The Eucalypt has been one of my go to personal patterns for a while – and i’m really glad to finally release it as a pattern! I first drafted it for my Perth Collection in 2010, and since then it’s been my go to woven tank block. I just love it – and i hope you do too!! Here’s a little more about it:
Leaves baby. It’s all about leaves. If you’ve been reading for a while you know my love and adoration for Australian flora ( one, two, three, four) – i love my country :) Eucalypt leaves are my favourite – there is something about them that draws me, and whenever i am out in the valley i find myself take a ridiculous number of close ups of those leaves. The curves of the hem and neckline and the seaming down the centre front is intended to mimic that.
When i pulled Eucalypt out last year to begin creating a pattern for all of you, i was inspired all over again by those beautiful leaves. I found myself doing a lot of floral and leaf sketches and watercolours (such as the one above). Drawing and painting are another form my inspiration takes me in – even if i’m not sketching an actual apparel design, the act of creating something i find pretty still helps me go in the right direction.
As i mentioned above – the Eucalypt is from a past collection – but since then i’ve used it for many more garments than i had originally planned. I wanted to include that versatility in the pattern – which is why i added the dress version to the pattern as well. Girls have gotta have options, am i right?!
Since so much of the work had already been done, this was actually the quickest pattern to develop. It’s been tested tried and trued over many years so i felt pretty satisfied about it from the get go. As a result most of my development time was spent ensuring that the construction would be as beautiful and as straight forward as possible.
I really wanted this pattern to be a perfect first project for beginners. No darts. No buttons. No zippers. What could be better? After working so very long on the other patterns, it was certainly refreshing to have part of the work done for this one previously.
I have to admit, i’m really excited to share this one with you because it feels so personal. Much like the Briar, i just pull this pattern out for my own wardrobe so often, that it feels special that you can now use it too!
I could go on and on about the variation potential of the Eucalypt. If like me you love to cut up a pattern and see how many different things you can make it into, then Eucalypt is your girl!
With just the included versions you can make 4 pieces: plain tank, tank with centre seam, plain dress, and dress with centre seam.
But seriously, why end there?! I’d really love to try a colour blocked version with a different colour on each side. I think it would be super easy to use that centre seam to create a simple button up blouse – and i am literally dying to find a nice striped shirting to cut on the bias and create a chevron with. so excited!
I’m also thinking of cutting it at the waistline and adding a simple dirndl skirt. This pattern really can be so different when you try adding other little details like patch pockets and collars. Don’t be afraid to think beyond my ideas – there are so so many ways to use this pattern. I actually recently made myself a bunch of new sleepwear using the Eucalypt tank and some vintage sheets (they’re adorable, i need to post about it!)
The options are endless, and i really really can’t wait to see what versions you all come up with!!
Eucalypt is a loose fit woven tank and dress. It has a good amount of easy, and the armsyces aren’t too tight. It’s intended to feel very breezy and comfortable.
The hem is curved and is slightly longer in the back than the front (as is shown well above). The neckline is scooped but not too low, and the back of the neck is cut a little lower than your average tank, which i think gives it a very sweet look.
The hemline on the tank is nice and long, so that there is room to adjust if need be. The dress should hit below mid thigh, but is also easily adaptable.
You guys know i love easy adaptions! The Eucalypt is no different. Lengthening or shortening the pattern is most easily done by slashing the pattern horizontally at the hip and either spreading or overlapping the pieces.
And since there are no darts, altering the height of the neckline and armsyces etc is as easy as just drawing a new line. Isnt’ that a dream?
There are a lot of ways you could style up the Eucalypt!
I think it works just as well loose over jeans or shorts as it does tucked into say a skirt or the Tania culottes. It’s very versatile! This is another pattern where choosing your fabrics carefully can result in very different looks. Create the dress version in an evening wear fabric, and you’ve got a new chic cocktail dress – make it out of a light cotton, and it’s your saturday morning thrown on with a pair of converse on your way to get a coffee.
It works under a suit, it works as a beach cover up. It’s your nightie. It’s gorgeous as a belted dress. It can be as much of a show stopper or a wardrobe basic as you’d like it to be! When i call this pattern a wardrobe staple i’m really not kidding :)
So tell me – anything you want to ask about the Eucalypt? Any burning questions or concerns? let me know!!
