November was TNT month on the Sewcialists blog, so this fall I’ve been digging out some of my favourite Tried’n’True patterns and tweeking them for a new look!
Fabric makes a huge difference with TNTs, and this year I wanted to include some new colours into my winter wardrobe. I’ve always worn quite bright, saturated colours, but when I made my last round of Cali Fabric projects, I fell in love with more muted tones.
(What’s a muted tone? It’s basically a colour plus grey, which makes it soft but not pastel. This article has a great explanation – and might help you figure out what kind of colours you like best!)
When I picked my Cali Fabrics this time, I went for muted tones of blue, pink, mauve and grey. I love how they all look together, and I think they suit my colouring well in winter.
Up first is a Jalie raglan tee which I’ve made at least 15 times – plus a whole bunch of version of the tank which is also included in this pattern! Jalie really is in a class of its own when it comes to TNTs, because the sizes range from kids to adult in one envelope. I like the side shaping in the pattern, which works well on my pear-shaped figure. I also appreciate the curved hem!
For this version, I raised the scoop neck slightly so it would be warmer, and adding ruching on the sleeves. I always push my sleeves up anyway, so might as well make it a design feature!
The fabric is used is a double brushed poly jersey. I think this exact print is out of stock right now, but there are lots of other prints available! It’s a very easy fabric to sew with, because it doesn’t slither or stretch out of shape.
To layer with the raglan tee, I made a sleeveless vest using another TNT: McCalls 5890. This is my one and only Big Four TNT pattern, and I’ve been sewing it since 2012! This time I made it in a dusty mauve rayon french terry. I remember wearing this greyish cool pink tone 15 years ago, and it is fun to try it out again!
Since the fabric is quite lightweight, I decided to add a double-layered yoke to support the shoulders and prevent it all stretching out. I also added some gathering at the yoke for fullness in the back. To change the pattern from sleeved to sleeveless, I brought the shoulders in about 1″ at the shoulder seam, and slightly more at the front of the armscye.
I’m really happy with how this muted colour palette looks together! Experimenting with TNT patterns is always so fun, because you can hack the pattern or try new fabrics and colours, but always know the end product will fit! What are your favourite TNT patterns for fall and winter?