So many Mandy boat tees.  At a rough count the number I have sewn is well into double figures.  It’s a simple shape that I return to over and over.

I am now using the updated version of this (still free) pattern. When it was originally released it was a ‘one size fits all’ pattern. It now comes in four sizes, ranging from XXS to XXXL, with a three quarter length and a full length sleeve option. I think that the sleeves are now slightly roomier than they were in the first rendition.

I fall between the size 2 and size 3 according to my measurements, but really when you’re choosing a size for this pattern, it’s very much about your style preferences. I really like the wide loose body with fitted sleeves, so overlaid the original pattern on the new one and decided to go with size 3. I’m happy with that choice.

Of course, as with many successful garments, it’s about getting the fabric choice right for the intended silhouette. This knit (I found it at Restash earlier in the year) is perfect. It’s really soft, quite stretchy, and drapes beautifully. I’ve sewn Mandy tees in a few fabrics now and the ones that have been nicest to wear have been those in fabrics that stretch well in both directions (especially for sleeve comfort).

I did what I often do with the leftovers, and sewed them into a tube for a simple scarf/cowl that I can wear with the tee to add a fraction more neck warmth and a change of style when desired.

It’s Easter Monday here – what a different Easter it’s been.  The kids had the fun of our usual egg hunt yesterday, which is always entertaining to watch, but otherwise the four days have been so different to usual.  Easter has usually been about family for us, mostly in a relaxed country setting.  Everything over the last month is full of contradictions – familiar, yet unfamiliar.  At the moment we’re focusing more on what we can do and the blessings of our lives than what we currently can’t do and are missing out on.  But that focus changes.  Anyway, it’s back to work for me tomorrow, and back to school for the kids on Wednesday (edited to add: both work and school are from home for the foreseeable future as per the stay-at-home guidelines in Victoria).  I’ve enjoyed getting sewing and craft projects done, and we’ve also managed to complete a few of those household tasks that get put off for ages but don’t end up taking long to do.  We’ve watched loads of Netflix and Stan.  When you don’t have to go anywhere for anything, there’s much more available time at home for both doing and simply being.  The days are going quickly yet the weeks are taking forever.  It’s a very strange time.