Tuesday, January 17, 2012

The Blank Canvas Tee

My favourite casual top is a kimono knit t-shirt I found at the op shop. I wear it a lot! I tried to copy it once but it just didn't work out right so I was so happy to see that Steph from 3 hours past the edge of the world posted up her Blank Canvas Tee pattern as a free download - its a kimono sleeve tee fitted through the bust and looser on the tummy, my ideal weekend t-shirt!

I downloaded a 45 and got to work. The first version up in a jersey I found thrifting but I found it a bit too tight (I'm a 46"/47" bust) and too short - I want a couple mainly for the gym so I like them fairly long for when I'm doing weights.

Second version is an interlock from Clear-it, an Alannah Hill outlet in Melbourne. I added about 2-3" in total width and a good 5" in length. It's a bit looser than I usually wear for a top, but I wanted it real casual and easy. I've been wearing it to the gym this week and its been great!


Third version is out of a mecury jersey, its a lot silker (and a lot harder to sew!). It's a slinkier tee, but a bit clingy too. I think I actually prefer the more thicker material for a top like this I have a few too many lumps and bumps for clingy tops.


Neckline (and I am so overdue for a haircut!!)


This is the first time I've had neck binding come out looking so good, the instructions are brilliant! For the arm and bottom hems I used hem tape and ran two lines of stitching around.



So, thanks StephC!

7 comments:

  1. YAAAAAAAAAAY! I think those look like great active wear tops, and I'm so pleased your neckline came out well. Way to make my weekend! :D (Also a plus- less armpit cling/stink getting stuck into the shirt. I hate that.)

    When I start publishing hacks, you'll have a great basic top pattern to work from... You know, if you're so inclined. :)

    If you'd like to add one or two of those to the blank tee gallery, just let me know which ones and I'll put a link on them to here...

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    1. I love your sailor tee so the idea of hacks is fantastic! Thanks so much for the pattern - its great!

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  2. Nice top. I like the striped version very much. I might try this pattern. Thanks for the info.

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  3. Thanks for the review- all of your versions look great!
    I've printed mine and I need tops for the gym, too.
    You've motivated me!

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    1. Its a great gym top - nice and cool and because I swim as well its so easy to chuck over top of my bathers!

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  4. Actually, the slinky verson looks great on you. It's quite flattering and the color is perfect.

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