Introducing: Saltbox
I'm so excited to announce the 3rd Blueprints For Sewing pattern, Saltbox!
Saltbox can be made as either a sort sleeve tee or a tank top. It comes in 5 sizes. And it will (for now) only be available as a PDF pattern.
This version was sewn using two of my favorite prints from Carolyn Friedlander's awesome Doe fabric line
The Saltbox Tee and Tank both feature an asymmetrically pieced bodice. The cut is decidedly relaxed. It features a comfortable boat neckline and a forward shifted shoulder seam, which mimics a yoke and could be a site for potential embellishments and pattern hacks (stay tuned for that one).
At the hip, Saltbox is finished with a side seam vent, which can be sewn in one continuous step along with the hem, or finished on its own
Version 1, the tee, includes set in short sleeves. Since the cut of the shirt has a bit more ease at the shoulders due to the armhole seam placement, the sleeve itself has less sleeve cap ease, making it easier to sew in than your typical sleeve. The boat neck is finished with a facing, but could easily be substituted with bias binding or bias facing. This would be a great project for a beginner looking to tackle sleeves for the first time.
Version 2, the tank, has the same neckline as version 1, but features a different cut at the armhole and a smaller strap. Instructions are given for finishing the tank neckline and armholes with bias facing, but could also be substituted with bias binding.
This version was sewn using a remnant of seersucker-like batik fabric paired with Robert Kaufman Brussels Washer Yarn Dye, one of my favorite fabrics
The house that inspired this pattern:
Saltbox takes its name from an asymmetrical colonial home found throughout New England, called, you guessed it, a saltbox house. From the front, a it appears identical to the typical rectangular Colonial. However, it features a single story addition in back, giving it a unique silhouette. The back roof continues down over this single story addition - in some cases stopping mere feet from the ground. From the side, it has a rather unusual, asymmetrical shape. This off kilter roofline was what inspired the Saltbox Top.
Tank tester pieces laid out on a 24x30 scrap of fabric.
Since it's made up of many small parts, Saltbox is a great stash buster. I am guilty of finding beautiful fabrics and only purchasing a yard, which unfortunately doesn't provide many eventual sewing options aside from bags.
I originally envisioned this pattern as a way to showcase more precious but skimpy cuts of fabric: that yard of Liberty Lawn, that odd hand-painted shawl, that remnant of Japanese gauze. This idea resonates with the early colonial mentality of using up small bits, making do with what you've got. The patchwork bodice was in part inspired by the ingenuity of quilters, using worn clothes and precious scraps to make a beautiful item.
Like all Blueprints patterns, Saltbox was designed with a B-cup figure in mind but provides instructions for both an SBA (Small Bust Adjustment) and FBA (Full Bust Adjustment). The FBA instructions include adding a side dart to create a better fit for those with a bigger bust.
Where to find this pattern
For its inaugural release, Saltbox will be available as part of a bundle of awesome patterns by independent designers. This bundle is available as part of Sewing Indie Month, an awesome indie pattern blogapalooza organized by Mari of Seamster Patterns and SewIndependant.com. SIM is officially in September, but the first of the two bundles is on sale during the month of August.
The pattern bundles are prices in tiers, so the more money you spend, the more patterns you'll get in your bundle. See!
Saltbox is in the last tier, along with another brand new pattern, the sorrel dress & top. You will get all 10 patterns if you spend at least $38 dollars, but you can choose to pay more. Why pay more, you ask?
Here's the coolest part: Aside from supporting small indie designers, 20% of what you spend on the bundle will be donated to the International Folk Art Alliance, an organization that works to empower artisans around the world and help preserve and promote their cultural heritage through their craft.
Click here to check out the bundle!
The sale runs from Monday August 3rd to Wednesday August 12th. After the bundle sale is over, Saltbox will be available for download through my website as a PDF pattern.