Circle Tees

I've made some swingy tees. I actually traced a rtw shirt I bought recently. Here is a photo of the original shirt below. The brand is Sophie and Max.

I don't do a lot of shopping anymore. Not since I started sewing five years ago. However, I have slipped up lately. I'm sure it has a lot to do with not having any time to sew. I'm trying to get back on the 'no shopping' wagon again. Sewing these tees was a good start.
This particular tee that I copied has a great swishy shape. I have worn it to death since I bought it, despite it not being the most flattering top in the world. I have really been drawn to over sized, swingy tops here lately. I think if you get the proportions right, it can work really well. Not sure I've done that, but I still like my tees.

The top reminded me of a circle skirt. I decided to make a copy of the top when I was making my circle skirts earlier this year. Here is terrible picture of the front pattern piece. Both the front and back pattern pieces are fitted in the shoulder and then fall away from the body below the armpit. Shaped a lot like a circle skirt. The front piece actually has more width than the back, though, so not a perfect circle. Anyway, I used my traced pattern to make these three tees.

I made the grey tee first. It is made from a cotton/rayon jersey. At first, it was the length of the original top. But the beefy jersey I used made it really stand away from the body and was crazy unflattering. So I cropped the front several inches but kept length in the back. It is a really exaggerated high low hem. I almost feel like I'm wearing a cape, which is kinda cool. I think cropping the front helped the proportions. I've worn it multiple times already, which is why it's all rumply in this photo. With jeans and with shorts- even with my old lady legs ;)- It's quirky and I really like it.

I made this red poly knit version next. Excuse the terrible indoor pics. I made a shorter sleeve but I still cropped the front length. The fabric is super cheap. It hasn't held up very well in the wash, so this version will be short-lived.

I made the pink version last. I used a super soft rayon knit with a lot of drape. I kept the original length. The clinginess of the rayon knit helps tame all the volume. It took quite a bit of fabric to make these tees, as you can see. I thought I was done making giant, swingy tees but I'm feeling the need for more. They are so easy to wear. Maybe a plain white one is my future!