Friday 10 January 2014

Casual - StyleArc and Tessuti

 I love summer, but you wouldn't know it from the clothes in my wardrobe.


When I cleaned it out the other day I realised my summer wardrobe, both work and casual, is severely lacking.  I didn't own a single white t-shirt.  To make things a little bit more interesting I thought I'd try StyleArc's Rowe's tunic which I've loved since I first saw it.


It's an easy pattern with some nice design lines.  The instructions for the v-neck would be a bit sparse for a beginner, but otherwise it's a really simple make.  This is a straight size 12 with no changes and I'm pretty happy with the outcome.  The neckband seam is just slightly off at the front which is a bit annoying, but this was really just a test made up in some leftovers so I'm not too fussed.  I'll be making this one again in a fabric with more drape.


Melbourne had a bit of a cool spell recently so I decided to try Tessuti's Mandy Boat Neck Tee too (bonus - it's free) in their lime line fabric.  This is a great pattern and I really like the way the neckline is finished.  This is a one sized pattern and I made it up without any changes, but the arms feel just a little too tight.  It's wearable but if I make it again (and I probably will) I'd use a stretchier fabric or a 1/4 seam allowance.


I had a bit of a moment earlier today and wasn't going to post these items - I just felt like they were too basic or too boring to blog.  I kind of feel like I should blog about amazing items or pieces with tricky construction techniques (and if I could take a good photo that would help too).  In the end I decided I was being silly.  This is me.  This is what I wear.  This is my little corner of the internet and I'm going to blog what ever makes me feel happy :)

15 comments:

Rosi said...

I think it's great you are posting about basics. There seems to be much talk around blogs regarding sewing a wearable wardrobe. You're already doing it! I certainly enjoy reading these posts as much as the wearable art.

Rosi said...
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Anonymous said...

Well, I love both those tops and think that you should ABSOLUTELY blog the basics! I believe that we should blog whatever it is that we make. It doesn't need to be fancy! I've made the Rowe tunic before too - aren't those design lines at the back lovely! I always enjoy reading all of your blog posts Robyn. Keep at it!

Anonymous said...

Well, I love both those tops and think that you should ABSOLUTELY blog the basics! I believe that we should blog whatever it is that we make. It doesn't need to be fancy! I've made the Rowe tunic before too - aren't those design lines at the back lovely! I always enjoy reading all of your blog posts Robyn. Keep at it!

Sharon said...

I love seeing the basic and what you sew so please continue to share. Both tops looks quite wearable but can sew what you mean about Tessuti's Mandy Boat Neck and if you didn't post I wouldn't be aware of either pattern or it's challenges.

Rachel said...

I really like seeing basics as I always need more & don't sew them often enough. I especially love the Mandy shirt - and it is great to know about the sleeves. Thanks Robyn!

fritzs mum said...

Both of your tops are lovely, I prefer to see every day "basics", I read on another blog it's best to make the clothes we will wear for the lives we have rather than the fancy dresses for the lives we wish we had. I know that applies to me perfectly !

Funkbunny said...

I think it's great that you blogged these. I get inspiration from all sorts of blogs. Yay for you. I've made the Mandy Tee a couple of times now. It's great top :)

Philippa said...

I do agree - I often blog basics and most people wear these kind of clothes regularly so it's good to know what works and what fits - more important than for a party dress really! So thank you.

Marie said...

Absolutely blog about the basics. Your tees look great. Maybe it is time I moved on from my TN tee pattern and tried something new.

coco said...

I'm so glad you blog your basics! I don't sew anything glitzy or showy, hardly go anywhere more exciting than the market :-) so I love reading blogs and seeing pics of everyday-wear. You look adorable in these. I made up the row's tunic in the longer view, just need to finish the hem, will post it soon! It's cute, huh?

Carolyn said...

These are some great basics! I know what you mean about worrying about stuff being potentially "boring" but of course the basics are the backbone of our wardrobes, and should be celebrated too. :)

Paola said...

I've also hesitated about posting about basics, but I wear them most, so why not? I like the Mandy in the lime stripe. I also found the sleeve a tad tight.

Paola said...

I've also hesitated about posting about basics, but I wear them most, so why not? I like the Mandy in the lime stripe. I also found the sleeve a tad tight.

Unknown said...

I know just how you feel about blogging basics - but hey if that's what we make then that's what we should blog.

Look forward to seeing more of your makes (basic or not)