When I started blogging I really thought I'd be on my own island in the vast sea of the internet, sending out messages in a bottle hoping someone, anyone would read them. I still get a thrill just seeing that people are reading (and following!). But when I'm contacted to participate in a blog hop or review a pattern, I'm downright flattered. That's not to say I'm easy, I still choose reviews and group activities carefully and thoughtfully. When I was asked to review a pattern from Muse of the Morning, I admit I wasn't familiar with Chrissy's patterns. So I went and had a look. I immediately saw a great opportunity to mix a utilitarian gray knit with feminine shoulders on the Practically Perfect Girl's Tee Shirt. When something like that pops into my head so quickly and easily, I go with it. I love it when it comes out even better than I first saw in my mind's eye.
Squinty face, but great view of the clothes. |
Let me stop here and inform you that I was given a free copy of this pattern for review, but anything I say here is my own opinion, of course.
My favorite patterns are those that can be a great canvas for play. And this is one of those patterns. For this review I sewed it following the original pattern and instructions. All I added was the button appliqué on the front. I love that this tee comes with four sleeve options: cap, gathered short, Henley, and basic long. We're* not into overt-girly around here, but that doesn't mean I don't love feminine details like a cap or a gather.
*And I really do mean "we." If The Peanut was drawn to princess clothes and sparkles and jewels and all things pink I wouldn't dissuade her. I'd even embrace sewing the ruffle (begrudgingly). As it is she's more of a dinosaur- and blue-loving Fireman Butterfly Fairy kind of dress-up gal. So gray gathered shoulders without too much poof seem to fit her perfectly.
A simple line of buttons and a few stitches make a quiet appliqué breaking the solid gray. |
"BUGS! Look, Mom, there are bugs on the wall!" |
I paired the finished tee with another favorite pattern of mine, the Go To Leggings (no affiliate, just love). The sporty skirt over shorts make a good summertime pairing for the gray tee.
Did I mention the bugs on the wall? I got a lot of pics of her back for this one. |
There is currently a great giveaway open on Chrissy's blog so be sure to enter! Also, use the coupon BLOGTOUR30 to get 30% off of all patterns at Muse of the Morning's shop through May 17.
Want to see more? Check out these other fabulous blogs.
Pattern
Tee: Practically Perfect Girl's Tee Shirt from Muse of the Morning, size 5T with gathered sleeve option
Skirt + Shorts: Go To Leggings by Andrea Pannel, size 5 shorts with optional shirt
Fabric
Tee: Upcycled Men's Size XXL tee from Wal-Mart plus striped interlock from my stash (originally purchased at Joann's Fabric over two years ago)
Skirt + Shorts: Striped interlock and gray ribbed knit from my stash (originally purchased at Joann's Fabric over two years ago)
Love
...that this tee has four sleeve options and is a solid wardrobe staple. The pattern directions are clear and the fit is great.
Note
Stripes aren't the best on a curved hem like this skirt. Luckily, The Peanut never stays still long enough for anyone but me to inspect the imperfect way the stripes cut off at the hem.
___________________________________________________
You should really see all that goes into each project!
From my model preferring to wear washi tape on her belly button instead of the clothes I've sewn for her, to the ingenious way that I’ve re-purposed my favorite sewing tool, a chopstick, into a spool pin for double needle sewing on my machine. Daily updates on Instagram (and Flickr) of works-in-progress will give you that behind the scenes view you’re looking for, and sneak peeks of First Tuesday Tutorials, too.
___________________________________________________
The Inspired Wren is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.