Sew: Tessuti Mandy Boat Tee

I have no words to describe this simple but soon to be much loved striped Mandy Boat Tee. It is simple perfection. That is all.

Project Details
Pattern: Tessuti Mandy Boat Tee
Fabric: Yin & Yang Ebony viscose spandex knit from Tessuti (deep stash)
Alterations: Lengthened sleeves by 10cm, slashed and spread sleeve by 2.5cm
See Also: Sew Brunswick #1 | Made by Melanie | Funkbunny | Thornberry

Sew: Tessuti Kate top & By Hand London Flora skirt

My cousin got married last weekend on the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula. I picked up this amazing Max Mara cotton sateen from Tessuti Melbourne way back in October with good intentions to get cracking on this outfit. I knew I wanted to make a two piece outfit with a full A-line skirt and a cropped tank top. And that's as far as I got...

I finally bought the patterns on New Year's Eve. I also got the netting to underline the skirt. My plan was to crank it out while the boys were on holidays with my parents (hello, camping at the beach!). Instead I went out a few nights with my husband, as you do when you don't have the kids. I also spent a few nights stuck on the couch with Netflix, just because. I then got sick with some nasty virus which rendered me bed-ridden for a few days. And then the boys were back!

Once I did start, I encountered numerous problems with the skirt. I'd folded a good 20cm of width out of the skirt flare and didn't re-do the curve of the waistband. Rookie mistake. So when it came to attaching the waistband to the skirt, there were massive folds of fabric at the hip near the waistband. The fabric wanted to bunch up. I knew something was off in this area as the angle at the side seam - waistline corner was too sharp. So I unpicked the waistband, side seam invisible zip and re-drew the waistline curve. Removing 5cm off the top of the waist at the side seam and tapering it back to the existing centre front. I then re-inserted the zip and re-attached the waistband. Outfit saved!

I finished the outfit at 11am on the day of the wedding. We dropped the boys with friends at midday and drove to Geelong for the wedding. Close call! I'm pleased to report I wasn't hand stitching in the car on the way. My grandmother was famous for doing that!

The top was no trouble at all. I made quite a few alterations (see below) and hemmed it temporarily so I can unpick it to return it to a more everyday length.

I most likely won't wear this outfit again as a complete set but I really want to wear the individual pieces frequently. I've already worn the skirt to work this week, paired with a white t-shirt and black flats.

Project Details - Top
Pattern: Tessuti Kate Top, view B, size L
Fabric: Cotton sateen from Tessuti Melbourne
Alterations: Straightened and shortened hem by 12cm, removed 4cm from back neckline, omitted back opening and side splits, turned binding to the inside
See also: Boo Dogg & Me | Bombazine | Thornberry | Barbara Jane Made

Project Details - Skirt 
Pattern: By Hand London Flora Dress (skirt front pattern piece only), UK size 18
Fabric: Cotton sateen from Tessuti Melbourne
Alterations: Removed about 20cm from front and back width, reshaped waistline curve, added straight 4cm wide waistband, topstitched Mokuba ribbon to waistband
See also: Closet Case Files | By Hand London

Sew: Simplicity 1366 top in Japanese Cotton

I'm back with another project that has sat 95% done for a few months, waiting for me to hem it. I accidentally scorched the fabric on the back while doing the neckline so it was sent to the naughty corner for a while. 

I made the same neckline alteration to this top as my stripey version. I lengthened the body by 10cm and left the sleeves as per the pattern. I prefer the sleeves slightly shorter like the stripe top so will shorten the sleeves in future makes. They sit right at the elbow which is a bit awkward.

The fabric was from Tessuti Melbourne way back in February. It is a beautiful soft waffle cotton that I couldn't go past.

Project Details
Pattern: Simplicity 1366, size 18
Fabric: Japanese waffle cotton from Tessuti Melbourne
Alterations: Removed 3 cm from both the front and back neckline, lengthened body by 10cm.
See Also: Sew Brunswick #1 | Ada Spragg | Lily Sage & Co | Bedlam + Bird

There's one more S1366 top hanging somewhere around waiting for a neckline binding.

L x

Sew: Simplicity 1366 Stripe Top

This top has been a long time coming but I finally got my act together and hemmed it on Saturday afternoon. About 5 minutes after we were due to leave for a birthday party...

