Today’s post is all about basic staples: in particular, the Rowan Tee from Megan Nielsen. Albeit in a cool weather, turtleneck version…

I have to confess that I quite enjoy sewing up some non-exciting wardrobe basics. They are often quick-ish projects. Plus, they’re likely to be the kinds of garments we reach for again and again.

What’s not to like?

I like to use basics as palate cleansers between more complex projects, a chance to regather my sewjo and steel myself for any challenges to come.

In other words, who doesn’t love a ‘quick win’?

Plus, they enable me to do what I believe to be one of the greatest super powers available to sewists: sewing ordinary everyday garments in extraordinary high-quality fabrics.

Such as precious merino jersey from The Fabric Store, for example!

Rowan Tee: Back to basics

The importance of sewing basics definitely isn’t lost on indie pattern companies.

There’s the Nettie bodysuit by Closet Case, Deer and Doe’s Givre or Plantaine (free pattern alert), Seamwork’s Alice shirt, True Bias’ Nikko top, Sewaholic’s Renfrew top… (in view of the recent discussion in the sewing community about the sometimes lack of size inclusivity in indie patterns, I would note that, of the options I’ve just mentioned, Seamwork’s Alice is available up to size 3XL and Givre is available up to European size 52)

So, we are definitely spoilt for choice in this field.

Me, I settled on trying Megan Nielsen’s Rowan Bodysuit and Tee pattern for this foray into basics for winter layering (it actually snowed here in Holland this week!).

Basically, I chose the Rowan tee due to its sheer versatility. It includes both bodysuit and regular top options, as well as three modern-designed necklines (crew, turtleneck or V), together with three sleeve lengths. Although, let’s be honest, the latter isn’t really much of a selling point since, you know, sleeve lengthening is not that difficult.

Since it seemed to me to be the most versatile of the indie pattern offerings in this ‘fitted basic’ field, I decided to give it a go!

Rowan Tee: Times Two!

My Rowans are the turtleneck tee versions, sewn up in a size L, although I graded out to XL size around the biceps…

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The fabrics in question are both from The Fabric Store: Premium Merino (195gsm) in Paprika and the black was listed as a ‘heavyweight merino’, which is outside of their usual ‘always-in-stock’ range. They don’t seem to have anymore of it, so I can’t look up its precise gsm. Which is a pity because it is the PERFECT weight merino for a winter turtleneck. I absolutely love it. It is definitely significantly thicker than the Paprika one.

It probably traverses the boundary of heavy jersey/light sweater knit. But if I could buy this weight of merino forever I would!!! It is so cosy.

Can we have more of this please?

The Paprika merino (premium range, 195gsm) is also more than adequate. But I find that I do have to be a bit careful what colour/type of bra I wear underneath to avoid unsightly see-through. Whereas the black merino (due to weight, as well as colour), remains absolutely opaque, even when stretched out in a garment with negative ease like the present.

Do you bodysuit???

My hardest decision was deciding whether to make the body suit version or the tee.

I will most frequently wear this tucked in, so the bodysuit seemed like the most practical option.

But I’ve never really worn that many bodysuits before. And when I have? Well, they’ve been uncomfortable.

Very uncomfortable.

And my recent foray into underwear sewing taught me that fit around the ‘lady bits’ is no simple matter.

So I decided not to make life more complex than it needed to be and stick to the top.

Besides, I also HATE SNAPS.

I’m happy with the choice. This tops are very comfortable to wear and stay nicely tucked in. I don’t feel like a bodysuit would really have added much. Except increased risk of visible panty line!

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The Rowan Tee verdict…

I think these are immensely wearable basics that I plan on wearing until they fall off my body and tear apart at the seams.

I am a turtleneck addict – it’s pretty much all I wear in winter – and I think this modern fitted turtleneck is ideal. Practical for layering underneath clothing and keeping warm, but not in a way that will interfere with other garments you are wearing it with.

A winning neckline in my books!

If you compare the neck of the paprika to the black one, I think the neck is another area where you see the superiority of the slightly thicker merino for this pattern.

It stands up better and has just that bit more body to it…

Although, yeah, it’s kind of difficult to convey this in a photograph when it’s black!

The pattern was very quick and easy to sew. Maybe a few more notches around the arm and sleeve would have been helpful but I’m really nitpicking here!

Plus, I am super excited that I managed to score a sewing first with these.

I actually successfully used a twin needle to topstitch around the neckline, sleeves and hem! My old sewing machine would have a heart attack if I tried this. But my Pfaff handled it like a pro.

So even though these Rowan tees are basics, between the merino jersey and proper twin needle top stitching, I’m feeling rather chuffed with them!!

Oh and, finally, a little P.S! If you like to get your blog hits through Bloglovin’, feel free to follow me over there: you can find me here. And you can find me on Instagram here.