Basic colors

Plantain top and Sara leggings Plantain top and Sara leggings
In my previous post, I talked about my plan to sew more solid neutral colors. I have many printed fabric in my wardrobe that can’t be worn together because they would clash. So a few plain tops and bottoms are in the sewing plan this year.

Plantain top Plantain top

There’s where these two came into my plan. The top is Plantain T-shirt is a free PDF pattern by Deer & Doe, a French-based pattern company. “T-shirt fitted at the shoulders and flaring at the hips, with elbow patches. Short, long and 3/4 sleeves included in the pattern.” It is perfect for a basic T-shirt pattern that I need!

I cut the smallest size, 34, then I made petite alteration by making a slash across the bodice that also cut across the neckline. This alteration shortens the neckline and armholes as well. It is similar to what I did for the Ikat Sigma dress alteration. I also shortened the hem a lot to make it reach mid-hip.

Plantain top Plantain top

The fabric is grey jersey with interesting green color on the wrong side. You see, I still can’t help finding not-so-basic fabric! Sewing T-shirt is one of my favorite project as it is finished so quickly, especially using overlocker. The sleeves hem are merely overlocked so they curl a bit, showing a peek of green color. The elbow patches are quite subtle with only a thin line of green color peeking around the outline.

Sara zip leggingsSara zip leggings

The leggings pattern is Sara ankle zip leggings by Named patterns, A Finland-based pattern company. It is part of their new Spring/Summer 2014 collection. A few weeks ago, I was contacted by Saara and Laura, the founders of Named, to try out one pattern from their newest collection. The entire colection is gorgeous! I had a hard time choosing one but finally settled with the leggings because I wanted something basic.

When I sewed Named pattern for the first time, I talked about how I wish that the instructions have more diagrams instead of a wall of text. They really listen to the buyer’s feedback! Now they have step-by-step drawings that are really helpful for visual person like me. Each purchase now includes all sizes instead of just two sizes, helpful for people who are between sizes.

Sara is a fitting leggings with an ankle zip in front seam, revealed zipper at the back, front and back seams on legs, fitted ankles, and ankle zippers. It also includes option for micro shorts. I cut size 34, and shortened it considerably. As a note, Named patterns are drafted for an average height of 172 cm/5ft 8”, so I shortened 1 cm on the hip line, 5 cm on the knee line, and 5 cm on the hem. 

Plantain top and Sara leggings Plantain top and Sara leggings

I use beige stretch cotton twill and shocking pink plastic zipper at the back. I decided not to put the ankle zipper because I’m afraid it will add to much details to my not-so-long legs. The hem is overlocked to keep the stretchiness.

I have to admit that I’m not quite used to sewing with solid, neutral color fabric. It was not as fun as sewing printed fabric! But I’m glad to finish these two items, they will definitely get much wear time!

Top pattern is is Plantain T-shirt is free PDF pattern by Deer & Doe, size 34.
Leggings pattern is s Sara ankle zip leggings by Named patterns (PDF), size 34.

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