Thursday, June 22, 2017

Tidewater Tee + Bonus Back Hack

Hey there strangers! Did you miss me?

Did you think I dropped off the face of the Earth? Went off on a world adventure? Had another child or 2? Became a productive member of society, perhaps?




I'm here to tell you that I did none of those things! Huzzah!


But that doesn't matter because I'm back now. Over the next few weeks I'll be updating the look of the site. I'll also be posting more... sewing, cooking, household hacks that may or may not work, whatever Pinterest project I've managed to screw up. I may even bust out some power tools from time to time.

Be afraid; be very afraid...

Anyway, Let's get to the star of the show. I was recently given the opportunity to test out the new Tidewater Tee over at Winter Wear Designs. It's friggin' cute; you should totally check it out. It's an extremely versatile tee with 2 neckline options and 3 different sleeve options. It's semi loose, ridiculously comfortable, and super cute. It's on sale for $7.50 until Sunday...just sayin'



I sewed up a total of 3 versions. First up is this blue cold-shoulder top with the high neckline. This was one of the earlier versions of the test, so you can see how the fit is perfected toward the end of my post. I love this shirt. Definitely one of my new favorites. Bonus points - you can totally wear a bra with it!


Look! You can't see my bra from the back! I call that a win!



Version 2: The final version of the same exact top. Not only is the fit perfected, but fabric choices completely change the look of the pattern.






I would also like to note that I'm getting better in front of the camera. While I cannot promise no awkward faces or poses, I can at least assure you that there will be (slightly) less of them.

No promises! I'm a totally GOOBER!!

Saving my personal favorite for last: tulip sleeve high neck with a draped back modification:


  

OK, you might not be able to wear a normal bra with this hack, but it's totally worth it.

Because everyone loves more pattern options, I'm going to give you a good ole-fashioned tutorial. It's surprisingly easy.

Normally you would lay out your pack pieces like so:





Instead of matching the fold line of the pattern piece to the fold line of the fabric, you will only match the bottom corner of the back piece to the fold of the fabric, then rotate the pattern piece outward. The more you rotate, the more the fabric will drape at the back. You will then "drop" the center dip of the pattern to the desired scoop. The more you scoop, the more back will be showing. Mark a straight line from the far bottom corner to the fold. The new cutting layout for the back piece will look something like this:





Now you simply follow the pattern as written.



Yes, that's it.


Yes, it really was that easy.




No go on and show off your back! And stay tuned next week as I attempt another hack on this pattern and pinterest tutorials involving my hair.

BOOM!