You guys know that I am a little obsessed with the free Mandy Boat Tee pattern by Tessuti fabrics. I’ve probably made it 10 times and it’s still my go to make when I find a cool knit. Well, I decided I needed more, and this time I wanted a sweater version and more of a tunic length with a side slit.
The fabric is some gorgeous maroon crocheted sweater knit that I bought from Paron Fabrics in the garment district awhile back. The fabric is great. I am just kicking myself that I didn’t get the black that they had too.
I sewed up the top with my usual adjustments – lengthen the sleeves to full length and took about a half inch from both center front and center back. I also adjusted the length by about 6 inches in the back and about 4 inches in the front.
I knew that I wanted those high slits on the sides of the sweater that I see a lot in ready to wear right now. To achieve this, I finished each of the 4 side seams separately. Then, I sewed each side seam together leaving a wider than usual seam allowance towards the bottom – about 3/4″. I stopped stitching a couple of inches below my waist and backstitched. Then I pressed the seam allowance open so that the edge was folded back about 3/4″ on each side. I opted to add a bit of lightweight interfacing inside for extra stability but that is optional. Then I just stitched around the slit to finish it off.
I’m thinking that I want to try this technique on the driftless cardigan next. Wouldn’t it be cool with a deep slit?
Before we go can I just say that hats are really hard to pull off. I’ve only managed to wear this out of the house once so far 🙁
31 Comments
so pretty! Love a comfy tunic! And the side slits are the perfect detail. 🙂
thanks anna. i love the slits too. just needed a little something new to add.
great and comfy tee! 10 are definitively not enough 🙂
apparently not because i can’t stop making them. i love that its comfy and on trend. cant get better than that.
Great sweater! And the hat looks great!!
I find the trick with wearing a new hat is to just own it (or fake it til you feel it).
true. i need to own it. i doubt anyone else thinks twice about it.
I’m delighted you posted this! I had forgotten about this pattern – just downloaded and printed it. I have 2 sweater knits asking to be used 🙂 I plan to lengthen it as you did – really cute!
you won’t regret it!
Ooo I love this! I would buy that in a heartbeat. The slits look great, and I absolutely love the color you used.
Also, you pull of hats flawlessly in my opinion! Not just saying that, it looks really cute on you!
thankyou! i really just need to wear it more to get use to it probably.
I feel weird wear hats, but you look great in this.
The colour of that sweater is perfect on you.
thank you! I am so obsessed with this color. This and hunter green. My go tos for cold weather.
OMG this is awesome! My mind is starting to drift towards winter sewing and I think this will definitely be on my list. I love the colour you chose and the added side slits. Excuse me if I blatantly copy myself a version. Maybe in khaki green though! By the way you are rocking that hat. I am lucky and hats seem to suit me but my sister has a lot of trouble finding hats that suit her so I understand the struggle.
you should definitely make this pattern. it is such a favorite of mine.
Gorgeous! I love this color on you, Kelli. It looks so luxe and warm!
thanks so much mary!
Perfect winter sweater! And this color looks amazing on you!
Isn’t it the best pattern! One of my favs too.
I love this!! That colour and those slits are so cool! I also think you are totally pulling off the hat!!
So cozy! Love the color too.
What a gorgeous color! And, I can’t believe there’s still snow on the ground. I’m dying for some true spring weather here, but I still saw your snow and thought fondly of winter!
Burgundy is one of my favorite colors so i love this look perfect on you
You have a interesting blog.
I hope you will like mine
xoxo
http://www.welovefur.com
Love this! The color is beautiful on you, and it looks so snuggly, and wear-everyday-perfection. Also, you should totally wear that hat with confidence, because you look fantastic!
I am totally copying this with a sweater knit that I’ve been hoarding. And you look great in that hat, wear it out!
Love this sweater. can’t wait to make it. Also love your boots. Where are these from?
Awesome sweater! It looks just like something I’d put on and never take off. 🙂
So chic and comfy! Love your outfit!
xx
Mademoiselle Coconath
http://mllecoconath.com
So very cool Kelli! When this first popped up in my Insta feed I actually thought it was an add for Anthro or something similar. Beautiful sewing and such a svelt look. x
Gorgeous! I always forget this pattern, loving the longer length and side splits 🙂 I really struggle to find good sweater knits in Australia, you lucky girls in the U.S always seem to get such cool ones!
You’re totally pulling off the hat 🙂 I love the side slits with the tunic length–really flattering!
Kelli, you look amazing! Such a great outfit and I love your Mandy boat tee mod! I still need to make one! I’ve made them for my boss and my m-i-l, but not for me!