I made my first Simplicity 1366 a few months ago in a floral sateen and it has terrible neck gape issues. I ended up putting a pleat in the back neckline but it's not ideal and I don't wear it. This neck gape issue is not a new problem for me but I'm a slow learner. Solving this problem on this style of top was a bit tricky as I had no bust dart to slash and spread to allow me to fold out the excess from the neckline. I played around with the paper pattern and ended up folding out 3cm from the neckline (both front and back) by running the fold all the way from the neckline to the corner of the side seam and hem. This worked a treat!

The fabric is a thick knit from Gardams in Brisbane that I bought at Christmas. It was bought for a skirt but the recovery is not good so it was re-directed to a top. The neckline binding is a strip of white jersey from the stash.

Project Details
Pattern: Simplicity 1366, size 18
Fabric; Striped double knit from Gardams
Alterations: Removed 3cm from both front and back neckline, lengthened body by 5cm, shortened sleeves by 2.5cm.
See Also: Ernest Flagg | Blogless Anna | Mixed Emotions | Groovy Baby & Mama

I have a few more of these tops on the go. So you might see them on the blog in the next year or so!

Sew: Tessuti Alice Top in White Linen and Lace

I've decided I'm just going to blog my recent makes without waiting for decent "blog worthy". Life is just a bit hectic and I miss blogging so I'm just going to post my finished garments. Also if I don't blog them, I forget what I've done. These photos are from a few months ago. I was not walking around recently in bare legs and arms!

This is my first real attempt at the Tessuti Alice pattern. I made a quick and dirty muslin for size and didn't even bother attaching the sleeve bands. There was a lot of talk going around the interwebs about how large this pattern ran. I usually make a size L-XL in Tessuti patterns but going on what other people were saying I decided to try a medium. Despite my measurements being in the XL range for this pattern I got a perfect fit with a size M. So if you haven't heard it before, go down a size or two in this pattern.

The lace is a remnant I picked up at Tessuti Melbourne when H was a newborn (4 years ago). It's been sitting there waiting for the perfect combo. I finally settled on a linen and lace yoked top and chose the Tessuti Alice top pattern.

Project Details
Pattern: Tessuti Alice Top, size M
Fabric: Cotton lace remnant and medium weight white linen from Tessuti Fabrics Online
See Also: The Little Miss Gee Story | Ada Spragg | Boo Dogg and Me | Nearest The Pin

So there you have it! A completely seasonally inappropriate blog post to get me back on the wagon.

More soon!

L x

Sew: Tessuti Brigitte Tee in Jaywalk

More Jaywalk!! Don't worry it's almost finished. Almost.

Just as I was cutting out my Mandy Boat Tee, Tessuti released their new Brigitte Top pattern. I realised I could sneak the Brigitte Top out of the side of the Mandy Boat Tee. I now have only one small piece of Jaywalk left. I think what I love most about the Jaywalk fabric is that the black and ecru stripes aren't as harsh as black and white stripes. The combination is much easier to style and wear.

Now back to the pattern. Seriously, I think Tessuti designs patterns just for me (oh, and the rest of you can use them too!). Each one I've tried is perfect on me. They match my style and personality and most of all, my favourite fabric choices. Thanks Tessuti! Love your work.

The Brigitte Top is described by Tessuti as "a fitted, classic boat neck (bateau) top with set-in sleeves. The pattern includes four alternate sleeve length options - cap, elbow, three-quarter and full length. Suitable fabrics include stretch jersey or light weight ponti." My perfect top pattern. Simple yet stylish.

It all came together smoothly and quickly, especially after making the Mandy Boat Tee which has a similar neckline finish. I made it exactly as per the pattern with no alterations and it only took an hour or two.

My only issue with this top is that I have to wear it backwards for the neck to sit properly. I swear I made it properly but I can't be sure. The front and back necklines are almost identical. It would be wise to mark your front and back during cutting out because once you've serged the armhole notches off there is no way of telling which is front or back. If I put it on the way I think is right the shoulder seams sit too far back and the front neckline is too high.

So I wear it backwards, which could be forwards!! Anyway it works for me. I'll just have to make another to test it out again... I have the ecru and white stripe Jaywalk ready for the next version.

