Pages

▼

Friday 12 August 2011

.Basic Tees - a new pattern for you!.

Hi all!  Things have been a little quite around here lately...and my house has been messy...that only means one thing - I've been busy working on my latest pattern and am all ready to share it with you today!

 
An indispensable starting point for everyday dressing, Basic Tees is a pattern you will find yourself using again and again.  
 
 The classic long or short-sleeved tshirt is a wardrobe staple that you can’t do without.  The easy style of Basic Tees allows you to express your creativity and create one-of-a-kind tshirts that suit every occasion.  
 
Featuring a straight style for boys and more fitted body with gathered sleeves for girls, as well as options to include short-sleeve overlays and contrast hems, Basic Tees is the ideal foundation for thousands of outfits!
Basic Tees is another Make It Perfect pattern designed for use with knit/stretch fabric.  If you are a newbie to sewing with knits, I highly recommend a simple tshirt pattern as your starting point.  They are quick and easy to make and something that your kids are bound to get a lot of wear out of.  

The pattern comes with lots of tips and tricks for sewing with knits, but my number one tip is to use the best quality fabric that you can afford.  All of my failed attempts at sewing with knits have happened when I have been using cheaper quality knits.  Good quality is much easier to sew, washes and wears better and gives a much nicer finished result.  These tops were sewn using gorgeous knits from Crafty Mamas - the solids are all Stella and the stripes are Hilco Campans.  Crafty Mamas now offers free postage within Australia and great International postage rates - gotta love that!

There is heaps you can do with the Basic Tees pattern...instructions are given to create a plain tee or tee with short-sleeve overlay and contrasting hem and neckline as shown above but, of course, these are just starting point suggestions - you can mix and match fabrics and decorate with applique, freezer paper stencil, buttons, ribbons, iron on transfers, etc. and easily come up with a whole cupboard full of tees to suit your style!

Once you sew one, you'll be itching to make more (trust me, I'm up to my 10th tee this week!) my kids wear long and short sleeved tees every single day so I know I'll be sewing lots more in the future!

Big thanks to my beautiful photographer, Chelsea (check out her work - she is amazing!) and the GORGEOUS models she rounded up for me.  They are the cutest kids ever - chooks, books, rain, cute kids...what more could I ask for?

Take a look at my new website for more information on Basic Tees.  As always, copies of the pattern will be avaliable soon in retail stores - or you can always ask your favourite store to order a copy in for you.


GIVEAWAY
I'd love to give one lucky winner a copy of Basic Tees - leave a comment on this post to be in the draw!
(Please make sure you leave an email address with your comment.  Giveaway will close Wednesday 17th August and winner will be drawn at random).
at

129 comments:

  1. Anonymous12 August 2011 at 14:53

    Fantastic pattern! Well done Toni-They look great :)
    k.nyhan@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. kyliealysha12 August 2011 at 14:57

    Awesome! I can think of a lot of possibilities for this pattern.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Stacey12 August 2011 at 15:00

    You're amazing! I have seriously been looking for a great basic pattern cause I'm still scared on knits. Can't wait to sew of of these : )

    ReplyDelete
  4. Danni12 August 2011 at 15:01

    What a brilliant pattern. They look great!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Emma12 August 2011 at 15:08

    Yay! This is fabulous :D

    bubbleandme@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Caitlin - craftycrackpot12 August 2011 at 15:20

    Oh yes, these look great!!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sanchia12 August 2011 at 15:26

    Wonderful pattern!Basics are the best.
    sanchia(at)sanchia.com.au

    ReplyDelete
  8. Crafty Mama12 August 2011 at 15:36

    Just beautiful Toni!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Anonymous12 August 2011 at 15:42

    Love them Toni! Just gorgeous, adorable, brilliant!!!!!! Linda :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Tam12 August 2011 at 15:44

    Ooo they look perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Emily12 August 2011 at 15:44

