Rainbow Top: Stretch and Sew Pattern 310 Review

Hello everyone! This week's post is about a simple rainbow shirt made using Stretch & Sew 310. It was a super easy and satisfying project that was sewn in an afternoon. Let's get right into it! 

I made a mistake when cutting out the fabric- more on that below! 

THE PATTERN

Stretch & Sew 310, published in 1979, features three different variations on a basic t-shirt. View A is a basic t-shirt with short sleeves, View B is has long sleeves, and View C is a turtleneck with long sleeves. View A and B have a ribbed knit neckline. This pattern also comes in a good range of sizing (especially for a vintage pattern), from a 28 inch bust to a 44 inch bust. 

My favorite thing about this pattern is that it offers two different options for different stretch levels. If you're using a pattern with 25% stretch, you trace one pattern; if you're using a pattern with 50% stretch, you trace another. I had never seen this before in other patterns, and it felt very professional. 

Other than that, the instructions and layout for this pattern are very simple and easy to understand. It is necessary to trace the pattern pieces individually, because the front and back overlap on the printed pattern sheet. 

ALTERATIONS 

I made a few slight changes to the original pattern. Because the t-shirt pattern was originally designed to fit close to the body, I chose to redraw the side seams. I wanted the shirt to be more loose and boxy, so I redrew the curved line to a straight line to the hem. I also sized up one size. Normally I would have worn a size 38, so I sized up to a 40. After making these adjustments, the pattern was adequately loose and comfortable. 

I used a coverstitch machine for the hems and topstitching around the neckline. I am still getting comfortable doing this, so the stitching isn't perfect. 

THE FABRIC


I purchased the fabric from Funkalicious Fabrics on Etsy. It was perfect for this project and washed very well. The purple rib knit trim I bought was leftover from the faux fur bomber jacket project I completed last year. 

I accidentally cut out the back piece upside down, so the print doesn't quite match. But it's not too noticeable given the rainbow print.

OUTFIT DETAILS 

I tried my best to pair this outfit with rainbow accessories, but I also wanted the look to be wearable! The rainbow platform sandals are from Rocket Dog, and the skirt is from American Apparel.



I styled my hair with bubble pigtails, using rainbow elastic bands from Daiso; they're in rainbow order starting with red at the top, and ending in lavender.

I also liked this shirt because it matches my roller skates. I got a pair of skates last year, and I've been enjoying getting into roller skating. I wanted to improve my skills; however, I can still pretty much only go around the rink in a circle. I need to get better! Hopefully by posting this I can motivate myself to a practice more. The skates are from Rookie Roller skates.

CONCLUSION



Thank you so much for reading this far! This project was simple and enjoyable, and I'd recommend this pattern to anyone looking for a simple T-Shirt.

Also, I really hope to work on improving my blog photography! I know I've said that in the past, but I have a camera and hope to improve very soon! At least little by little.

To see my other Stretch & Sew projects, click here.
To see my other pattern reviews, click here.

I'll see you next week for another post!