Striped Short Set: True Bias Jesse & S9272
Overview:
Initially I wanted to sew and compare two free indie t-shirt patterns, True Bias Jesse and Closet Core T-shirt. Both offered a cropped view that I knew I would sew eventually. The plan was to sew both tee with this black and white striped fabric, but I got an idea of a striped short set so I'll have to find another knit.
Skill Level: ★
Sewing Time: 1 hr each
Pattern Rating: ★★★★★
Pattern:
The Jesse Tee is a free pattern from True Bias. It features a relaxed fit, dropped shoulders, elbow length sleeves and two hem lengths. The description states a wide crew neck, but the neckline seems small to me. I do love the cropped length. With just 4 pattern pieces its a quick and easy sew.
It took until me wanting to make these lounge shorts to realize I didn't really have any pull on shorts patterns. Full disclosure I did have a few but they were basic PJ patterns and I wanted pockets and an actual (ie. not foldover) waistband.
I was actually looking for a pattern for a different project and came across Simplicity 9272. It doesn't include a shorts view, but I new I could make it work by simply creating a new hem line to allow a 3.5" inseam.
Fabric:
I do not remember where this striped knit is from. It has a very fine rib and feels amazing. Hefty but still soft. I wish I had more of it. I would've made pants instead of shorts.
I have love/hate relationship with stripe fabrics. On one hand I love wearing stripes and am often drawn to striped fabrics. Stripes are so versatile - vertical, horizontal or even diagonal - which makes them fun to play with. On the other hand cutting and sewing striped fabrics require a little more work and planning. It's worth it though.
Love this little label from Dutch Label Shop
On the shorts I decided to cut the pockets vertically, it's a really small detail but I love it. I thought about adding a pocket to the top with the stripes aligned vertically, but I left it off. Should I add it?
Modifications:
None to the tee. I simply eliminated the tie on the shorts.
Summary:
I think this is a really cute set. I want to make it again with the pants length.
Pattern: True Bias Jesse tee (free!) | Simplicity 9272
Pattern Description:
The Jesse pattern is a relaxed fit T-shirt with two lengths. View A is cropped length, ending around the natural waistline and View B is a full length T-shirt ending below the hip. The oversized fit of this design includes a dropped shoulder, wide crew neckline, and sleeves hitting just above the elbow.
pull-on pants with knit waistband & ties.
Sizing: women's 0-18, plus 14-32 I cut the women's 18 | XS-XL. I cut the XL but feel the L wouldn't been better.
Does it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope? Yes | not really as there is no shorts view on the envelope.
Were the instructions easy to follow: yes | yes
Would I recommend it to others? Yes especially since the tee pattern at its FREE | yes I've already made the pants again