    Fantastic pattern!! :) emmillee(At)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Peta12 August 2011 at 15:50

    Oh so perfect, just what I have been looking for. Well done.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Kitty12 August 2011 at 15:53

    Thank you Toni for yet another awesome pattern!! You rock :-)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Danielle12 August 2011 at 15:54

    I love it!
    mdmozjerin@bigpond.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. melandpeter12 August 2011 at 16:00

    ooo, count me in. Love the new pattern Toni. x

    ReplyDelete
  16. Anonymous12 August 2011 at 16:05

    looks like a great pattern to have on hand Toni.

    shoproomstudio@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. Unknown12 August 2011 at 16:44

    the perfect pattern really. Exactly what I need for my ever growing kids.

    ReplyDelete
  18. LionessLady12 August 2011 at 16:44

    hi Toni - would love to try one of these! Another great pattern - clever lady!!!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Jemima12 August 2011 at 16:47

    Wow - yet another beautiful design - well done Toni

    ReplyDelete
  20. Erin Shakespear12 August 2011 at 16:48

    Love the stripes! The pattern looks fun. Great job. :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. Melisa Jane12 August 2011 at 16:50

    Fabulous ! I have a pile of Stella just waiting for this pattern!!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Erin Shakespear12 August 2011 at 16:51

    Ooops....my email addy is erinshakespear (at) bresnan (dot) net

    :)

    ReplyDelete
  23. Tanya12 August 2011 at 16:57

    Toni- what a fantastic and practical pattern. I love Crafty Mamas too. And those photos are great.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Sarah G.12 August 2011 at 16:58

    love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love IT!!!!!!!!!!!

    sarahgyger@yahoo.de

    ReplyDelete
  25. Virginia12 August 2011 at 17:00

    I have been looking for a good basic tee pattern for ages. This pattern looks great and so much could be done with it. Thanks

    vgrimsey@netspace.net.au

    ReplyDelete
  26. Jennifer12 August 2011 at 17:09

    Would love to win a copy of this. My kids are always needing t-shirts

    ReplyDelete
  27. Nettie's Blog12 August 2011 at 17:31

    i will leave a comment Toni because i think these Tees are the best HOORAY... when are you designing for big people?????...but leave me out of the draw as i am biased and related to the photographer.... (Pssst what did you think of my collection of Enid Blyton books that my grandies have now inherited???? wish those chooks were mine too...just love silkies)

    ReplyDelete
  28. Sonja12 August 2011 at 17:31

    Great post, full of nice photos and a good description of a new pattern.
    One can never have too much tees :)

    ReplyDelete
  29. melanie zerner12 August 2011 at 17:35

    Oh lovely!! I am a beginner sewer working my way through your book and LOVING it!! I'd love to win this great new pattern for my little ones!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Monique Baker12 August 2011 at 17:45

    Great new pattern Toni. Loving the new kids pattern. Can't wait to get my hands on one.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Nähhexe12 August 2011 at 17:58

    They look really nice and hopefully will be sewn as easily as your other patterns ;-)
    Great fan from Germany, Kate.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Anonymous12 August 2011 at 17:58

    Terrific, I've been wanting to make something like this for my kids for ages, but didn't have a pattern that I liked. Looks fabulous! Thank you for creating this!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Little Munchkins12 August 2011 at 18:08

    Me, me! I would love a chance to win this pattern since I missed out on testing this. I even bought the fabric already thinking I was going to test this so I am all ready to go ;)

    ReplyDelete
  34. Melissa12 August 2011 at 18:31

    Fantastic! This is a pattern that every kid will wear. xx

    ReplyDelete
  35. Carli12 August 2011 at 18:38

    Great new addition to your pattern collection, well done x

    ReplyDelete
  36. emjay100012 August 2011 at 19:00

    Well done! That will be an awesome pattern to have as a basic! Can't wait!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Tilda12 August 2011 at 19:15

