I wanted to make some t-shirts again, you know, feminine t-shirts... a bit sexy but without vulgarity. I was looking for something like the Wanted t-shirts by Vanessa Pouzet of which I have made quite a few versions. However, I wanted to try a different model and that's when I came across the beautiful open back, bra compatible, of the Marion t-shirt from L'atelier des premières.
A friend had told me about the brand and spoke very highly of it. So, after seeing their knit fabric version, I took the plunge and ordered the pattern.
Also, I really wanted to try the ribbed jerseys from the shop... So, off to the discovery!
The pattern
The Marion t-shirt is both simple and sophisticated.
Indeed, the pattern is simple because it consists of only 4 pieces: a front, a back, the sleeve, and a neckline band. And at the same time sophisticated because all the magic lies in the details: the open back (bra compatible) and the gathered sleeves.
I find that these details give it all its originality and a certain sensuality. I also really like this model because it can easily be paired with skirts, shorts, jeans, high-waisted pants... in short, it is quite versatile depending on the combinations you create.
Marion is a t-shirt, so you need to use a jersey or knit to sew it. I really wanted to try the ribbed jerseys from the shop, so it was obvious to me that I would sew a white Marion t-shirt in ribbed jersey, a wardrobe essential.
Marion can also be sewn in a viscose jersey, cotton jersey, an openwork knit, a slightly thick ribbed knit... All compositions of jersey and knit are recommended as long as they have at least 15% elasticity.
Marion is a fitted t-shirt available in sizes 34 to 50 on the Atelier des Premières website priced at €11.9 in PDF and €17.9 in printed format.
The supplies
To make the Marion t-shirt, you will need:
- 1.40m of fabric (knit/jersey) with a width of 1.40m
- matching thread
- a jersey needle and possibly a twin needle
- cones of thread if you want to use your serger or coverstitch machine.
You will find these different supplies in the shop
It is possible to sew Marion entirely with the sewing machine.
For my part, I used the serger, the sewing machine, and the coverstitch machine for mine 😅.
The technical points
Marion is classified as beginner level and is supposed to be sewn in three hours; I completely agree with this classification.
In terms of technical points, the only difficulties lie in:
- creating the gathers
- attaching the neckline band
- the hems with the twin needle or coverstitch machine
The sewing experience
I'm delighted with my sewing project. I really like the back and the sleeves. I sewed a size 36 according to the size chart and my measurements. I find that the t-shirt fits well. The only change I will make for the next version is to shorten the shoulder length because I have a narrow build.
I assembled the shoulders and sides with the serger. Likewise, the neckline band was attached with the serger.
I gathered the sleeves with the sewing machine and also sewed them with the sewing machine.
As for the sleeve hems and the bottom hem, I stitched them with the coverstitch machine.
It's really an easy sewing project and if you only have a sewing machine, it won't be a problem 😊.
So for all those who haven't understood yet, I'm in love with my new t-shirt and I'm going to make other versions; that's for sure!
For your information, the hairpin comes directly from Kyoto from a small shop in Harashiyama (I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it survived covid and that I can find it again on my next trip) and the earrings were handmade by me using soutache. I don't know about you, but I love making my own accessories... oh, if only the days were 50 hours long!
Alright, I'll leave you now, I'm going to think about my next version!
Get your needles ready!
