Another day, another free pattern! This one is Plantain from a French pattern company, Deer and Doe. I've had my eye on the Deer and Doe patterns for a while (particularly the Sureau dress and Datura blouse), but haven't pulled the trigger and bought any, mostly because their patterns are not downloadable and I wasn't keen on paying international shipping. The free, downloadable Plantain pattern was the perfect test run, and now I am reconsidering my stance!
In short: this pattern rocks. Clearly designed for a woman with hips (yay!), the top flares out at the hem, which also helps disguise muffin top. The neckline is great, too. Love it!
Until this point, I was not entirely convinced that making my own t-shirts was really worth it. It's been like Goldilocks and the Three Bears... My first t-shirt, Megan Nielsen's Briar, was not the right style for my shape (I've never actually worn it in public). My second, Grainline's Scout, was a bit shapeless (which works in the woven version, but not so much the knit version, although that hasn't stopped me from wearing it). Plantain: juuuuuust right. So right that I just lay the pattern pieces on top of my polka dot knit Scout and might convert it to a Plantain.
Made from some cotton slub knit from Joann. The only changes I made to the pattern were lengthening the sleeves slightly (I used the line created by taping the PDF pattern pages together- I probably added an inch) and sewing the neckband on with a smaller seam allowance (probably only 1/4"-3/8" inch rather than 5/8"). Also, check out my sweet twin needle hem below. I adore how professional it looks!
PS: After seeing this t-shirt, Tim was overcome with jealousy. A peanut butter and jealousy sandwich craving that can only be sated with a Thread Theory Strathcona t-shirt.
PPS: This might be the first time I have completed a sew-along garment during the time allotted for the sew-along. Winning!