Sewing Indie with Maria Denmark

As you may know, May is Sewing Indie Month. I've been looking around at all the indie pattern companies participating -- some I hadn't heard of before, some are designers I've been coveting patterns from for some time! Mari of Seamster Patterns created this massive project, and so I wanted to be sure to buy one of her designs --  I chose the Rose Hip Tights (more on those later!)

But the first Indie project I finished is a basic tshirt from Maria Denmark, the Kristen Kimono Tee, a free download from her website when you subscribe to her newsletter.

There are other Maria Denmark patterns that look very tempting...particularly the Edith Dress...but for now, I've tried out this tee.

I traced it out -- 3 pieces -- and cut it from some knit leftover from another project. It was really quick and easy, and the neckband went in beautifully. But I had made it in such a hurry that I hadn't paid attention to the fact that the tee is fairly straight from the underarm to the hem. My figure doesn't really work well with that line! So I rejigged it a bit: I unpicked the side seams up to about the underbust area, and cut a wedge of my leftover fabric to insert into each side. I added 2" to both seams at the bottom,sewing in a long triangle on each side, then hemmed it to just around my hips. It fits in a way that I am comfortable with now, and I've noted those changes on my pattern. (I could probably go up a size, if I retraced the pattern, too)

Otherwise, I love the fit of this tee -- the kimono sleeve is easy to sew, and comfortable to wear under a sweater, and I like the neckline finish. I'd like to make another one with my personal alterations added and see how it goes. This is a super-simple and quick design that could be fancied up or made very plainly, depending on your taste.

I have a few more new Indie designs to share with you this month -- do check out Indie Sewing Month and see the possibilities for yourself!