Free Pattern Review: Chelsea Tee in Terra Linen
CHELSEA Tee in FS TERRA Midweight Linen
This week I made the CHELSEA Tee in TERRA linen!
I have been eyeing this simple tee for months and finally downloaded the free pattern to give it a try. The CHELSEA Tee features a boxy silhouette, raglan sleeves, and a bias binding neckline. Like so many of Fabrics-store’s patterns, the Chelsea Tee is a timeless and classic piece to wear in my everyday life.
CHELSEA Tee in FS TERRA Midweight Linen
Following the instructions found on the thread, I made this tee in a couple hours. It’s a fairly easy pattern to follow for both beginners and experienced seamstresses. I decided to eliminate the two pleats along the neckline to simplify the design and provide a little more ease for my wide shoulders. Although, if I were to make it again, I’d like to try it with the pleats. When I make my normal size 2, it typically fits through the waist and hips but feels tight through the bust and shoulders. So, the raglan sleeve is perfect for my body type and gives a fun twist to an otherwise basic tee. The raglan sleeve pattern does not have the typical “front” and “back” notch markings on this pattern, so make sure to double-check the sleeve direction when sewing onto the bodice. You can tell the direction of the sleeve by the angle of the neckline. As always, sewing a muslin first is a good way to address any construction or fit issues before starting the finished garment.
CHELSEA Tee in FS TERRA Midweight Linen
This TERRA color is currently sold out on Fabrics-store’s online shop, but I’m hoping for a restock soon because I cannot get enough of it! The rusty, faded orange reminds me of autumn in Wisconsin and my favorite well-worn Carhartt work pants. It complements the olive greens and denim in my wardrobe so well. I can see myself pairing it with linen wide-leg pants for summer, then layering it with denim and flannel for fall. I think this pattern would also be beautiful in a white or natural linen.
CHELSEA Tee in FS TERRA Midweight Linen
The CHELSEA Tee is my favorite FS pattern yet! Sadly, it will also be my last pattern review for the thread. As some of you may know, I’m in the process of opening a storefront for my sewing business, A Well Worn Story. With this new adventure ahead of me, and many leather bags to sew, I knew these extra projects would need to be set aside. Although I’ll no longer be writing blog posts here, I’m planning to continue sharing my love of linen by offering linen clothing and home goods in my shop.
I have loved the opportunity to share my DIY sewing projects on the thread and connect with so many fellow seamstresses. Practising our creativity is a beautiful thing, one that should be shared with others. I hope you continue to sew, to make, to draw, to dream, and use your skills to serve others. I hope we can stay in touch and swap sewing stories over social media. You can find me over on Instagram and Pinterest @awellwornstory or my online shop wellwornstory.com. If you’re ever in southern Wisconsin, please swing by the shop in New Glarus and say hello!
Happy sewing,
Morgann
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About Author
Morgann McCoy
Morgann is the owner, designer, and seamstress behind A Well Worn Story, a sewing studio in southern Wisconsin creating handcrafted leather and canvas bags inspired by adventure.Leave a comment
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12 Comments
Nell Bednarz
Congratulations on the new online business! Such a good offering of handcrafted items, a really good line of leather and canvas accessories! The Terra linen color fits that line and seems to blend with your offerings. I wonder if you have sewn with the 4C22 linen, my personal favorite. I think the heavier weight linens make for good bags, towels, and cloaks (my current project).
May God bless you in your work!
Sharon Dicrosta
Best wishes on your new adventure and thank you for sharing your talent and expertise!
Morgann Mccoy
I appreciate the kind words. Thank you!
Melanie Palmrose
I want to add my “Best Wishes” to you on your new adventure. I have enjoyed your posts.
I share your love of Chelsea. I made the t shirt version, then I added some length and some large pockets for a garden work tunic, then I made a longer version with larger pockets (I love pockets) for a short dress that also serves as a yoga cover up. I have made it with and without the pleats, and for me, I like the no pleats best. Everyone – try this pattern!
Morgann Mccoy
Thanks for your insight, Melanie! I agree this pattern is so versatile. I love the idea of lengthening it into a tunic. Might have to try that next!
Kelly Potocki
Hi Morgan,
I like how you made this tee without the plea, Have you made changes to the pattern? Or you just left the pleats out?
Thank you,
Kathleen Smith
I believe she didn’t make any pattern changes, she just didn’t sew the pleats.
From her review:
“I decided to eliminate the two pleats along the neckline to simplify the design and provide a little more ease for my wide shoulders.”
Morgann Mccoy
Good question! I simply didn’t sew the pleats and allowed the extra fabric to become ease. Since I have wide shoulders, this worked well for me. You could eliminate the extra fabric on the pattern before sewing though!
Kelly Potocki
Hi Morgen,
Sorry that this is your last post for the thread. You have inspired me, a beginning sewer. I have made the Ruby dress after reading your post and I loved it. I am planning to make a jacket after reading one of your posts. I will definitely made this tee. It looks so nice on you!
My best wishes to your new venture! Continue to inspire others with your creativity and beautiful work!
Morgann Mccoy
I’m so happy to hear this, Kelly! Best of luck as you continue to learn about sewing and try new patterns. The Paoli Jacket is one of my favorites!
Nancy Stockman
best wishes in your new venture and thank you for all you have inspired in us!
Morgann Mccoy
Thank you so much, Nancy! Appreciate your kind words!