    Love it! So pleased to see your new pattern. I have a tall 5.5 year old daughter and have had so much trouble buying her long sleeved tees this year (as we have had to buy size 8)....at least next year I know she will be covered!! Thank you!!!!
    rossicottage@skymesh.com.au

    ReplyDelete
  38. Anonymous12 August 2011 at 19:24

    Actually, just in case I don't win a copy ;-) When will it be available from the online stores? Had a look at Kelani Fabrics, I am guessing I am being a bit too eager :-) But yes, I am very eager :-D Thanks Toni. kirstey(dot)yarra(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  39. ~ fiona j harding ~12 August 2011 at 19:53

    Chelsea is the BEST photographer. She's a keeper - I love her pics. I also LOVED 'The Naughtiest Girl in the School' books while I was growing up. Enid Blyton was a brilliant author - shame she couldn't find time for her own children though. Well done Toni.

    ReplyDelete
  40. booqiboutique12 August 2011 at 20:10

    me please, I would like a tee..

    ReplyDelete
  41. Pam12 August 2011 at 20:25

    I'd love to have a copy of your Basic Tees pattern. It looks like you've included lots of options. If it's anything like the patterns in Make It Perfect the book, the instructions will be detailed and easy to follow. I've just finished the Cupcake Dress...
    allmap(at)y7mail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  42. Pam12 August 2011 at 20:26

    I'd love to have a copy of your Basic Tees pattern. It looks like you've included lots of options. If it's anything like the patterns in Make It Perfect the book, the instructions will be detailed and easy to follow. I've just finished the Cupcake Dress...
    allmap(at)y7mail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  43. Catrin12 August 2011 at 20:31

    Love it... It looks amazing. I especially like the neck.
    Cat

    ReplyDelete
  44. Rainbow Made12 August 2011 at 20:44

    Unreal pattern Toni!! I would love to give it a go.
    rainbowmade@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  45. Aimee12 August 2011 at 20:59

    Great pattern, I've never sewn with knits before so would love to try your pattern as my first.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Jody Herbert12 August 2011 at 21:03

    Great pattern! My kids always need new T-shirts, long & short sleeved - so it would definately come in handy.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Cheryl-Anne12 August 2011 at 21:11

    Nice work! As you say, a versitile pattern that will be used again and again. I'm looking forward to adding it to my collection.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Mandy12 August 2011 at 21:27

    These look great. I can see myself making plenty of these.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Amber12 August 2011 at 21:35

    Oh greeat pattern. So many ideas storm my brain as I read this! Would also be fun to cut of and trun into a lap dress for my littl one :)

    ReplyDelete
  50. Angela12 August 2011 at 21:54

    They look so cute, and I can imagine them in lots of different variations. Thanks for the chance to win a Basic Tees pattern.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Suzee12 August 2011 at 22:01

    love the colors and stripes! thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Courtney @ Sweeter Than Cupcakes12 August 2011 at 22:31

    I just tried my first tee, but the collar seams didn't line up. I'd love a chance to learn from your pattern.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Kristin12 August 2011 at 22:35

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Kristin12 August 2011 at 22:36

    I would love to win your new pattern! A great basic shirt that will spur on the creativity in all of us. Thanks for the chance! nkmeldrim at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  55. Nikki12 August 2011 at 23:30

    Ohhhh to be able to successfully sew with stretch fabric...! Looks like a fab pattern Toni.

    myblackcardigan{at}gmail{dot}com

    ReplyDelete
  56. Louisa12 August 2011 at 23:46

    I love the pattern! I can imagine many fabulous combinations. auntielouisa@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  57. Gina S12 August 2011 at 23:47

    Finally a tee with some style, love it! Thanks for a chance to win one. :)

    ReplyDelete
  58. Anita13 August 2011 at 00:24

    I've been wanting to try (again) sewing a knit for my daughter. The first one was wearable, at least for around the house - not really that nice.

