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Grainline Studio’s Hemlock Tee – A Pattern Review

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Grainline Hemlock Tee Pattern

I’m back! At 2 months postpartum and with a 2.5 year old running around, my free time to sew is limited. I’ve been itching to make myself something now that I am not enormously pregnant, so I took the opportunity to try out the free Hemlock Tee pattern from Grainline Studio. I used the Scout Tee pattern for an upcycle last year, and really liked it.

The last time I sewed something for myself and went outside like a yo-yo to take selfies was this leopard Union St. Tee, so I’m a little out of practice. A second child has changed my body physically, which I expected, but also changed my style. I think after my son was born I was still in the habit of buying clothes for how I used to dress, working in a casual office. After two years of staying at home, I have a pretty good handle on what I actually wear and enjoy. I am trying to avoid buying “fast fashion” (more details in this post) and am slowly trying to sew a handmade wardrobe I truly love.

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Free Women's Shirt Sewing Pattern

I made three very different versions, so I’ll give you the general run-down here and then the specifics underneath each set of photos. I’m about 15 pounds heavier than my “normal” still; we will see how these fit once I’ve lost that weight. Or maybe I won’t. But then I’d have to start sewing new jeans, and that sounds like a lot of work.  I decided to start including my measurements with pattern reviews, after someone emailed me to ask! Also, I’m wearing these jeggings* instead of “real pants” (gasp!), and my new favorite summer shoes*.

Pattern: Hemlock Tee from Grainline Studios (pattern tutorial here)

My Measurements at time of making: 38″ -30″ – 38″

Price & Sizing: Free! One size.

What I might do if I make it again:

Jen has a tutorial for her Linden pattern showing a split hem – I think it would look great on the Hemlock too! I think color blocking, a pocket, a shirt-tail hem, a high/low hem, would all look fabulous. I’ll definitely be making more, but sticking to drapier fabrics.

Overall thoughts on the pattern:

It’s great! Super easy to put together and obviously lots of room for creativity. I love the neckline’s shape and curve.

Other versions I found online:

Striped Grainline Hemlock Front

First up is my grey,white, and pink striped version.

Pink and white Grainline Hemlock

Baggy PDF Sewing Pattern

Fabric I used: The stripes are a thin knit from Hancock Fabric’s flat folds. I’m not sure if it was printed off-grain or what, but it drove me mad trying to get the pieces cut out evenly. The pink is organic raspberry interlock knit from Fabric.com — be sure to set up an Ebates account* if you order any, and get cash back! I also used the pink for my Julia cardigan.

Changes I made: I shortened the sleeves, shortened the hem out of necessity, and added sleeve and hem bands.

Overall thoughts on the garment: This is super comfortable and feels like a sweatshirt without being bulky. This was the first version I made, and I’m not sure I’d make another with the baggier sleeves. I love the look on others, and will wear this because it’s comfy, but think it swallows me up a little.

Colorful Grainline Hemlock

Next up is a bold striped version without sleeves! As inspired by the lace one linked above at Cut Cut Sew.

Sleeveless Grainline Hemlock

Striped Grainline Hemlock

Fabric I used: This is a thin cotton/poly knit from Jo-Ann Fabrics, that I bought as a remnant. Black bands are scraps from an old Greenstyle Creations top.

Changes I made: I skipped the sleeves, added bands to the hem and arms. I had intended on making this a high/low hem and cut the perfect one…. backwards. I was so frustrated. So the bodice is shorter as a result.

Overall thoughts on the garment: I wish it were longer! I think the striped and length aren’t super flattering. Unsure if I’ll keep this. I used clear elastic to reinforce the shoulder seams, which makes the arm bands pop out a little where it meets so I’d tweak that if I made another sleeveless version.

Drapey PDF Sewing Pattern

Last but not least, my favorite Hemlock.

Green Grainline Hemlock Shirt

Green grainline hemlock

Fabric I used: A drape-y jungle green jersey bought from Hancock’s flat folds.

Changes I made: I think I cut an inch or so off the bottom to even it out, I was using an awkward remnant again and had to work with what I had. I added arm bands and slimmed the sleeves up significantly.

Overall thoughts on the garment: I love this shirt! I was about to give it up when I realized I didn’t have enough fabric left for the arm bands or neckline to have the stretch going correctly. I decided to try and make it work, it turned out fine, and I’m so happy! I definitely prefer the slimmer sleeve on me.

Outtakes

Thought I’d leave without any silly faces? Fear not, if you made it to the end of this post you’re treated to a squinty pirate with a leaf on her head and the look on my face when I realized the neighbors were outside, watching me take my own picture dozens of times in a row. Awkward!

 

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Pam @Threading My Way

Saturday 13th of June 2015

I like the slimmer sleeve, too, Stephanie. They all look great, but my favourites are the striped one and the green.

Stephanie - Swoodson Says

Friday 19th of June 2015

Thank you so much!

Beverly {Flamingo Toes}

Friday 29th of May 2015

Your tops all turned out so cute! That looks like a great pattern! I like them all but the striped version is so cute for summer and the green is a great fit too! Thanks so much for linking up to Sew Our Stash!

Stephanie - Swoodson Says

Saturday 30th of May 2015

Thank Beverly! Looking forward to seeing what other categories you use for SOS :)

Emily

Wednesday 20th of May 2015

Oh my gosh you look fabulous. Love the green color and the slimmer sleeves. Thanks for the thorough review and other examples.

Stephanie - Swoodson Says

Friday 22nd of May 2015

Thanks so much Emily!

Amy Mayen

Wednesday 20th of May 2015

cute pattern, I'm dying to try it now! You look great hon, beautiful. And adding measurements to your review is a fabulous idea!

Stephanie - Swoodson Says

Friday 22nd of May 2015

Thanks Amy!! I hope you make one, I love your style :)

sorahart

Wednesday 20th of May 2015

Awesome reviews, thanks for sharing!

Stephanie - Swoodson Says

Friday 22nd of May 2015

Thanks for reading!

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