I wonder how many pdf pattern companies there are?  I seem to keep on finding more of them!  This top is my first from the Winter Wear Designs pattern line. It’s the Traveler Tee.

In this case it was the combination of woven and knit that piqued my interest – although in the end I sewed it entirely from knit fabrics. The colourful sleeves and front panel were leftover scuba scraps. The centre front seam is definitely not part of the pattern! Piecing the front was the only way that I could eke it out from my scraps. I am pretty impressed with my pattern matching all things considered!

So, to the pattern details.  From the website: This is a knit/woven COMBO top with raglan sleeves and a scoop neck. The front center panel is made of apparel woven material, the sleeves and back are knit. This pattern has a Relaxed Fit with flattering shaping that gives fashionable comfort for any figure.  No matter where you are traveling, this top will get you there! There are 4 sleeve options:  Cap (this sleeve comes just past the shoulder), Short sleeve, Elbow length, and 3/4 length. The Pattern also features the option of a shirttail hem or a straight hem.  The front hem of this shirt is designed to hit at mid hip to be comfortably worn with jeans, shorts, and skirts.

The pattern comes in a wide range of sizes, to cater from a 28 to 57 inch bust.  I chose to sew size Large, which is for a 38 inch bust, with finished measurement of 42 inches.  Next time I sew this I will probably grade down to a Medium through the upper chest and neckline.  I love the fit through the body though.

I chose the shirt-tail hem option at the back, and the three quarter length sleeves. This pattern allows for lots of colour blocking play. There are lots of photos of finished garments on a range of shapes and sizes on the pattern website, giving plenty of inspiration and ideas for ways to combine fabrics. I don’t see why this can’t be made in all knits, like I did, but I really doubt that it would work in all wovens. The centre front can be in a woven, but the rest is best in a knit.

The only slightly tricky part is getting a neat finish at the front corner insets. Follow the instructions, take your time, and make sure that you include all markings and pin carefully. Otherwise, this is an easy sew. I topstitched many of the seamlines to control and flatten the scuba seam allowances.

Although I really like this top, and love the vibrancy of the print, I’ve given it away to someone I think will wear it better than me. I will definitely be using this pattern again in the future though!