yet another knitted t-shirt
& that time I was recognised by my sleeve
Are you bored of them yet? Since I’m here with another new t-shirt pattern I can only hope not, but they are just about everywhere in the knitting realm right now. ‘Tis the season! To be perfectly honest I hadn’t originally planned this pattern, but couldn’t resist completing the set once I already had a Calm Down cardigan / sweater / cami. I figured there was mileage in those neat little shoulder tabs for just one more pattern. So, new t-shirt! A wardrobe classic, I’d like to think!
Use code NOTANOTHERTSHIRT for 10% off via Ravelry & Payhip - expires midnight BST on Sunday 7th July.
The thing with (visually) simple designs is that by definition, it is difficult to make them stand out. I don’t expect anyone to pass me by on the street and say OMG YOUR T-SHIRT IS STUNNING, let’s be honest.
That’s only happened once in real life (ie. excluding knitting events, which don’t count as everyone strokes each others’ sleeves and compliments cables at knitting events). But I was once complimented on my sweater in the supermarket by a lady who recognised me by my sleeve. That felt like an affirmation that I must be doing something right.
Anyway. I doubt these sleeves are the type to be recognised and/or complimented in the supermarket (although by all means go ahead), but they are just oh so nice, if I do say so myself. One simply cannot beat a (seamless) set-in sleeve for a neatly tailored fit.
I’ve been asked what the differences are between this new pattern and my recently revamped Feels Right Tee; of course to me, these patterns are COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. The way a parent can instantly tell their identical twins apart, I guess. However I’ll admit that they do look rather similar and my predictable posing probably doesn’t help, so to clarify, here are the differences:
Yarn weight: Feels Right Tee uses 4ply / fingering weight yarn, Calm Down Tee uses DK weight. If you’re using stash yarn, that may well be decision made.
Construction: Calm Down Tee has a saddle shoulder, Feels Right Tee doesn’t.
Neckline: the Feels Right Tee has a slightly higher neck (a definite crew neck) whereas the Calm Down Tee sits a little lower, skimming the collarbone or thereabouts.
Side rib detail: Calm Down Tee has a panel of rib running down the sides of the body, to echo the saddle shoulder rib continuing down the sleeve
Sleeve angle: it’s a subtle difference, but the short rows in the Calm Down Tee pitch the sleeve at a slightly different angle, giving a slightly more tailored fit.
Obviously we’re splitting hairs here, but I’d say the sleeve angle & neckline make the Calm Down Tee feel more tailored (looks great with smart trousers) and the Feels Right Tee more sporty (although still looks great with smart trousers). Difficult to explain and I’m trying to not use the word ‘slightly’ 50 times, but hopefully you catch my drift.
Over to my wonderful test knitters to demonstrate (always makes me feel like Bruce Forsyth thanking the orchestra on Strictly). Lily Kate and her wonderful test knitter orchestra. Thank you all! Nobody tried it this time but you could work the neckband, saddle shoulders, and sleeves in a contrast colour… results could be incredible or terrible, but might be worth a shot.
Spot the Calm Down Tee on Naomi in my recent vlog - wouldn’t be a girls’ trip without packing your entire wardrobe and swapping clothes for half the weekend anyway.
I bid you farewell and wish you a lovely weekend, hopefully filled with plenty of knitting. I’m 15,000 stitches into a secret project then will be full steam ahead with Autumn designs. Still (knitted) t-shirt weather for a good while yet though!
Happy knitting,
Lily x
I’m almost finished with the movement tee and already love it so much. I can’t wait to try your other cute tees!