Whoa, hello April! It seems like it was only last week that we were celebrating the New Year – and hiding from the cold – and now here we are firmly in the middle of spring. Blooming trees, longer days, and allergies (well, not for this native heh heh heh) everywhere! I thought I’d squeeze out one more sorta-cold-weather-mostly-transitional piece, but after this – I’m sewing for the HEAT, y’all!
The is the Ebony Tee from Closet Case Patterns. I will admit that I was not super crazy about this one when it was first released – just not really my style, and the pictures weren’t doing it for me. It wasn’t under I saw Heather’s structured version and Erin’s drapey green version (yes, I realize these two are complete opposites) that I thought, this could be for me.
I got both the pattern and fabric while I was in Leesburg, VA for my workshop at Finch Sewing Studio. The pattern came directly from Heather herself – Isabelle and I met with her and Renee one evening after class, for pizza and (lots of) drinks. The fabric is from Finch – it’s a beautiful double knit, navy with grey pinstripes on one side, and grey on the other. I chose it specifically to make this pattern – I thought the body of the fabric would look great with the style of the top.
This pattern is a fun variation on the standard tshirt. It fits nice a slim through the upper bust and shoulders, and then shoots straight out into an exaggerated trapeze below the bust. The hem is longer in the back than in the front. I think you need to be careful with fabric choice and length as not to overpower yourself (especially if you are short, like I am!), but the end result is worth it when it does work out.
I made view B, with the scoop neckline, set-in sleeves, and cropped length. I made a size 2, which is my normal size with this company (and it is true to size; I’m about 1/2″ bigger than the suggested body measurements for that size). I did add about 2″to the bottom of the shirt, as it seemed like it would be REALLY cropped based on the pattern pieces. I figured I could always cut it off if it was too long, but the added length is pretty much perfect. I might actually consider adding a tiny bit more for my next shirt, but this length is great for super high-waisted pants. I chose to make elbow-length sleeves, because I didn’t want there to be too much stripe action going on, after learning that less with my Coco dress. With the length of the sleeves and weight of the fabric, this is a good mid-season top. Perfect for the weird weather that happens here in the Spring 🙂
Everything sewed together really easily – I used a serger for the main seams, and my regular sewing machine zigzag with a ballpoint needle for the hems. There are no bands on the sleeve hems, btw – that’s just the wrong side of the fabric (they are rolled up). The only thing I don’t like is that I didn’t pull the neck banding tight enough while I was attaching it, and the neckline is not exactly no-gape. It lies flat when I’m standing, but if I lean over… you can see straight to my bellybutton. I can just wear a tank (or super cute bra!) under this and call it a day, but I will shorten the neckband for future shirts. Neckline binding is so finicky about that – what may be the correct length for one fabric might not stretch enough for something else. In this case, I think my fabric was just a bit too stretchy. Lesson learned!
Since the shirt is so voluminous, I think it looks best with really slim, high-waisted pants. These pants are the Cecilia Pants from Elizabeth Suzann, btw. I think I’ve worn/mentioned these on my blog before, but they are like MAGIC PANTS. They seem to be universally flattering no matter who wears them. The stretch denim is super comfortable, and has a great recovery. The super high waist (up past my navel) looks awesome with a crop top, and the slim legs balance out really voluminous tops. I love these pants!
Also, I am not sure why I took so many pictures of myself for such a simple project. Oh wait, yes I do. My hair looked fucking fabulous that day haha. Can’t say the same about the quality of these photos, but, I’m trying! Really!
I think I’d like to make a version of this for summer, in a lighter fabric (maybe a bamboo knit) with the raglan short sleeves. Would be nice and cool when it gets super hot here!
I can’t think of anything else to say about this pattern. Short and sweet! (Well, about as short and sweet as you’ll get from my blabbermouth haha)
In other news, tell me your favorite interesting t-shirt patterns! I’m about up to my eyeballs in v-neck Renfrews; I think it’s time for something that’s a little more visual than a basic tshirt 🙂
I’m really drawn to this pattern and I think you are right, it looks best with slim fit pants. Excellent fabric choice! I may have to get started on one of these!
Thank you! Fabric choice + balance is definitely key to making it look good 🙂
I agree – great fabric choice – looks really good on you!
Thank you so much!
The top looks really good on you and I agree it needs slim pants to balance it. I like this pants, too! I’ve been making Bento tees as I’m liking the boxy cropped style with pencil skirts and higher waists.
Thank you! Ooh, I like the Bento tee, the little kimono sleeves with the cuff is super cute! Thanks for the suggestion!
Lovely top! This has inspired me to get the pattern, yours looks gorgeous!
Yay!!!
Cute shirt.
One of my favorite’s is the “The Tee” pattern by J. Stern Designs. It is a little different and I think it would be flattering on you.
