Saturday 30 April 2016

Deer and Doe Plantain Tee and Style Arc Wallis Pants

Why have I waited so long to try this wonderful pattern?



The Plantain T-Shirt is a free downloadable pattern from Deer and Doe, that has been around for quite a while, yet I have waited until now to give it a try. I was after a top to wear out to a work dinner, that would be suitable to wear with my black Style Arc Wallis Pants. It needed to be evening appropriate and a quick sew as my time was limited. The Plantain T-Shirt was the perfect candidate.

Deer and Doe Plantain T-Shirt

I had this black and silver sparkly knit in my stash which had been bought ages ago from Spotlight for a completely different project that never eventuated. This fabric also met the criteria for this top.


I cut a size 44 and added 8cm to the length to make it more tunic length. In hindsight I should have added a little more to the length as I could only turn up a 1cm hem without making it too short. I love the shape of the neckline on this top, and the general shape of the T-Shirt is quite flattering...being fitted in the shoulders and across the bust, yet skimming loosely over the tummy and hips.


Although I am very happy with the fit of the front, the back needs a little more room to skim over my backside without getting caught up. This will be easily fixed for the next one.


There are generous 5/8th" seam allowances thank heavens, as I could see that this top was going to be too tight on me when I tried it on Vera during construction. The fabric has only a small amount of stretch and I should have allowed for this by cutting a larger size. I was able to save it by sewing 3/8th" seam allowances at the side seams.


The Style Arc Wallis Pants were sewn last year, but I never got around to blogging them. They are made from a lovely black ponte purchased from Style Arc. It has an excellent recovery so they don't bag out at all.

Style Arc Wallis Pants
I cut a size 12 and added a large calf adjustment to cater for my extended calves. The line drawing is incorrect. The curved side seam begins at the usual position for a side seam and curves toward the front at around hip level. It does not start from the back as the line drawing suggests. I am quite happy with the fit of these pants and they have been a really useful wardrobe staple.


Stay tuned for more Plantain Tees.

Happy Sewing

27 comments:

  1. I love both garments ! I also appreciate that you feel you need to tweak the fit on the back . But you just stated that & moved on . I tend to go on & on with what I didn't like about the fit & sometimes talk myself out of liking a garment- when the issue like yours is minor .
    Great job on both 😍

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    1. Thanks so much MaryEllen. Sometimes it's hard to look past the faults and focus on the good points. We can all be too hard on ourselves at times.

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  2. I love how you have enhanced this t shirt by using a glamourous fabric. I am inspired to try this t shirt pattern, the neckline in particular looks just right.

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    1. Sometimes all you need is a simple pattern and a glamorous fabric to create something special. I do highly recommend this pattern and it's free. Thanks Karen.

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  3. This top is glorious! I don't think you need to add more width at the hip - just do a sway back adjustment. Your trousers are also fabulous, what a nice pattern!

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    1. High praise indeed Sue. Thank you. I have already made two more plantains in merino knits with an alteration to the back piece which resulted in a much better fit. I intend to do a blog post about this when I get some photos.

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  4. Both garments are pretty. The top fabric is glamourous and they suit you beautifully :)

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  5. What a lovely little outfit. The sparkly plantain looks lovely - and thank goodness for wider seam allowances - I always say you can take it off, but you can't put it back. The pants are a superb cut and fit on you.

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    1. Thank you Sarah Liz. Those wide seam allowances sure saved the day.

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  6. Nice outfit! I haven't really noticed those Style Arc pants. Very interesting lines but perhaps not as good as the drawings suggest. They fit nicely anyway.

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    1. Thanks Vicki. The Wallis pants are one of Style Arc's older patterns. Even though the line drawings are not accurate, it is a good pattern.

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  7. Just perfect for a work dinner. Love that neckline and it all looks a great fit to me.

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    1. It did work out well for the occasion. Thank you Clare for your kind comment.

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  8. That's quite a snazzy outfit there, Jean! A sparkly top like this Plantain is a classic.

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    1. Thanks Paola. It did feel quite snazzy. Have you tried the plantain yet? I think it would be more successful for you than the Style Arc Maddison.

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  9. What a glamourous Plantain! Love the tunic length and the sparkly fabric!

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    1. Thanks Marianne. It's amazing how a bit of sparkle can add a touch of glamour to an outfit.

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  10. What a great outfit! I love the Plantain pattern - done up in a glitzy fabric like this, it is perfect for a night out. In a cotton/lycra it is a great everyday basic!

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    1. I agree Masha. The Plantain is a very versatile pattern. I am kicking myself for not making this up sooner. Thanks.

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  11. I never knew the T-shirt was a free one - thanks! Stylish outfit with a glamed-up T-shirt

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    1. This pattern has been a wonderful find made even better by the fact that it is free. Although I would gladly pay for it. Thank you Ruth.

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  12. I love this dress! I keep seeing it around and love it on everyone. I have to keep reminding myself that dresses do not suit me at all. But I will admire from afar. patterns for sewing

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  13. I love the look. You have the proportions just right, I would say. It is also comfortable and luxurious so can play many parts. Well done you!

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    1. Thanks so much Kate. Sometimes it's hard to get the proportions just right and it certainly makes a big difference.

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  14. I really love the both, chic and elegant. I am looking for a nice top for early summer. I didn't know Deer and Doe, will check it. Thank you!

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    1. Thank you Eli Cat. This is a lovely pattern and even better...it's free.

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