Alter-it-August #2: Barbie, Mandy, and Me

Its the second week of August and that means another #alteritaugust project on the books! (If you haven’t seen the first project, you can read about it here).

Garment: Barbie graphic tee

From: Cannot remember, probably secondhand, possibly RTW clearance rack?…

Why I don’t wear it: I don’t mind the slightly over-sized fit, but the sleeves are hacked off so there was massive gaping at the armholes, and the neckline didn’t feel right.

The Plan: I LOVED barbie dolls as a kid and the nostalgia factor is huge here! Really, she was my first introduction to fashion and design, from trying to glue together felt for tiny dresses to endless hours sketching over Fashion Plates. (Did anyone else have that toy??) I want a simple garment that fits neatly and can be worn with as many things as possible. Like I always do. Haha.

Materials: Thread, [Free] Mandy Boat Tee Pattern by Tessuti, black jersey scraps from previous project.

Process: Super simple construction here. I cut the shoulder and side seams, lined up the Mandy pattern pieces on the front and back center folds, not worrying too much about the hem length. I had to use separate fabric for the sleeves. Please note, I made a size 1, and the sleeves are very very snug. It works in this super stretchy fabric, but in a more stable knit it would be uncomfortable for me.

Review and Thoughts: SO CUTE. I will wear this a lot. I am a huge fan of this pattern, definitely recommend it to beginners as there is no neck binding (which aren’t hard, but this is nice and simple!)

Shorts are Lander Pants by True Bias Patterns.

All the over-sized tees are at risk of becoming Mandy’s, you’ve been warned! <3