Project Details
Pattern: Tessuti Brigitte Top, size XL, three-quarter sleeves
Fabric: Black/natural viscose/elastane jersey knit "Jaywalk" from Tessuti Fabrics
See Also: Baste + Gather

L x

Sew: Tessuti Mandy Boat Tee

Still more Jaywalk! I bought enough for two dresses and this tee. After making my Jaywalk competition dress, a Colette Moneta and this tee, I still had more. I cut out a Brigitte Tee and I have a little bit left which I'm going to use to make an Ali knit skirt. When I unpack my fabric in about 9 months...

I made this tee up over a month ago. The day before I got sick actually. I then promptly wore if for a whole week while sick and then every opportunity I get. Love this tee!

From reading reviews I noticed that the sleeves were often reported as tight. I have large arms. Always have, always will. So I knew I would need to alter them. I simply slashed the sleeve piece straight up the middle on the straight grain, leaving a tiny piece of paper at the shoulder seam to act as a hinge, and spread the pattern piece by 2.5 cm. Perfect sleeves!

Project Details
Pattern: Tessuti Mandy Boat Tee
Fabric: Jaywalk jersey in black & natural (no longer listed online)
Alterations: Widened sleeves by 2.5 cm
Also see: Sewn By Elizabeth | Sew Amy Sew | Bimble + Pimble | Funkbunny 

My only word of warning with this pattern is that besides the slight adjustment on the sleeve piece, I made it up exactly as is. No alteration for length or size. I'm tall and a plus size so if you're short and petite, take this into consideration.

I really love this top and I think Tessuti have done a wonderful job in drafting this pattern. I'm looking forward to trying out the Brigitte top as soon as I find some space in my disappearing sewing room.

L x

Sew: Kwik Sew 3045 Polka Dot Jumper

Oh look! I made something!! I've actually made a few things in the last few days. So watch this space.

I spotted (!!) this jumper knit at Clegs one afternoon when I popped in to grab lining and thread. Isn't it always the way?! I couldn't leave these cute polka dots so I grabbed 2 metres with no plans at all. It didn't take me long to work out I wanted to make a raglan sleeve slouchy jumper. Kwik Sew 3045 looked like it would work a treat, so I grabbed it at Rathdowne's 50% off pattern sale last week. I also went back to Clegs and grabbed 50cm of the reverse print to use for the bindings. Best decision ever. I love them.

I made a few adjustments to the pattern to get the look I was after. I scooped out the neckline by 10cm at the front and 2.5cm at the back. In hindsight, this was probably a bit too much. I made a size L according to my measurements but ended up taking the side seams in an extra 1cm. Lastly, after popular demand on Instagram, I omitted the hem band and simply turned the hem up before using a twin needle to finish it.

Easy as! Now I'm in polka dot heaven. It's soft, cosy and slouchy, all in one.

Project Details
Pattern: Kwik Sew 3045, size L
Fabric: Polka Dot Interlock from Clegs
Alterations: Scooped neck out, took an extra 1cm of side seams, omitted bottom hem band, shortened sleeves by 2.5cm

In terms of the contrast bands, I used an 8cm wide strip that was 80% of the neckline. I originally used 85% but it was too slack. 80% worked perfectly. For the arm bands, I used the pattern piece but add 2.5cm to the length so they weren't so fitted. I also removed 2.5cm from the sleeve length. I could possibly have taken more off but they'll be fine.

I now just need a bit of cold and wet weather to be able to wear this jumper! I'm sure it is just around the corner...

L x

Sew: Grainline Tiny Pocket Tank

Another project from my to do pile. I'm almost done. It is embarrassing how long this top sat in my to do pile. Over 12 months! Not sure why I didn't hop to it earlier as it is perfect with my blue cardigan and denim. Nothing new to report. It is a straight size 14. 

Love this simple pattern. It is perfect for using left over fabric and for layering. 

Project Details

Pattern: Grainline Tiny Pocket Tank, size 14

Fabric: Emerging spots cotton voile from Tessuti

It was a beautiful afternoon in Melbourne. Rachel and I hung out in her backyard with the kids. Enjoying the sunshine and having a good chat. 

I'm on a cutting out binge at the moment. 3 projects down, a few more to go before I fire up the machines over the weekend. 

What's on your sewing table this weekend? 

L x