As a part of the Ease into Motherhood sewing series, I wrote about how sewing changed after my second child. and tried out the Closet Case Patterns Ebony T-shirt! Writing the post reminded me that it had been months and months since I’d sewn anything for myself. I bounced from pregnant to nursing my first to pregnant and then to nursing my second, with my weight fluctuating back and forth from 30 pounds over “normal” to 15 pounds below. The last time I sewed something after my second kid, it was a huge flop after I actually edited the photos and looked at them; fabric choices and fit was way off. I vowed to wait until she’d weaned, and then got caught up in other projects. Now I finally feel like I’m more or less at a new normal and ready to make things for myself again!
I have a store-bought shirt that drapes like this and it is so easy to wear and comfortable. There are quite a few patterns out with a similar “swing” profile – I love Madeit Patterns and strongly considered the Groove dress but having the raglan and set-in sleeves on the Ebony sold me.
This would definitely cover my rear in leggings! I think for a ‘tee’ length I could stand to shorten it an inch.
I don’t know anything about drafting clothing, but I feel like this hem is perfect and lays beautifully.
I’m hoping to do a hi-low hem and lengthen it to make a tshirt dress before summer is over. It felt a little awkward to take my tripod and remote out into a field and snap some selfies, but I’m happy to have made something that I feel great in (even after seeing pictures of myself in it).
Pattern: Closet Case Patterns’ Ebony T-shirt & Dress
My Measurements at time of making: 35″/29″/35″ I’m 5’2 with a relatively short torso. – Sewn in a size 8 without any changes.
Price & Sizing: $14 ($18 printed) – 0-20
Fabric I used: Mystery knit from a designer remnant; drapey cotton/rayon blend if I had to guess
Changes I made: None
What I might do if I make it again:
I would coverstitch further up on the sleeve’s hem. They seem to wing out a little bit, which I expected in a raglan sleeve and my shoulders. I don’t love how it looks with the stitching that low. I’m not 100% sold on the neckline finish as is, it looks a little casual, and would like to experiment with other options.
Overall thoughts on the garment:
I feel so good in this top! I’ve written at length about my postpartum stomach (evidence here) and this just skims right over all those lumps. I think the back is a touch long for a tunic length on me, but I’m shorter than the fit model I’m sure.
Overall thoughts on the pattern:
This was the first CCF pattern I’ve sewn and I liked it! Granted, this is a pretty simple pattern but it has a ton of options; 3 lengths (crop top, tee and dress) / 2 hems(straight and hi-low) / 3 sleeves (short, 3/4 and long) /2 sleeves (raglan and standard) /2 necklines (scoop and jewel). I really like how the hem drapes, everything fit together perfectly and the instructions were very easy to follow. There is a shorten/lengthen line, which I appreciate! This might be the most expensive pattern I’ve ever bought, and I definitely could’ve “hacked” another pattern I earn, but I was willing to pay a premium for something I didn’t have to alter.
Other versions I found online:
- A velvet version from Crafting a Rainbow
- A huge round up at Closet Case Patterns
- Striped version from The Sara Project
- Sporty ombre version at Crafty Clyde
Kelly
Monday 24th of July 2017
That colour fabric really suits your dark hair!! LOVE it
Stephanie - Swoodson Says
Tuesday 25th of July 2017
Thanks Kelly!
Patricia
Sunday 23rd of July 2017
Such a cute top! The color is so pretty and bright and the fit looks nice! Congratulations on such a pretty finish! Thank you for sharing!
Stephanie - Swoodson Says
Sunday 23rd of July 2017
Thank you so much for the kind words Patricia!
Caroline
Friday 21st of July 2017
That top is so gorgeous on you!!! The color is divine and you look fabulous. Great job. xoxo
Stephanie - Swoodson Says
Sunday 23rd of July 2017
Thank you so much Caroline, you are too sweet to take the time to say such nice things!
Katie
Tuesday 18th of July 2017
I love this! It fits you perfectly and the hi-low hem is such a great feature. I think I need to try that view!
Stephanie - Swoodson Says
Sunday 23rd of July 2017
Thanks Katie, and for sharing it to begin with :)
Reece
Tuesday 18th of July 2017
I really love it! The fit really does look perfect and that colour looks amazing on you!
Stephanie - Swoodson Says
Sunday 23rd of July 2017
Thank you Reece!!