Keep cool with jersey

Made this shirt yesterday in half-darkness. Certainly couldn't open the blinds too far, because the sun would beat down directly on the floor. Couldn't run too many lights, because electricity generates heat as well.

This jersey I found at Hilco (nice fabric outlet store for clothing and curtains, although their very small quantity of quilt fabric seems to be quite old, link is http://www.hilco.de/ look under Privatkunden).
It sewed up like a dream. I've always rather struggled with knits, but today I was determined to use the right tools, tension, etc. and develop this skill.
First I drafted a pattern from a shirt that fit nicely. Folded it in half, laid it on a large piece of paper, and traced the important elements. That made 2 pieces, a sleeve and a body. No need for collars, I'll add those details later.
On the body pattern piece I marked several options: at least 3 different lengths, and I marked the back piece and the front piece on the same pattern. Then I added 3 different neckline styles.
This finished shirt has the shortest length and the widest neckline. I think I'll add an even narrower neckline, maybe a collar or two as well.  But I won't make any more changes until I've worn this shirt and washed it a few times - make sure it really works well for me.
The best thing about sewing this shirt is using the jersey. Woven fabric can be tugged a little to fit those little differences in cut, but jersey is so supple it can be stretched and smoothed to fit.
I used the Bernina overlock foot 2A and the basic overlock stitch. That is the same stitch that serger sewing machines use, but is on my domestic machine. There's a tiny little pin that the fabric goes underneath, and the overlock stitch really covers the edge of the fabric.
The neckband was easiest of all. I pieced some strips together, and sewed it on just like a quilt binding, only easier, because there were no corners and I could stretch the binding any direction I wanted.
The hems I finished with a stretchy decorative stitch. 

Here's a video of the overlock stitch in action.