Going away for a sewing weekend is pretty much one of the best things ever. I mean, hanging out with a bunch of rad ladies, eating all the cheese, drinking all the wine and sewing all of the things makes for an epic four days of sewing wizardry. Last year at Sewaway I worked on one project solid for the whole time (Captain Bunway the Angora Cape!) so I decided to mix it up this year and go multi projects: my quilted sleeve Linden Sweatshirt, some leggings, a jeans muslin, and of course comfy tees. It’s an oldie but a goodie and it’s back again- say hello to my second Ensis Tee in Too Fast, Too Ensis. Or should that be Return of the Ensis? Or Ensis Boogaloo? Never mind…
The Ensis is a comfy colour block knit tee with two versions from Papercut Patterns. Version A features sleeve and hem cuffs while Version B has a slightly cropped sleeve and curved hemline. I went with the B as I loathe cuffs and anything that constricts on my wrists. Not sure why this is? Maybe I was a criminal in a past life and have a crazy fear of handcuffs after being caught trying to steal the crown jewels from a corrupt tyrant? Or not… ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
The black fabric panel is a superfine merino knit from The Fabric Store. The white jersey is a DKNY knit I picked up a couple of years ago also at The Fabric Store. Its heavier drape means it is quite opaque and I don’t have to worry about my bra showing through. I know, I know. I’m getting quite conservative in my old age!
Construction wise, this was crazy simple. As with all Papercut Patterns the instructions are detailed and the line drawings are easy to follow. Though in saying that, I didn’t actually take the instructions with me and instead freestyled like a baws. The most exciting thing about all of this was the fact I got to use Kat’s coverstitch machine on the hems. Holy monkey hats this thing is awesome and was super easy to use! I have a flowerpot I’ve been throwing gold coins in since January to save for one and had contemplated not bothering anymore but I’ve been converted. The finish looks fabulous and the elasticity in the hems allows for maximum ninja moves with no popped stitches. Hi-yah! Check it (and my fab top stitched neckband) below…
What I loved about this:
- A wardrobe basic with sass. I’ve had a number of peeps ask about the Ensis already. The colour blocking is a cute feature.
- How snug it is. Merino 4 lyf!
- A quick project. Anything you can sew up between breakfast and a lunch cheese plate is a win in my book!
What I would change for next time:
- Carve out that neckline. My lady cargo does not love a crew neck (and neither does my neck- ugh I’m being strangled!) I used the Scout tee neckline for my last Ensis and it is perfect. Will revert back to that regular programming next time.
- I’ve got nothing else. This is a simple wardrobe staple.
The Deets
Pattern: Ensis Tee by Papercut Patterns
Fabric: 0.5m black merino, 1m DKNY white jersey both from The Fabric Store
Notions: Thread, coverstitch machine
See also: Me, Very Purple Person, Lladybird
Overall, I’m super happy with this simple make. 2015 seems to have been a wardrobe building year so far (a tulle skirt is a wardrobe staple, right?!) so the Ensis slides in perfectly. I’m hoping to have my jeans fitted and finished soon so it can rock it with the Ensis for a perfect brunch outfit while it is still freezing here. Brrr!
And a bit of a life update- things have been super tumultuous here at Chez Bimble + Pimble for the past four weeks. Our two piggles, Rumble Pig and Hammford P. Pig, both passed away within the last month. We’re missing their little squeaks and my sewing room is quiet without the two of them supervising me at work. Added to that Miss Bimble somehow managed to rupture her ACL and went in for a puppy knee reconstruction last week. She’s healing steadily and we’re well on the way for her three month recovery complete with ice packs, physio and massage (it’s like being injured from derby again!) She may be injured, but she still is cute! Oh, and Pimble got a chew stick and pretended to be Winston Churchill. Crazy times at Chez B + P!
Great tee! Black and white: classic chic. I need this pattern! I need a coverstitch too!
Inna, the overstitch was cray-mazing! Serious game changer!
You should get a coverstitch machine. I didn’t need one either, until I got one. It machines slinky knit hems like a boss. No ripples!
Ohhh, slinky hems! That is luring me in even more!
I love this shirt. It’s on my list of to sews now, it just looks so cute!
Thanks, Abigail! It is such a wardrobe workhorse 😀
Hi, I’m a long time lurker … Just wanted to say, giving virgin coconut oil to Pimble and Bimble everyday might help …
For overall health and also for speeding up recovery, starts small though, about 1/2tsp per day … And adjust each day until they’re used to it, 1tbsp/10kg dogs a day is the amount …
And also plain no sugar yogurt, same amount, again, starts small …
Hope this helps … 🙂
Thanks for the tips, Jess! I’ll have a look into this- anything to help Bimble heal faster 😀
Such a cute shirt!
I’m sorry to here about your little piggies – it’s so tough losing pets! Sending you hugs and lots of healing vibes to Miss Bimble!
Thanks, Heather! IT’s got to be all uphill from here for 2015! 😀
Winning at the tee making. I must revisit this pattern… Thanks for the scout neckline heads up. I’ll be copying that idea.
It’s such a great scoop 😀
Excellent black and white tee, and that coverstich! perfection! is it wrong to covet a coverstich and is there a verb for that?
When I get my coverstitch you are most welcome to use it anytime, lovely lady 😀
oh sweety, so sorry about your dogs passing away. I had many dogs over the years and i know how hard it can be,
Thank you, Rachel. The puppies are doing okay (Bimble is healing well) but we are still sad about losing the giggles 🙁
I would buy this shirt in a second if it were in a store. It looks great! Sorry about your little sweeties and I hope little missy gets better soon.
Isn’t it such a workhorse tee? So happy with it 😀 And thank you for the kind words, Diane.
What could be better than a classic black and white colour block tee! Love your work on this one.
Thanks, Katty!
I can’t tell you the number of these t-shirts I’ve made. It is a strangely versatile pattern for such a simple design. Love the black and white.
When something works and you can have fun with it you gotta keep on making! 😀
This is ADORABLE! I love it lots! I’m sending good wishes your way for little B & P! Tough times in your home, my friend– I’m really sorry about your guinea pigs. 🙁
Thanks, Sonja. We’re trucking along valiantly and Bimble is (carefully) wrestling her favourite chew toy so things are on the up 😀
Yeah, black and white… classic and modern… simple but special. Always be my favorite. Thank you for sharing.
It’s such a winning combo! Thank you for the kind words, Mai 😀
Coverstitch for the win!!!! Love this top 🙂
My flowerpot of Coverstitch Coins is slowly filling 😀