I have lost count of how many times I have sewn the Tessuti Mandy Boat Tee over the years.  It’s a frequent sewing palate cleanser for me; I often make one shortly after I finish something involved, or when I need a kick-start to get me back into the sewing groove.

This time around I used leftover striped knit bought from Rathdowne Fabrics way back in 2016 – I first used it to sew a Style Arc Maddison top that had frequent wear but has now left my wardrobe.

Check out my stripe matching along those side seams! It’s worthwhile paying attention at the cutting out stage. I didn’t baste the side seams but did pin them about every third stripe before overlocking them together. I also paid attention to the position of the stripes when I cut out the sleeves, and they do line up with the stripes on the body.

Even though I am pretty sure that everyone reading this is quite familiar with this free pattern, details are as follows: A Tessuti favourite, the Mandy Boat Tee is a wide, boxy style made for jersey knits. Featuring drop shoulders, it has a boat neckline and optional three quarter or full length fitted sleeves. Relaxed and easy-to-wear, Mandy really is the perfect wardrobe staple and a quick and satisfying sewing project. Sizes (AUS): XXS-XXXL Recommended fabrics: two-way stretch cotton, wool or viscose jerseys or knits with elastane, lycra or spandex content.

I probably sewed size 3, the L-XL, with a 1cm forward shoulder alteration. I used double sided fusible tape to stabilise the neckline before stitching it. A reminder if you’re sewing this that you definitely need a knit with plenty of lycra so that the sleeves fit you comfortably. They need to be fairly fitted to balance the proportions of the loose body, but you also need them to fit around your biceps! I twin needled the hems.

I bet that I never retire this pattern – it just works for me in so many ways.