Well, I am pretty sure that I just found my go to pattern for the fall. I made up two mandy boat tees from Tessuti Fabric’s pattern line and I am in love.
There are so many things going for this pattern. It’s a very fast sew – I would guess an hour at the most. It’s just that perfect on trend silhouette that looks great with skinnies and boots and still hides my muffin top. And to top it all off it’s free! I’ve tried Grainline’s hemlock tee and it’s very similar. I love them both. If you are looking for something in this drop shoulder tee style you should take a look at both of them and see which one you prefer.
I made this striped one exactly as the pattern suggests with no alterations except shortening it all the way around by about 2 inches and it was pretty close right off the bat. It’s a one size fits all type of top, which I think would work on most people. The only caution I would say is that the sleeve width fit me perfectly as is and they are somewhat fitted. I am a 6/8 ready to wear so if you are much smaller or larger than that then I would suggest sizing the sleeves a bit. I love it and it’s been on constant rotation since I made it. The fabric is from Wanderlust fabrics.
I made a few changes on the black one (fabric also from Wanderlust) and I think I have the perfect fit now. I shortened the front by 2 inches and left the back long creating a dipped hem. I also shortened the sleeves by a couple of inches.
I have a sweater knit ready to try with this pattern next which I think will be cool. Hooray for super wearable sewing projects. Have you guys tried this one? If not it gets two thumbs up from me.
32 Comments
Love these! I was sewing up a Hemlock Tee last night, because I love the way drop sleeves fit me. I ended up botching the underarm seams somehow and had to scrap it. So frustrating! They ended up all bunched up, and I can’t figure out why. I might give this pattern a try!
this pattern is super easy. you will love it i promise.
They look great! I’ll need to remember this pattern, I just got a striped knit fabric and I’m on the look for a pattern with the perfect combination of interesting lines/easy construction 🙂
this is a great pattern for stripes. it looks cool with the sleeves going another way and blocky shape.
I love both of these! Both look like great fall staples!
thanks heather. yeah, they are already getting a ton of wear.
Oh! I’m so interested in this sweater knit you’re using next. Where did you get it? Any sneak peeks you can give me? 🙂
Love them! I printed this pattern out a while ago but never got around to making it. And I have the perfect striped knit right now…
Great outfits! I’ve been looking for a similar pattern only slimmer through the body, I wonder how easy it would be to make it slightly more fitted for wearing under cardigans etc?
Hi Bella, I did this alteration following tips on the Tessuti blog – there is a post where Colette made it in a Missoni knit. I took 16cm out if the width – it is still loose but not as boxy.
The seafarer top has a similar style but is slimmer through the body though not a free pattern.
oh yeah i forgot about that one. although i must admit that i love the oversized element.
yeah i think you could pretty easily slim it through the center front and back.
They both look great Kelli! I especially like the black one.
thanks rachel. yeah the black one is getting tons of wear.
Isn’t it a fantastic pattern? I’ve made at least 5 now, with varied alterations to get the perfect fit. I take 2 inches out of the centre front and back as I’ve narrow shoulders, then I tend to shorten it. And my fave variation is curved side seams – it’s the best! Love your high/low version.
so glad someone else is obsessed with it too. i need to go check your out now.
So glad you love it. It looks fantastic.
thanks lisa. its a real winner of a pattern.
oh i need to make one of these (or the hemlock!). seems so comfy for fall.
you really should – super cool mom (or not) wear in my opinion.
I love this so much! It looks super comfortable and drop shoulder tees are the best.
thanks elizabeth!
These are great! I love big billowy tees- they’re so effortless and comfy. I hadn’t seen this pattern before, so thanks for that!
This top wasn’t my first style choice but I’ve now made it twice out of light weight knits and I’m sold on it. I like your versions. They work so well on you.
I love this pattern too.
You always look so put together! These are both great!
thanks sonja!
Both styles look nice and trendy!!
Amber
thanks Amber!
Just wanted to tell you that I’m a huge fan of your work and style! Thank you for the inspiration, I’m wearing my Mandy Boat Tee as we speak, and my daughter is showing off her Mini Hudson Pants at school 🙂
thanks so much!