    ReplyDelete
  59. DianeY13 August 2011 at 02:17

    I'd love to win one, but this looks like a pattern I'll definitely buy! Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  60. michelle13 August 2011 at 03:27

    this looks like a fantastic pattern for back-to-school.
    mnmwong@roadrunner.com

    ReplyDelete
  61. Jocelyn13 August 2011 at 03:50

    cant beat a basic tee! This ends on my birthday too!!

    ReplyDelete
  62. ali13 August 2011 at 04:14

    those look great - i'd love to sew some for back to school goodness!

    ReplyDelete
  63. ziezo13 August 2011 at 05:05

    They look so nice! Great job! Would be perfect for me to start my knits experience. . .

    ReplyDelete
  64. AJ13 August 2011 at 08:00

    Love the stripes!

    ReplyDelete
  65. memmens13 August 2011 at 08:03

    What a superb pattern, I've been following along the Sewing with Knits Monday at luvinthemommyhood and thinking I must get on and try...this is another inspiration - thanks for the chance to win

    ReplyDelete
  66. amummy13 August 2011 at 08:05

    The new pattern looks amazing. Another pattern to add to my wish list.

    ReplyDelete
  67. Sew Lovins13 August 2011 at 08:09

    Love the tees! Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  68. Neets13 August 2011 at 08:55

    Love, love, love it! And with two boys - one 5 and one 1 I just know this pattern would get an absolute flogging in my house. Perfect. I hope I win, oh please, oh please 1anitaneville(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  69. Michelle13 August 2011 at 09:13

    FINALLY - does it only come in kiddie sizes or MUMMY sizes as well??? timandmichelle@iprimus.com.au

    ReplyDelete
  70. Megs13 August 2011 at 09:28

    This looks fabulous Toni! A real staple pattern!

    ReplyDelete
  71. Anonymous13 August 2011 at 11:54

    love your work!! and this pattern is no different, love it!

    evenstevens99@bigpond.com

    ReplyDelete
  72. MothersBrains13 August 2011 at 14:22

    Will you throw in one of those cute chooks too?

    ReplyDelete
  73. Anna13 August 2011 at 14:50

    awesome toni! as usual they look amazing. :) cute cute!

    ReplyDelete
  74. Tas13 August 2011 at 18:52

    A classic tee pattern is a must have. This looks fabulous!

    Now I need to scroll down. I am sure that I saw the words "lemon curd" calling to me... ;)

    ReplyDelete
  75. Heidi13 August 2011 at 19:05

    these are great, I would love to get my sister to make some for my little girl, my sewing skills are a bit of a worry :)
    heidi(dot)donnarumma(at)bigpond.com

    ReplyDelete
  76. Dianne13 August 2011 at 19:43

    Looks fantastic!

    diannelovelock AT gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  77. little elm13 August 2011 at 19:48

    Great! Would love this one!

    Linleywright@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  78. Ally13 August 2011 at 20:03

    Definitely an essential for any one who sews for their kids. Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  79. Rachael13 August 2011 at 20:11

    Another great pattern to add to my 'want it bad' list.

    ReplyDelete
  80. Eydie Watkins14 August 2011 at 06:48

    Looks great!
    eydiemh@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  81. Anonymous14 August 2011 at 07:22

    Great pattern, love all the options!

    ReplyDelete
  82. Andrew & Beth14 August 2011 at 08:00

    fantastic! I've always wanted to sew some tees! Thanks!
    beth_kiernan@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  83. Thimbelina14 August 2011 at 08:42

    They look great Toni....and so many possibilities! Well done!

    ReplyDelete
  84. April @ Sewing Novice14 August 2011 at 11:49

    Great pattern! I might just make this my first knit item to try!

    ReplyDelete
  85. Monkeysinmypocket14 August 2011 at 12:07

    How exciting! Another great pattern to make! Can't wait to get my hands on one!

