Managing Mandy… I ran across some pics of the Tessuti Mandy Boat Tee on Flickr a few days ago and got curious. It’s a free download and apparently enjoys some popularity. It also looks very similar to the Grainline Studio Hemlock Tee (also gratis), so I decided to give it a try.
I’m not picking on them, but it’s invited. The pattern says the bust width is 58″ (148 cm) – after flat measuring 3 times, I come up with 52″ at the bustline, drawn through a bust apex at 10.5″ down from the shoulder. At the armhole the width is 54″. Now, that’s a big difference.
My first version was a wipe-out. The boatneck was uncomfortably high, the back and front side edges didn’t align well, and I could barely get the sleeve on my arms. But that’s the purpose of a muslin.
A couple more pics of my remake of the Mandy, then on to sewing notes:
Fabric – poly/cotton/lycra from Fabric Mart |
Aaack – what a smug look! not intended… |
- Decreased the bustline width to 46″:
- Removed 1″ at CB and CF (1/2″ at the fold line).
- Removed an additional 4″ (1″ each side of CF and CB, midway down the shoulder).
- Added 6″ to the body length, back and front, using the lengthen/shorten line on the pattern.
- Tweaked the sleeve:
- Removed 2″ from the length of the sleeve.
- Added 1/4″ to each sleeve side seam. The resulting bicep width is 13″.
- On the body, lowered the armscye by 1/4″ to fit the new sleeve.
i saw this post about your Tessuti pattern and I had to reply even though its from a while ago . I agree that they are expensive but I have found them to be really good , very stylish and to go together really well.I have made about 5 of their patterns and will keep making them as they are not fashionable but are really stylish and timeless . Maybe it has something to do with the pattern blocks they are using not fitting you particularly well.
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i saw this post about your Tessuti pattern and I had to reply even though its from a while ago . I agree that they are expensive but I have found them to be really good , very stylish and to go together really well.I have made about 5 of their patterns and will keep making them as they are not fashionable but are really stylish and timeless . Maybe it has something to do with the pattern blocks they are using not fitting you particularly well.
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You made changes to make the pattern work for you. And it looks great on you!
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Thanks, Dorothy!
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Thanks, Carolyn. Yes, there's something about a striped shirt! And shoes – I'm loving your adventure, each is better than the last. Inspiring!
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Thanks, Myra – and I enjoyed your recent interview on Faye's Sewing Adventure – neat!
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So true! thanks so much.
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Oh, thank you, Margene. Made my morning. The bag – It's from the Ora Delphine online shop, but – over the last couple years I've gotten 3 bags there as Good Morning America Steals and Deals at hugely reduced prices (about $89). Otherwise I could never have afforded them on my retirement income 🙂 They are beautiful bags. My other two are pink and marigold and are the Adele design ..http://oradelphine.com/
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Love your new top, Coco. You always send me on a journey to look things up. This time is was the hobo bag. Where did you get it? On the Facebook site for “The Girl Next Door Boutique,” I came across this saying and it applies to YOU: THEY CAN IMITATE YOUR STYLE, BUT THEY CAN'T IMITATE YOUR CREATIVITY! Well done on making this top YOURS! Now I have to look up the Mandy top.
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The only point is that this is not a Mandy anymore. It is a Coco. So yoo are super happy with your own pattern. Carmen
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Very pretty and comfortable looking too!
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Well, it looks terrific on you! I love a good striped Tshirt, we all need one don't we? 🙂 So versatile and they seem to go with everything. I haven't tried the mandy yet, I really should give it a go sometime
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It looks so comfy. Love the top!
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thanks, Martha! those stripes – it's stubborness…
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OMG, what a great shop, Fancy Tiger Crafts…the indie selection, the fabric. Could go crazy there! And yes, Grainline is so dependably well done, end to end.
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Great job! But really, doesn't Grainline do such a nice job with their patterns on the whole?
I'm about to embark on the Fen dress by Fancy Tiger Crafts, wish me luck!
Love the bag.
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Wow! You really created your own Mandy, for sure. I am impressed. And I like yours a lot. Ooooh…and what perfect stripe-matching.
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