The November theme of the Sewcialists is TNT patterns. One of the purposes of this theme is to show the patterns that you tried, several times, and that you love. You can either share them on Instagram with the #SewcialistTNT or tell about them on your blog. (At this moment you have still one day for it!)
So I dove into my sewing archives and discovered that I had several TNTs.
My first TNT pattern
In 2013, after a sewing hiatus of more than 20 years, the first pattern I tackled was the A-line skirt from the book Allemaal rokjes from Mme ZsaZsa (You can translate the title as A whole lot of skirts !). After sewing this skirt I felt the joy of sewing something for myself that has a good fit. The feeling was so strong that I immediately sewed some more of the same skirt. For myself and for my daughter.
It is always the same pattern but some have more flare and others have a box pleat at the front.
Why sewing a TNT pattern?
- You save time
The fact that you have already a traced and maybe an adjusted pattern saves you a lot of time. This is a big win for me because I am tall and I have to lengthen all my patterns.
- You professionalize
Every time you sew a pattern that you sewed before you improve your sewing techniques. Well, after sewing in about twenty blind zippers in your skirts, I can do it with my eyes closed ;). - You can vary a lot
You can use another type of fabric for the same pattern. You can make small changes like lengthening the sleeves or the hem. Small decisions that bring a lot of variety to your wardrobe. - You have joy
Sewing a garment more than once gives joy. When you are sewing it you know already that the fit will be good, how it looks on you and how you feel in it. That makes that you have a smile on your face while you are sewing it because you know the outcome will be great.
Look below for some patterns that are my TNTs. For me, a pattern is a TNT when I sewed it at least three times.
The Hudson Pants from True Bias
The most loved and worn comfort pants in our family. I sewed several for whole my family.
The Odette Dress from Bluegingerdoll
I sewed all three of them in a knit fabric. That makes them secret pyjamas. And you don’t have to sew in a zipper on when you use a knit fabric, win-win.
The Brooklyn Skirt from Seamwork
Same skirt and the same pattern with no changes, but three different types of fabric giving three different looks.
Ogden Cami from True Bias
The same pattern in three different lengths. This cami and dresses gave me so much joy in the scorching heat of last summer.
Future TNTs?
Will I sew some more variations of above TNT patterns?
I don’t have a crystal ball but it is possible. But, more likely it is that I create new TNTs.
And you? Have you some (favourite) TNT patterns?
I am a returned to sewing sewist too (a 40 yr hiatus!) and I’ve only been back to it 3 years so it hasn’t been truly long enough for me to develop too many TNTs. So far I have made 2 and will make more for sure Toaster Sweater patterns, Harrison shirts and Endless Summer Tunics. I love several of the Sewing Workshop patterns too like the Odette. I have too many patterns however, to get too locked into one pattern! I feel guilty if I make too many since I have such a bunch waiting to be tried 🙂