Zoom Tops - Switching up Plain T-Shirts

In my year-end round-up, I mentioned closing out the year by making a bunch of "Zoom Tops" - comfy but cute tops to wear at work on my Zoom calls. T-shirts are a wardrobe staple for pretty much everyone, and this year I realized just how much I reach for them more than any other thing in my wardrobe. To make them a bit more work-appropriate, I've been trying to add fun details that make them a bit more interesting than a basic tee without sacrificing any of the comfort. 

So here is a roundup of my tees and my tips for making a basic t-shirt pattern work harder for work:

1. Pick an Interesting Neckline

This is probably the most obvious tip for a Zoom shirt, but I find that switching out a regular neckband for something more interesting makes my plain t-shirts much more work-appropriate. On this top, I used my regular t-shirt block and added the neckline from Vogue 1460, a Badgely Mischka designer dress, to create a high neckline with a bit of drape. So much fancier and just as comfy as a regular tee. I also like boatnecks, turtlenecks, gathered necklines, and even just turning under the raw edge rather than adding a neckband. 

2. Add Fancy Sleeves

While this switch isn't as visible on Zoom, adding fun sleeves definitely takes my plain tees up a notch. This shirt uses the Iris Pleated Tee sleeves. I added them on to my Mandy Boat Tee, which is a personal favorite pattern and one that I know I will wear a lot. I also love bishop sleeves from McCall's 7993, which I recently tried out. 

3. Layer Your Basics

I also cannot understate the importance of having simple basics in my wardrobe. I made this black turtleneck almost exclusively as a layering piece. I can see putting it under my Vogue Rachel Comey Jumpsuit for winter or, as pictured here, layered with a wool vest. 

4. Have Fun!

Whatever you do, have fun with it! Here I experimented by copying a favorite ready-to-wear design from my closet. The cut-on sleeves and loose fit make this an easy shirt for weekends. And I'd love a version in colorful stripes!  

Now to figure out what to make next...

Workin It Skirt

Welp, it's been a busy coupla months. November started out with a work trip to a conference in Minneapolis. While I'd been to the conference before, it was my first time presenting. And I had A BLAST. My coworker and I brought some fun, quirky energy to what can sometimes be a more academic affair and we got great feedback. We're already brainstorming some ideas for next year. 

Of course, no sewist can go on a trip without making something new. I used the leftover from my Mary Poppins coat to make a cute pencil skirt that I wore for my big day. Of course I wore it with the coat :) 

Pattern: I don't remember? 

Fabric: ~1yd navy striped chevron wool jacquard from Mood

Cost: remnant

The skirt is made from a basic pencil skirt pattern in my stash - I honestly don't remember which one. I think I actually pulled a few out of my stash and, seeing that the sizing and darts were basically the same, used one. I did taper it at the sides to make it more pencil-shaped. I like that it doesn't have a waistband so the print wasn't interrupted and the construction was quick. I also added in slash pockets because every presenter needs a place to stash her pens. You can see me with my hand tucked into them below. 

My one mistake was to not include a walking vent. I had intended to do one, but I think I got lazy during construction and convinced myself there was enough walking room. Well, let me tell you that walking around your apartment is very different than trecking all over a convention center! My stride was definitely reduced and I may have to open this back up to add a back slit. Other than that though it was very comfortable and wearable all day. I also love that it is wool because it was 9 degrees when I landed in Minnesota! It was also lined which kept everything tidy and in place. 

Also new for this outfit is my third or fourth Tessuti Mandy Boat Tee. I wear my other two ALL the time (wearing one now) and thought I'd add a white one to the mix. I really like it with this skirt, though the fabric has a bit less drape than is ideal. I also cropped it a bit much, but luckily it has a wide hem so I will just have to re-hem it longer now that it's been through the wash a few times. 

When I got back from Minneapolis at the start of November we had already moved out of our place to start a much-anticipated bathroom remodel. It is starting to look amazing but getting your only bathroom stripped down to the studs is no joke! We've been living with various friends for a total of six weeks now and very much looking forward to moving back in at the end of this week. It will be our Christmas present! Needless to say there has been no sewing during this time, but I have just finished a big knitting project. And, of course, I will share some bathroom pics with you once it's done :) 

All in all it's been a big few months but lots to be excited for!

My New Everyday Tee

You know it's a good one when you make yourself a casual everyday tee and you wear it EVERY DAY. I mean, I made it when I was working from home so I didn't need that much variety, but this simple shirt has been a real winner.

Pattern: Tessuti's Free Mandy Boat Tee

Fabric: 1.5 yds ponte

Cost: $10

This pattern is Tessuti's free Many Boat Tee, which evolved from their other free pattern, the aptly named Fave Top. It is a really simple one-size-fits-most drop shoulder top, with fitted sleeves that balance the volume of the body very nicely. 

