Today, it is my turn to share one of my TNT patterns : Deer and Doe’s Plantain.
This could be a controversial choice because Deer and Doe’s size chart is not very friendly for larger bodies. Their designs, however, are very flattering and could work very well if you dare going the grading road. I was very much in love with the patterns before the Plantain came out and I was completely paralysed at the idea of having to grad up 3 sizes around the bust, and 5 or six sizes around the hips/lower tummy area. Their free T-shirt was exactly what I needed to just try.
Last winter, I made my first ever version in time to enter their contest. I used a beautiful light blue cotton jersey, with lace leftovers for the elbow patches. I found it very comfortable and easy to whip up. It was also very flattering : it fits very closely to your body above the waist and loosens below the waist.
A couple of days later, I thought, what if I just prolonged the side seam lines to lengthen the pattern pieces enough to make a maxi-dress ? I had the perfect mustardy knit in my stash for that, and navy leftovers for the neck bias and elbow patches…
I have worn these two pieces a lot in winter and spring, and if I need a quick fix, I always feel attracted to this pattern because it works for my body shape, it is super easy, and does not take a lot of fabric. I made two other versions : a simple white T and a fancier one with a lovely panel-print knit.
TNT Pattern details Sizing: Deer and Doe Size Chart : Their larger size is 41 at the bust, 33 at the waist, and 43 at the hips.
What size did you make? The equivalent of their 46, graded up from 3 virtual sizes at the bust , 4 at the waist and 5 the hips/tummy.
What adjustments did you make ? As explained above, I graded up at the seams.
What bonus adjustments did you make ? I lengthened the front and back pieces, prolonging the side seams to create the maxi dress. I shortened the sleeves for the two summer versions.
Fabric and Notions required: Any knit would work, depending on how you want to adapt it. I would however recommend a thinner jersey to allow for a nice drape below the waist. I used less than 2 yards for the longer sleeve r (T-shirt), 3 yards for the maxi dress, and 1 yard for the short sleeves versions.
Curvy Rating (1-5): 4 The only reason why this is not a 5 is the sizing chart. If you try and grade it, it will work on most shapes. It flatters your bust and shoulders and hides your tummy and wobbly bits.
Fab job with the long version – mustard &navy are a chic combination. Your finishing touches are great. I really do like the neckline on this pattern, it deals well with an ample bust – very flattering – not revealing, not squashing, looks like it would be a very comfortable dress. A long length short sleeved one in a lighter knit for the summer would be good too. Navy with mustard trim??
For those who don’t want to grade up but have another t-shirt pattern that fits them well, it’s pretty easy to morph the details of the Plantain onto another t-shirt. Just print out the pattern, use the elbow patches, and then grade your t-shirt pattern out to an A-line shape from the waist on down.
You are right…this is very flattering on curvy figures! I may have to give it a go
Really cute shirt, it looks good on you. I haven’t tried their patterns yet but I will keep them in mind.
OOOOOOOHHHHH I love the idea of a maxi dress with elbow pads: yours is amazing! Really nice grading up: its a shame to have to do it, but definitely worth it!
This review comes at a perfect time for me – I was just contemplating this pattern last night! Thank you so much for this thoughtful summary of the pattern. Grading always makes me hesitant, but I guess that’s the point of a TNT pattern– you only have to grade once!
I think I’m ready to try it out now. 🙂
Looks like a great shirt! I checked out the link, but don’t speak French. Oh well there are so many patterns out there, one less on my to-sew list is okay! Lol!
Hi Nita,
No problem, if you click on the “EN” sign at the top of Deer&Doe’s page, you get the English version.
Thanks for posting! I love this pattern, so far it’s my only TNT and a straight 46 fits me even over my boobs! I’m having a hell of a time mastering the neckbands, though. Using the method described in the pattern, my neckbands end up gaping and flopping forward. It’s super frustrating because the rest of the shirt looks great, I’d love some tips for doing better with this! Thanks so much.
Have you tried cutting the neckband an inch shorter? If you use a very stretchy jersey, it may cause some gaping.