    ReplyDelete
  86. kgibson14 August 2011 at 12:29

    I'd love to give these a go! They look great!

    ReplyDelete
  87. tiffany14 August 2011 at 12:55

    That's exactly what I need to get over my fear of knits! Great pattern, fabulous photos. Thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  88. Meika14 August 2011 at 16:15

    I am still yet to sew with knits and I can't wait to get my hands on this pattern to have a go!

    ReplyDelete
  89. Ronnie14 August 2011 at 18:36

    This would be great to overcome my fear of sewing knit fabric. I would love to win

    ReplyDelete
  90. Ruth14 August 2011 at 22:38

    These look great! Love the options to add gathered sleeves and applique. Not really a "basic tee"!

    ReplyDelete
  91. Jacquie15 August 2011 at 11:25

    Great Pattern Toni - have been looking for a good Tee pattern and I know that yours will be well designed and easy to construct. So when will it be out in women's sizes? I'm the one that wears a Tee everyday in our household :)

    ReplyDelete
  92. Jo15 August 2011 at 14:50

    These look great!

    ReplyDelete
  93. Deanna16 August 2011 at 01:21

    Who doesn't need a basic tee pattern? Great!
    ardeannadoornbos at yahoo dot ca

    ReplyDelete
  94. Anonymous16 August 2011 at 06:23

    Ooh, yes please! Count me in, I'd love to win this pattern.
    stashavalanche[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  95. SewHappyJan16 August 2011 at 18:25

    This looks great,can never have too many t's :)

    ReplyDelete
  96. Rosie17 August 2011 at 08:24

    I think I might be too late finding this giveaway but what a great pattern. Would be great to win, thinking of all the tees I could make for my boys

    ReplyDelete
  97. Anonymous17 August 2011 at 10:45

    I'm upcycling old tees to make pants for my youngest. This versatile pattern would be great to use up the leftover scraps from the rest of the garment. Great pics!

    ReplyDelete
  98. Karen Chaplin17 August 2011 at 12:35

    Another brilliant pattern Toni - well done and keep them coming - this pattern is a sure must for any sewer

    ReplyDelete
  99. Jane from Lil Pip17 August 2011 at 12:36

    So much scope with these tees. I'm yet to tackle knit fabrics so would love to give it a go! (I actually think I would be too scared to try but if I won I would be forced to, right? LOL)

    Good luck with the new pattern.

    ReplyDelete
  100. Amigala17 August 2011 at 12:36

    I've tried sewing knits once and it was an epic fail! I would love to have this pattern and give it another shot! fxfire 21 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  101. Angie Clare17 August 2011 at 12:38

    Great pattern! Would love to cut up my old knit shirts to recreate for my bebes.

    ReplyDelete
  102. Tammy17 August 2011 at 12:40

    I think I am crushing on Toni Coward atm ! lol, Love your patterns, love your thermomix recipes !

    ReplyDelete
  103. rene Draffen17 August 2011 at 12:41

    Wow, they look fantastic, with 5 small children I can think of endless ways to make these and yet they all look different as well :)

    ReplyDelete
  104. Miss Amy17 August 2011 at 12:43

    Love love love your patterns toni. They are great styles and really easy to follow. Would be so pleased if I won this!

    amy@weepantz.com

    ReplyDelete
  105. Anonymous17 August 2011 at 12:44

    Thanks for such a generous giveaway - would be great to get over my fear of knit fabric! Philippa flissy-floss@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  106. Anna17 August 2011 at 12:52

    I'd love a copy please!

    ReplyDelete
  107. jakodai17 August 2011 at 12:53

    I would LOVE to win this pattern - I have been looking for a good long & short sleeved shirt pattern for my son for such a long time. This one is great! You've done a fantastic job, as always! :-)
    amandatennent@me.com

    ReplyDelete
  108. Amy17 August 2011 at 13:04

    I would love this pattern!
    Amy

    abcsemartin(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  109. nattyj17 August 2011 at 13:21

    I'm wanting to start sewing clothes for my 2 little munchkins-this looks great & would Sokol love to win the pattern.

