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 😍

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    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.

      Delete
  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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    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.

      Delete
  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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    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.

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

    ReplyDelete
  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.

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

      Delete
  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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    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.

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    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.

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

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

      Delete
  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!

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

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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    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.

      Delete
  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

    ReplyDelete
  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!

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

      Delete
  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!

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

      Delete