I must admit that I do love testing patterns but I am often a little hesitant to test for a new designer, I guess mainly because you never know what you are getting yourself in for in terms of both the pattern itself and the testing process. So when I applied to test this tee shirt pattern I really wasn't too bothered if I got chosen or not. Well now I am soooooo glad I was and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to review this pattern. While I received a free copy of the final pattern all the opinions within this review are my own and I receive nothing for writing this post ;-)
So let me introduce you to the Fun Tee from Sew By Pattern Pieces. First of all it is so nice to have a new designer on the block who has a really strong (as in 20 years strong) background in the industry, and this shines through in every aspect of this pattern. How many tee shirt patterns are there out there? Loads. How many girls tee patterns do you need? Just this one really! The Fun Tee covers sizes 1-12y and has 4 different sleeve options, short and long plain sleeves, short puffed sleeve and the simply gorgeous princess sleeve.
Ok so what sets this pattern apart, firstly the detail that went into the testing process, attention to fit was amazing and the thoughts of testers were carefully considered and acted upon, woohoo! I have yet to make any tee that fits my DD as well as this one around the sleeve and across the shoulder (look I even took pictures to prove it!), to be honest I don't think I realised other tees didn't fit well until I made this one. (and look at how nicely that neckband sits!!
When you buy this pattern you get so much more than just a pattern and tutorial, you get all of the following:
- Full measurement charts for both body measurements AND finished garment measurements, this means that not only can you work out what size you should make but also decide if you want to size up for a more relaxed fit.
- Detailed information on how to adjust the perfect fit you desire (including clear line drawings on how to do this properly via two different techniques)
- Extensive tips for sewing with knit fabrics which are worth reading through even if you have been sewing with knits for years.
- Information on how to calculate the stretch of your knit before you start, and then consequently what adjustments you may need to make to get the fit you want from the pattern. This is something that was discussed a lot during testing and ALL that information is there for you.
- Plus of course a full and clear tutorial for all versions of the top with simple to follow line diagrams, including instructions for printing your pattern and layers feature for those who prefer to use it.
So onto some of the results. I made two tops for DD, and from the size chart she is a size 3 with 5 length. This first I really used as a muslin for size, and it's made from remnant of stable knit I had in my drawer for years (it probably came from Mum).
As you can see with fit was spot on, there is even a nice amount of length there for this child who is growing like a weed right now, and this plain long sleeved version makes not only a great basic tee but a fabulous winter pj top too :-)
The second version I made I used a cotton/lycra fabric throughout with 50% stretch. For this one I chose to do the princess sleeve and the only other alteration I made was to cut the size 2 neckband instead of the size 3 so that it sits nicely. This is DD's absolute favourite top right now, she absolutely loves it and who couldn't love that sleeve.
Over the years I have lost count of how many different tee shirt patterns I have tried out, everything from various pdf's, older paper patterns, magazines, the lot. I am thrilled to say that this one will replace all of those for a simple girls tee pattern for many years to come. I don't often make patterns more than a couple of times but this will be one of the exceptions to that rule. I am so pleased that I discovered Lauren's patterns now and I look forward to seeing what she will come out with in the future.
Finally if you join Lauren's facebook group, she will soon be releasing a free flutter sleeve add on for the long sleeved version of this pattern. So go pattern shopping and start sewing :-)
