{MADE} Tessuti Mandy Boat Tee (Free Pattern!!)

Hello beautiful people!  I seem to have crawled out of my proverbial work-filled hole (not for long so don’t expect too much) just long enough to have sewn up the yummiest fabric EVER!!!  I was looking for a pattern that would be SUPER simple, show off the fabric well, and sew up QUICK.  The Mandy Boat Neck Tee by Tessuti was the perfect match, and I will spend the rest of my short blog post convincing you to say the same!

Yummy Sweater Knits Deserve Simple Sewing Patterns

This fabric is a Brushed Hacci Sweater Knit from Sly Fox Fabrics and it is nothing short of perfect in my eyes!  The product description says it is 83% polyester, 14% rayon, 3% spandex, 150 gsm, and almost 60″ wide.  Both sides are really soft, but the outside brushed layer feels like something you just want to hug and never let go!  I would say it’s in between light and mid-weight (according to this link here) and will be perfect for Fall/Winter/Spring.  I wore it on a 69 degree Fall day here in DC – and was just fine, much to my surprise!  I’m guessing it’s the rayon content that adds to the breathability.   I was also surprised that the fabric would take any heat, but I used the silk setting on my iron with lots of steam and it ironed my seams, neckline and hems just fine (SCORE)!!!

Who doesn’t want a FAST sewing project???

 

This pattern is essentially a dolman sleeve sweater, but its even simpler than most of the ones I have used in the past!  The main body pieces are basically two large rectangles (which turn into drop shoulders when worn), and two sleeve pieces.  FOUR pattern pieces – that’s all!  The neck line is folded down and stitched with a twin needle and the hems (bottom and hem) are finished the same.  I would argue its a great beginner pattern – especially since it only comes in one size (more on that later).

My adjustments and plans for future versions

I already knew that I would attempt my short torso adjustments (taking two inches out of the bodice for example), but given that this is a one size fits all pattern (AUS sizing 8-16), I knew I would need to take some width out of the front and back bodices.

Based on Kelli’s post from True Bias, I decided I would try removing 3/4″ from each the front and back bodice pieces (3″ total), but I am certain I could go more aggressive and possibly do another 1-2″ at least.  I LOVE the slouchy look of the pattern so I won’t get TOO aggressive, but I do want it to be a little more close fitting on the sides than it is now.

 

My last adjustment would be to the back hemline.  It would do two things for me — 1) I wouldn’t mix the front and back when I get dressed (a minor inconvenience, but inconvenient all the same), and 2) it would give me a little bit more backside coverage (I’m not quite certain where I got this one from, but I think it developed when I hit my thirties, *grin* – that means it’s been a while…)

Overall Impression?

I am THRILLED with this sweater (if you know me in real life – you will likely get tired of seeing me wear it – play along, won’tcha?) – and think it pairs really nicely with these wine colored pants I just picked up!  How long do you think I’ll be able to wear them before my ankles get too cold?  I’m taking bets people – drop me a note in the comments!!!

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PS – I want to give a special shout out to the man behind the camera who shot almost 50 pictures in about 5 minutes flat!  A screaming toddler and his 4 year old sister seem to have encouraged us to get a process down STAT!