breaks and stretching are key to continued health.
I’ve had an “aha” fitting moment thanks to you. I always believed those centre back wrinkles were caused by my broad shoulders. Thank you! Unfortunately I’m not in good sewing shape because I fell down the stairs at home on Saturday night. (Lesson learned-do not attempt to change purses on stairs, in heels, when rushing to go out for dinner!) The concussion has set me back but I know I’ll be “right as rain” for your Pendrell Sew-Along.
This is so very helpful! Thanks you for taking the time to step us through these fit issues. I love the idea of sewing for my husband but the fit issues scare me! ;)
It’s amazing how obvious the fitting issue was when you removed the collar! I’ll definitely be keeping that in mind the next time I make a blouse – I shudder to think how many needless adjustments I’ve made over the years.
The shirt is looking great, Tasia! I’m really looking forward to the next Sewaholic pattern. A dress? A skirt??
I’m enjoying these posts, because I’m planning to make my husband the new Colette shirt pattern sometime this winter. The poor guy can’t get shirts to fit (he’s quite tall, with long arms) so I promised to try and make him one. I can’t wait to see the results!
Great photo’s. It sure explains a lot now that I see it. I also understand sewers pains. A nice little project I discovered years ago helps me. I make heating pads from a terry cloth hand towel & rice. Two minutes in the microwave gives about 15 minutes of heat on a sore neck, back or shoulder.
Oh, that looks much better. I’m impressed with the great fitting you’re doing with this shirt. :)
You see, that’s why I can’t imagine making a shirt for my boyfriend – he just wouldn’t stand still long enough for me to make adjustment markings, let alone take a photo!!
Good reminder about sitting/standing comfortably – I’m sure I’m not the only one adjusting my posture as I read this…