This is actually my second version of the top. I wore the first all over Europe this summer but was getting rather sick of the light lavender color, which doesn't really mix as well with my wardrobe. The black goes with everything and is now why I find myself wearing it ALL THE TIME. 

This version is cut from a black ponte, the same fabric as I used to make my basic black dress. However, after making the dress I only had enough fabric for the body, so I cut the arms from remnants of our Halloween costume fabric. Surprisingly, you'd never notice even though they are slightly different weights and materials. Black for the win!

I am loving this pattern so much right now that I have actually done a pattern hack with some really nice wool sweater knit for the Britex blog. Details on how I combined this pattern with the Style Arc's Dee Knit top on their blog, so check it out because the twist is a lot of fun. 

I am super into sewing basics right now and am wearing them all the time. 

Slouchy Tee and Rooftop Views

Pattern: Tessuti's Mandy Boat Tee
Fabric: 1 1/2 yds rayon? blend
Cost: free from Bay Area Sewists fabric swap

Welcome to the rooftop series, where I discover that my roof has great lighting, a nice view and is perfectly hidden from the public for blogging selfies! You may see all my photos up here from now on...   I'm also done with finals for the semester, got all my credits sorted out to graduate in May, and looking forward to sharing more sewing projects with you during the winter break. I didn't get a ton of sewing done this semester, but I did sneak in a project here and there.

This one is the Tessuti Mandy Boat Tee, a popular pattern featuring an oversized, boxy shape and drop shoulders. I reduced the width slightly (although it is still quite oversized), shortened it (perhaps too much?), narrowed the neck opening, and added sleeve bands for easy sewing. The fabric is a soft knit, possibly rayon blend, that I got at a fabric swap with the Bay Area Sewists. It was originally white, but I threw it in a dark blue dye bath with some other things. Clearly the dye didn't take very well and I ended up with this lavender color. Still works for me though!

Overall this is a very easy, quick sew. The result is definitely very slouchy, but a fun shape to try. My hems could also probably use some work as they're a bit wavy, but I was happy to bang out this quick project. 

Currently I've got a lot Christmas-sewing related projects going on, including a bomber jacket for Mr. Made and my first sock-knitting project. What a joy to be creating again!

Fave Striped Top

Pattern: Tessuti's Fave Top (free pattern!)

Material: jersey knit

Cost: $10

Sometimes, an inspiration pic matches so closely with a pattern that it's just too perfect. Case in point: my new striped top. This dress and the Tessuit Fave top pattern are such a close match that you almost feel like cheating. But after months of coveting this outfit on my Pinterest feed, I knew that the Tessuti pattern would be an easy way to make it a reality. And did I mention the pattern is free?!

This is my second version of this top (find the first one here), and I love it. It's comfy, stylish, and easy to wear. I'm not going to lie, but I've had it on all weekend ;)

To make, all you have to do is sew the front and pack pieces together (again, I didn't quite have enough fabric for the full design - darn!). I then did a rolled hem on my serger, a neckband for the top, and hemmed the sleeves. While the design is just a really simple batwing, I love how it drapes!

Don't be surprised if you see another one of these in my future, but for now I'm out of fabric!

My New Fave Top

Pattern: Tessuti's Fave Top (free pattern!)

Material: light sweater knit

Cost: $5

As a sewist, it is always a little fantasy to one day have a completely hand-made wardrobe. On our trip to Spain, I celebrated a little victory when, on K's birthday, we both happened to step into the elevator for dinner in completely me-made outfits. How cool is that?! K rocked his new cardigan and Jedediah pants, and I had on my new top, pleather pants (pics coming soon!), my coat (which I wear all the time in winter), hand-knit scarf, and even one of my bra quest bras! While this is by no means a daily occurrence, I did a little happy dance that it happened at all. Sewing your own wearable clothes really is possible!

As a little something nice to wear on the trip, I made up the Tessuti Fave Top, which really may become my favorite top! It's a comfortable, easy to wear style and is super quick to make. The only alterations I made is that it's a little less wide (and the sleeves a little less long) to accommodate only 1 yd of fabric, and I shortened a bit to taste. As you can see, the neck hem also came out a bit twisted, so I may do my preferred method of using a neckband next time for a cleaner finish.

While it was a little too chilly to wear it out and about on its own in Spain, I did sneak it along to some dinners under a nice layer of coats. Back in California, I think it will be the perfect wardrobe staple! I will write a bit more about this pattern and my inspiration next time I make it up - the fabric's already been bought and pre-washed!

For now, I leave you with this sweet pic of us in our me-made outfits (kinda)!