Closet Core Patterns Core T-shirt

When you finish sewing a pattern for the first time and immediately cut out a second version, that's a fairly good verdict isn't it? That's what I've just done with the Core t-shirt, a free pattern from Closet Core Patterns.

The Core t-shirt is a classic crew neck t-shirt. It has a slightly boxy silhouette and comes in two lengths (semi-cropped and hip length) with two sleeve options (short or three-quarter), as well as optional features of a patch pocket and a back neck and shoulder binding. For both of my versions, I've used the semi-cropped length with the short sleeves and added the shoulder/neckline binding. 

It comes in two size ranges - 0 to 20 (full bust 31" to 46") and 14 to 32 (full bust 42" to 60"). 

The pattern was fun to sew. The instructions are really detailed and I found them easy to follow. I have made a fair few t-shirts before so was familiar with a lot of the steps, but the neckline binding was new to me and that was also no problem. You do need to be precise and take your time with that step, but as long as you follow the instructions you shouldn't have any trouble.

The binding is actually one of my favourite things about the pattern - it gives a really neat finish to the neckline, and as a bonus is a perfect place for adding a pretty label. The two that I've used here both come from This Is For Makers - I'd definitely recommend their labels as they're excellent quality and come in lovely designs.

I made a size 12 at the shoulders/bust blending out to a 14 at the waist hip. They're the sizes recommended for my measurements and I think the fit worked out nicely. It's boxy as intended, but it's not at all baggy. I added 1.5 inches to the length of the semi-cropped version - I'm about 5'9" so lengthening patterns is very standard for me.

The fabrics that I've used for my t-shirts are both coincidentally left over from making pyjamas last year. The paler pink geometric flowers originally came from Simple Life Fabrics, and the brighter pink with the ladies printed on it I'm pretty sure came from Sew Totally Me. I really like both fabrics, so I'm glad that I've been able to squeeze a second project out of them!

As I've already sewn two versions of the Core t-shirt, it's probably no surprise to hear that I really like this pattern. It's enjoyable to sew and comfy to wear, with a really nice fit. If you're on the lookout for a classic crew neck t-shirt, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a try. Thank you Closet Core Patterns for the great free sewing pattern!

Sabina Skirt - Free Sewing Pattern Review

Who doesn't love a freebie? Particularly if that freebie is a super detailed sewing pattern for a really pretty skirt! In case you haven't seen already, Rumana of The Little Pomegranate offers her blog subscribers the lovely Sabina skirt pattern for free - and I for one couldn't resist such a generous treat!

Sabina is a gathered skirt that sits on the waist, with an elasticated waistband and gentle shaping at the hips. It has roomy pockets and a pretty ruffle hem. 

It comes in sizes from waist 25"/hips 34.5" to waist 51.5"/hips 61".

This may be a free sewing pattern, but you wouldn't know that from the effort and attention to detail that have obviously gone into it. It's just as good as (if not better than!) many paid-for patterns. The instructions are excellent - they're really detailed, very clear and provide explanations of any sewing-specific terms along the way. 

I think it would probably be a really good pattern for beginners as long as you picked a stable fabric, as detailed in the fabric recommendations for the pattern. If you're more experienced, it's a nice simple pattern to sew and looks lovely in a drapey fabric.

The skirt is also really easy to fit. Basically, all you need to do is to make sure you cut the right length of elastic and you're pretty much sorted! On that note, I'd definitely recommend checking how much the elastic you're using stretches when you're cutting it to size - some definitely stretch more than others in my experience.

I made the size recommended for my measurements and it turned out nicely. I didn't make any alterations, so this is the length as it is in the pattern - for reference I'm about 5'9".

The fabric I used for my Sabina skirt is a pretty viscose from Like Sew Amazing - it's still in stock here, and the same print is also available in a teal colourway. It's a lovely drapey viscose, and works really well for this pattern. And happily the colours in the print go really nicely with the jumper that I'm wearing here that I knitted last year.

I'm really pleased with how my Sabina skirt turned out - it was fun to make, and it's lovely and swishy to wear. That did mean that it wasn't the easiest garment to take photos of on a breezy day, but that's not a major hardship! I can definitely see myself making more versions of Sabina in the future, and would heartily recommend giving it a try. A big thank you to Rumana for a lovely pattern!