    ReplyDelete
  110. Tanya17 August 2011 at 13:22

    What a Tee-Riffic pattern! I love to applique designs on the front of plain tees for my kids because I am never satisfied with printed tees in the shops. Making my own Tees though would just add a complete new dimension!

    ReplyDelete
  111. Narelle17 August 2011 at 13:25

    Love it!! As I do all your patterns :)

    ReplyDelete
  112. Carla G17 August 2011 at 13:43

    What a great pattern! I'd love to try making my boys some tees! Thanks for a chance to win!

    bcgeates(at)netbistro(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  113. IndigoElephant :: Sash17 August 2011 at 13:49

    Looks like a lovely pattern, I'm just gettin ginto sewing with knits and this looks like something I could manage!!

    ReplyDelete
  114. Carolyn17 August 2011 at 13:49

    It looks like a fabulous pattern, I haven't sewn knits before and I would love to win a copy!
    carolyn.a.martin@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  115. Anonymous17 August 2011 at 14:20

    They look great - the models and photos are fabulous too!

    perigren@hotmail.com

    Cheers xx

    ReplyDelete
  116. Angela Green17 August 2011 at 14:23

    Sorry about the anonymous post! <3 the pattern and I would be excited to tackle the challenge of a t-shirt for my kids.

    Cheers,
    perigren@hotmai.com

    ReplyDelete
  117. Anonymous17 August 2011 at 14:28

    joycemosby@yahoo.com
    I love this pattern. I saw one of your other posts. I really like the short sleeve overlay. It is a nice detail.

    ReplyDelete
  118. sunrae17 August 2011 at 14:46

    Looks like another great one. Like your big and little uptown girl jackets I think I've made 6 of those since I got the pattern. This shirt would be really cute made to coordinate with girls dresses, a great way to keep my dress loving girls warm. bsunrae@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  119. Carly J17 August 2011 at 14:56

    This pattern is awesome, will come in so handy. Keep up the good work Toni, you are an inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  120. Carly J17 August 2011 at 14:58

    This pattern is awesome and will come in handy. You really are an inspiration, keep up the good work Toni...

    ReplyDelete
  121. The Miller Family17 August 2011 at 15:57

    Would love to win this! Thanks for the giveaway!

    amiller012803 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  122. Justine Street17 August 2011 at 16:20

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  123. Justine Street17 August 2011 at 16:23

    Great pattern. Would love to make it for my little girl. justinelwatson@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  124. sdare2917 August 2011 at 16:25

    Bugger! You have me sold! This is great for all the options you have included!!!
    So much for me not buying any more fabric this month!
    xoxx s

    ReplyDelete
  125. Deb R17 August 2011 at 17:15

    ohh love the pattern, dreaming of all the colour combos I could do!!!

    ReplyDelete
  126. Anonymous17 August 2011 at 20:13

    Pattern giveaway, That would be great. I have two little ones, but one boy who is always needing a clean shirt thanks to his playing in the mud antics.
    Thanks Sharra
    sharramac@bigpond.com

    ReplyDelete
  127. Kristy17 August 2011 at 22:26

    Would love to be entered to win this new pattern! It's a perfectly wearable T that would be very useful in a house with 5 kiddos! :)
    Thanks for the chance!

    ReplyDelete
  128. Anonymous17 August 2011 at 23:16

    Yes yes yes yes. This is an awesome pattern. Thanx for the opportunity. Squiffy@iprimus.com.au

    ReplyDelete
  129. WandaFish17 August 2011 at 23:29

    This looks like another 'must have' pattern, Toni - fantastic!
    I'm sure I'll be using one for a long time :)
    Thanks for the chance to win one.

    ReplyDelete