Monday, February 4, 2013

More Pattern Testing: The Reow! Alexa T-Top

I have been lucky enough to pattern test twice for Tessuti! This time I tested their newly-today-released Alexa T-Top Pattern.


I must admit this is the most perfect T-shirt I have ever owned. Most of the time T-shirts are either too tight through the shoulders relative to my hips, too short, not long enough through the sleeve or the neckline is too high.

But with my Alexa, the neckline is perfect, the sleeves didn't need lengthening, the shoulder width is perfect and it just nicely swathes around my hips without being too tight. I made the size small and simply lengthened it by 4cm. I knew I needed to as I measured my favourite tank top as a comparison.

I made it up in a very soft and luscious Dolce & Gabbana leopard print jersey - REOW!!!

The pattern is very simple. Sleeves, back, front and binding. It calls for you to twin-stich the neck binding and all the hems. This would be a good pattern to learn to twin stitch. I used my walking foot as well as the twin-needle as the jersey is very soft. So perhaps if you are a knit-beginner, choose a more stable cotton jersey or a viscose jersey with more weight behind it.

I have worn this five times since I finished sewing it two weekends ago. The only thing that has stopped me wearing it again is that it now needs washing.

I'm wearing it above with another Moss Mini Skirt, made in a pale, lighter weight denim. I wear this skirt everywhere. Unfortunately my darker denim one has somehow gotten bleached out streak marks on it - I hung it inside in the shade so I'm not sure what happened.

I'm going to look for some more fabric to make another Alexa this weekend when I'm in Sydney - my list is growing!!

8 comments:

  1. Nice! I want a leopard print tee now.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Excellent! Love it. This pattern is very tempting...

    ReplyDelete
  3. Lucky you to test run this pattern - it fits your perfectly!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ...should be 'it fits you perfectly' ... need to proof read my comments...J

      Delete
  4. This looks great! I really like the shape and fit in the waist area. Great fabric!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Great top Rachel. Look very funky styled with the denim and black shoes.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Looks like a really nice basic tee pattern. Yours turned out great.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Ooh great t-shirt... I'll have to go check out the pattern now. It was lovely to meet you on Saturday at the Sydney sewing social meeting, hope you and Leith can come to another!

    ReplyDelete