Pink "Core" T-shirt

This is the Core T-shirt Pattern, which is a FREE pattern from Closet Core Patterns.

I used leftover pink single jersey fabric which had little stretch so as I was between sizes I decided to size up, I also added 1cm to the neckband.

I'm really pleased with the outcome and will be using this pattern again.

Here's how the wardrobe is looking

Pink Print Pair

Here's a pair of tees cut from the same fabric.

First of all I cut my favourite drop shoulder top with curved hem.

There was lots of fabric left over, but it was a bit of a funny shape. Using my TNT New Look 6735 I was able though to cut a front with the upper area missing and add the missing section to the back pieces.

The finished tops look remarkably similar despite one having a curved hem and dropped shoulders where the other has the forward shoulder seam, set in sleeves and a straight hem. Probably because I have almost the same print placement on the front.

T-shirt refashion

Some years ago I bought some 3XL men's t-shirts in nice colours hoping to refashion them.

My initial though was to use the Free Core T-shirt pattern as per Tomkat Stitchery's You Tube Video

However once I'd worked out my size, printed it out, stuck it together and cut out the pattern pieces it was apparent that it wasn't going to work. In fact none of my set in sleeve tee shirt patterns would fit.

I then tried my drop shoulder tee pattern, and that didn't fit either, so I drafted a variation with a slightly less dropped sleeve but a wider bat wing style dolman sleeve. I then used this to recut the tee.

I have full upper arms which look better covered so wanted the sleeves to be elbow length. So I unpicked the original sleeve hem and pressed it flat, then added a band (cut from the spare length in the body).

Here it is with the scarf, I'll wear it and see how I like the shape before I cut into the other two oversized tees!

Here's how the whole wardrobe is looking now

I'm really pleased with how this is coming along!

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Wearing the pink tee today and finding the dolman sleeve with cuff isn't that comfortable, so further refashioning may be required!

Beige Knit Top - embellish or leave as is?

 I adapted my self drafted (traced from RTW) dropped shoulder knit top pattern to have a slightly less dropped shoulder and a wider sleeve so that I can use it to recut oversized men's tees to a more flattering shape.

(All the normal set in sleeve patterns wouldn't fit on due to the smaller armhole clashing).

To check this would work, I then cut out and sewed it up in a beige knit.

I tried it on at the fit is fine (with the expected drag lines from a dolman sleeve).

Left as it is its a very versatile item for my capsule travel wardrobe - works with everything, can be easily layered, but it is very plain.

At the moment the side seams are only machine tacked together, as I was undecided about some sort of embellishment, which would be easier to do if the front could be laid flat.

Options going through my mind are

0. Leave it as is and wear with the scarf (and other accessories)

1. Self fabric embellishment e.g. lines of gathered fabric 

2. Machine embroidery - the fabric is too thin and would need excessive stabilisation.

3. Hand embroidery e.g. simple design in embroidery floss.

4. Design with fabric paint e.g. stencilled butterfly or other motif done with fabric paint.

5. Beaded embellishment - though needs a firm foundation and may not be very practical for travel.

6. Applique

I'm open to comments!

Previously made items used in the Start With A Scarf SWAP

I'm not sewing everything from scratch in this wardrobe, and have decided to use some previously sewn items, all done within the last 18 months.

Charcoal Mountain View trousers

Grey Green trousers

Denim Utility Gilet

McCall's 6844 cardigan

Charcoal joggers - Monsal Lounge Pants

Khaki trousers

Dark olive stripe trousers: Simplicity 1467 with back crotch alteration and added zipped pocket

Burgundy Pink long line cardigan: The Kinder Cardigan, From the book by Wendy Ward "A Beginner’s Guide To Sewing With Knitted Fabrics"

With these pieces added in my wardrobe now looks like this.

Bird Print Top

I used the same pattern as the last two tops, but lengthened the sleeves and raised the neckline. 

I also cut out a simple tube scarf which I can use to change the look.

Whilst this top doesn't work well with the scarf which inspired the colour palette, it can be worn with any of the plain coloured items in the wardrobe (some previously made, some still to come).

Scarf SWAP dusty pink top

 Continuing with my Scarf based SWAP I've sewn another top. Same pattern different fabric.

This knit is very fine and soft and was a little tricky to sew with rather crumpled yardage. I'll see what its like to wear and wash.

The pink is slightly more greyed than the scarf, but still works I think.

Summer 2023 SWAP: Start with a Scarf

 I decided to start a SWAP with this scarf as the inspiration. It has an olive green background with pink and grey flowers. So I'll use those colours as my palette for the capsule wardrobe.

I plan to make tops, trousers and a cardigan and pull in previously made or purchased pieces as well.

Here's my first piece, a sage green marled knit top. The pattern is my own, traced from a favourite RTW top. It has a dropped shoulder, curved hem, scooped neckline and 3/4 sleeves.

Details of how I made the pattern here.

Summer pyjama set

I decided to use an aqua with pink polka dot remnant from Auntie J's stash, together with some printed jersey fabric I bought from the Monday Market Man in Chesterfield to make some summer PJs. I thought the aqua and pink tones work well together.

The effect of the polka dots is lost from a slight distance.

I used a plain pink jersey for the arm and neck bands

The PJ trousers are New Look 6216 and the top is the Itch to Stitch Lago tank.

The polka dot fabric is cotton lawn, the print jersey is viscose with a touch of elastane.

Another jacket

Here's another jacket for my friend C. It is from Simplicity 9473 again but this time I made the lining front panel from self fabric so the front neckline can flip open like lapels. The rest of the lining is a beautiful liquid satin which was really tricky to sew, but feels luxurious.

She can wear these jackets to work with her RTW dresses.

Another UFO - striped blouse

I can't remember when I cut this UFO out but it was pre colour analysis with Imogen Lamport as the red is leaning slightly towards orange/brown so I wouldn't pick it now - so pre August 2017.

Initially I had the pieces separate from the instructions, but I was able to find them to follow to sew up the blouse.

Finished blouse

How I found it, cut out but without instructions

The pattern - its the view in the centre

Fabric: stretch woven polyester in a brick red with cream stripes.

Pattern: New Look 6844