I will have to take a look at it! Thank you so much for the suggestion!
I’m loving the trapeze look! I didn’t think it would be flattering on me, but I get compliments when I rock peplum and trapeze… probably because I’m less self-conscious about my tummy and more confident in general.
I can see you rocking a trapeze and I definitely agree! Although I think you are ALWAYS beautiful 😉
Your Ebony tee looks fabulous on you. Great choice of fabric and I like how you placed the stripes, especially at the neckline. I wish I could pull this one off but I am very busty so it would definitely end up looking like a maternity top on me. My favorite tee is a self-drafted one that I have made over and over with different necklines and sleeves.
Yeah, it’s definitely a different look when you have a more pronounced bust (one of the few perks about losing my rack – I can wear stuff like this!). Thank you!
I really like the Miramar knit top from Scroop patterns. It’s simply to make but interesting, and looks great under blazers for my business casual office, but is also plain enough for weekends.
Oh that is cute! I can see what you mean about it looking great under blazers. Thank you for the suggestion!
This is a fab shape , super cute with high-waisted trousers, and your hair ….wow !!!
Thank you so much! 🙂
Love how this came out. I love the pattern and tried a similar style on at Loft. As expected its a no go for me. Hangs right off my boobs.
Yeah, one of the few benefits of losing bust circumference – I can wear stuff like this and it actually looks good haha
Bookmarked this one! This top is way more versatile than it would appear at first glance. I’m really looking forward to fabric hunting and sewing this up. And the pants are just perfect with it. I’ve not taken a chance on making pants yet — wish you could come out to Oregon (or at least Seattle?) and offer some pants classes. We’ve got just about everything you could possibly want out here … including some totally awesome beer, wine, and hard cider. 🙂
I would LOVE to come to the Pacific Northwest! I actually got an inquiry about it from a shop a couple of months ago… I will have to follow up on that. Obviously because you need pants 😉
This shirt came out so good – I definitely wouldn’t have thought I would like this pattern, but this convinced me it could be worth a shot. Love the fabric too!
Thank you so much!
Cute top! I’m with you about maybe being longer in the front. And I agree with sewingishappiness above about the Tee from J Stearns. http://www.jsterndesigns.com/product/easy-fit-and-sew-tee-twin-set-pdf-download/
Thank you for the suggestion!
Super cute–trapeze-y styles can be tricky but yours looks great.
I’m a super beginner, but my favorite tee pattern is from Alison Glass’ Knit Esssentials.
Could I say super one more time?
Super forever!! 😀 haha
This shirt rules! I want to copy you!
Have you tried the Grainline Penny Raglan? I’m feeling that one.
I haven’t tried that one; I’m not really feeling it based on the product photos buuuuut you should make it bc I’ll probably be inspired to copy you :B hahaha
I’ve told Heather this pattern (which I have sitting on my cutting table right now!) is my first sew once I finish this mad making blouse marathon I’ve been on for the past couple of months. I’m dying to get back into knits 🙂 I felt the same way about this pattern actually when it was first released – that it’s no my style and I worried that it would just make me look HUGE but the more I see it on people (you too) the more I see that actually it doesn’t. I think you’re right though that it really depends on the fabric you use, the length you make it and the pants, shorts or skirt you partner it with. Yours is inspiring (as always) 🙂
Thank you so much! I was on a blouse making marathon for a while, too, so I totally hear ya on that… it felt SO GOOD to get back into sewing knits! Those are totally my palate cleanser haha
I had noticed this top but then saw a similar Butterick and have another swing top (summer concert tee??). I am going to give those two a go before I buy another one.
But I have to say, I am a bit narrow-shouldered and busty and will be sewing it anyway cause I think it’s cute! So what the heck ever to the ‘rules’!!!
I love that you used a fabric with a bit more body. Super cute!
Yeah, there are certainly a lot of patterns that are similar to this one – and I imagine it wouldn’t be too difficult to hack a normal tshirt into this shape as well, with a little bit of drafting knowledge. I dunno, I just like collecting sewing patterns – it’s like Beanie Babies for the modern age hahaha. Plus, they are all usually based off a different fit block, so technically they are all different! 😉
I have really enjoyed my Hey June “Santa Fe” tees, which have interesting style lines and multiple variations…:-)
You’ve totally made me rethink this pattern Lauren. I wasn’t particularly taken with it either and thought it wouldn’t suit me but I’m a similar height and shape to you and you are really rocking it! I think the key might be in the fabric choice
I’ve gotta say, this is one of my favorite makes of yours – I read your blog because I like your writing and tips and construction notes, but usually our styles don’t match. It’s always so nice when they do!
Really love the fabric choice! This pattern doesn’t jump out at me as one “I MUST have now” but I’m going to take another look after seeing yours.