The Just Pattern Tyra Tee was released in August, and I’d already made 2 versions. Then I saw that the Sewcialists are having a mini #SewcialistsTNTee challenge (TNT = Tried ‘n’ True) in November. So I thought it would be an excellent time to make a seasonally appropriate 3rd iteration!
In case you don’t know the blog the Sewcialists, it is probably the leading diversity and inclusion blog when it comes to sewing. There is an incredible number of stories on the blog from all walks of life. The one thing we have in common is sewing (I also used to be a guest editor for them so you could say I am biased).
Disclaimer: As the technical editor for Just Patterns, I had access to an early version of the Tyra tee to try out and provide feedback. There is no obligation to post or write about any of the things I make, and I was definitely not asked to make 3! No affiliate links in this post.
Tyra Tee number 1
This was an early version of the pattern which I made in an organic cotton jersey (95% cotton, 5% elastane). Whilst the idea was a big boxy tee, it was a bit too oversized for me so I slimmed down the sides and sleeve by 1.5cm. The version I made was a size 36, in the final pattern this size was renamed to size 34. For reference, my bust size is 82cm.
My friend Anna then also made the Tyra in the same fabric (yellow colourway) which I posted to her, and I’m delighted we can twin! Alas since she is in Melbourne the possibility of taking a twin picture is rather slim especially with Covid.
A bog standard cotton jersey is a good choice for this pattern, as it has enough body to hold the structure of the tee. If you’re after organic, it’s also quite easy to get hold of these days. Although organic cotton is no sustainability panacea!
Tyra Tee number 2
A success! And a very easy sew, based on the small alteration to size down I already made before. I was looking a bit Christmas elf green, so I decided to put on a pink neckband to change it up a bit and I love the colour block effect. Though I still think might still be a bit big … hmm…
Want to see the tee in motion? Check out my Instagram reel here (most of my sewing content lives on Instagram though I’m going to try and blog more!)
Tyra Tee (sweater) number 3
If I had doubts about the tee being too big, I have no such doubts with the sweater. My favourite thing about this pattern is the high neck – no feeling cold on the neck and upper chest – which makes it ideal for a sweatshirt.
I had bought some of this grid-patterned sweat shirting for a hoodie I was making for a friend. But it turned out to be a bit too lightweight. I’m not sure if it’s because it is also 95% cotton, 5% elastane and the thicker stuff I see around is 20-30% polyester?
Anyway, with my original plan scuppered, I found a better idea for it! Funnily enough, I had thought I would go a bit subtle with black … haha, clearly I am totally unpractised at dressing in a subtle fashion! And no I did not try hard to match the grid lines. There’s a tiny bit left so maybe the baby will have a matching sweatshirt too…
Modifications to make a sweater:
- To make 8cm wide hem band from cotton ribbing: first slice off 8cm from the body at the hem. Then cut a rectangle 20cm wide, length 85% of total hem circumference. Sew together the short ends using a 1cm seam allowance. Then press in half, wrong sides together, and attach to the body.
- Extend sleeve piece by 20cm: just follow the line on your pattern piece.
- 18 cm wide sleeve cuffs: cut rectangle 20cm wide, length 85% of the circumference of the sleeve (where the wrist is). Sew the same way as the hem band.
Whilst I’m talking about modifications and ribbing, here’s a link to my IGTV tutorial on perfect knit neckbands.
A real TNTee?
After 3 iterations I think I can definitely call the Just Patterns Tyra Tee a TNTee. Actually I don’t make tees all that often. I have a lot of old RTW ones and I also like to wear blouses and dresses!
If you are going to try this pattern I’d suggest making it as stated. Then slim it down if you feel the silhouette is too much for you. On me it looks best tucked in (or at least the front tuck). The pyjama or “I borrowed my husband’s tee” kind of look is not the one I am going for.
Thanks to the Sewcialists for organising the TnTee challenge. It pushed me to use up some more of my fabric stash and make something useful and nice to wear!
Leaving you with a final picture of my new favourite sweater for good measure.
Till next time,
Kate xx