Just lately I have been making an effort to sew more tops. Whilst I am a dress girl through and through, there is no getting away from the fact that it is freezing here (literally – the snow is falling as I type) and I just want to layer up in separates.
Inspired by the lovely Nikki and Rachel from The Stitch Sisters, who made an amazing YouTube video all about free top sewing patterns, I picked up this FREE pattern from Tessuti Fabrics– The Mandy Boat Tee. I mean, who doesn’t love a free pattern?
It’s a ‘one size fits all’ oversized boxy top, with a boat neck and 3/4 length fitted sleeved with drop shoulders. I have chosen to make it in this gorgeous brown and grey striped cotton jersey blend knit fabric from Girl Charlee but it would look equally fabulous in a cotton or viscose fabric too don’t you think? On the YouTube video Nikki had made this top in a stripe jersey from Girl Charlee too and I totally wanted something just like hers!
I picked up the fabric during the Black Friday sales, and I was lucky enough to choose it using a voucher which was kindly given to me by Ana from Cocowawa Crafts as a prize for a competition she ran just before Christmas for making her Chestnut Sweater. I have written a couple of blogs about these sweaters which you can catch up with here and here. Lucky me! I also chose a couple more fabrics at the same time which I haven’t cut into yet but I have plans!
So the pattern is a free download, but is available in printed format for 12 Australian dollars if you prefer. It was simple to download and print out at home. I must admit the pattern pieces look a little basic – they look hand drawn and the writing on them is hand written, but they are a good shape and I found that they fit together nicely. The instructions are also fairly basic looking but are accompanied by clear photographs and in fact they are actually very well written and to the point. I liked how the neckline was the first step of the process, also the sleeves are added before the side seams are sewn which is always good, and the final step to neaten the boat neckline is the finishing touch and really gives it a neat finish.
I adore the drop shoulders. They are very similar to the Molly Top I feel from Sew Over it, although that top is not so boxy and oversized.
I must admit I had my concerns that it would be too large in the body and whilst it kind of is, I actually quite like it and will not hesitate to wear it. I think the slim sleeves work to balance it out nicely. Perhaps I might slim it down in the body very slightly next time I make it, I’m not sure. I will definitely make more and probably in a stripe fabric again as those drop shoulders in a stripe are amazing I think.
Just to mention the boat neck is quite wide and you might get a glimpse of your bra strap if you’re not careful, but hey, it’s not the end of the world!
I am chuffed that this is now the second make of my #2018makenine list, where I am trying to make nine items from independent pattern companies that I have never used before. So far so good.
I would thoroughly recommend this pattern. It’s a useful everyday top and is quick and easy to sew. Thank you for the freebie Tessuti Fabrics!
Take care, and I’ll be back soon,
Kathy x
Great top, love the stripes. I too should try to make more casual tops especially for when I’m in the UK, I got back to Leicestershire myself last night and yes, it’s freezing!
Hi Jo, yes I think this will be a well worn item, and yes wrap up warm – it is pretty cold here in Leicestershire at the mo! x