One of my sewing goals for this year was to find an assortment of tee and knit top patterns that I could make mine by tweaking the fit, simplifying the directions, making a note of serger settings, etc. and generally have everything in place so I could quickly churn one out.
I'm very happy with the tops that made it to the short list. For the most part, they are basic patterns that include several different neckline and sleeve variations, further expanding my choices. The views above are geared a bit towards fall hence the longer sleeves.
With the exception of V8536 all of these patterns are still in print. I reviewed each of these on Pattern Review and several of them are in earlier blog posts, but my PR friend BeaJay suggested I post them collectively and so here they are.
Also, I keep a little journal of all my sewing projects and take it with me whenever I shop for fabric. (Actually, I keep it with me all the time, you never know when you''ll have to pull over for an emergency fabric fix, right?) I record the pattern number, a thumbnail of the view or view(s) I've made or might like to make in the future, a swatch of the fabric used that contains a serged edge and what those serger settings were, the fabric requirements, etc. This method is really handy when I want fabric for another or need a swatch for a companion garment. Here is a typical page:
If you love tees and knit tops and haven't tried any of these I hope you are inspired to...before long you will have you own favorite collection.
And don't be surprised if you see a Sensational 6 posting one of these days!
Thanks for stopping in and here's hoping your day is only sew-sew!
Not only do I love your tee collection, but the photo of your sewing journal is sweet. I am gearing up for tee production also.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mary. It was a fun project and I think in the long run it will prove to be a real timesaver.
DeleteBest,
:D
Your journal is a good idea. Even somewhere to joy down ideas and keep them altogether. Your tops are all super. J stern would be my fav.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ruth...I like Jennifer's too, especially after I modified the front yoke. My fave is V8536 because of the versitility.
DeleteBest,
:D
great collection and I agree that the journal is a great idea. If we are voting then mine is McCalls 6571
ReplyDeleteHey Pauline,
DeleteI love that bateau neckline, too, but since wer're voting I have to go with V8536 because of all the versions it offers and I love plain, V-neck tees. Hope you are well!
Dorcas
What a great "quest"! I'm inspired to do something similar with woven tops/blouses for summer...
ReplyDeleteHi Anne,
DeleteIt wasn't a conscious effort but I sort of did wovens last year. I found several blouse patterns I really like. Good luck with it...can't wait to see what you come up with!
:D
Love all 5 of your tops (particularly the wrap) - very nice indeed. Love the idea of your journal. Will need to try this.
ReplyDeleteThanks, BeaJay! You were my inspiration for this post. I'm excited to get involved in the Sew Your Clothes for a Year thread and glad you're in it, too!
Delete:D
Congrats on getting several great new patterns! And I love the notebook, I carry one too!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carolyn! It feels great to have some TNT tops. You are always an inspiration!
DeleteTwo great ideas - tweaking patterns so you can sew them in number quickly, and keeping a record in a journal. Very smart. The tops look great, too!
ReplyDeleteThanks Dixie! These days we need all the timesavers we can come up with!
DeleteYour collection of tops is great. It's a good mix that will last quiet a while and your colour choice really suits you.
ReplyDeleteMy notebook stays in the sewing room but I should keep it on me if I want to have such a great collection, like yours.