I am so thrilled to be kicking of the Rowan sewalong this weekend! Today I’m going to share with you a few of my inspirations and ideas for making and wearing the Rowan bodysuit and tee! I have had a lot of fun collecting inspirational images on Pinterest, so make sure you follow the Rowan Pinterest board for ideas as I’ll be adding more daily.
The Rowan pattern really grew out of a need I had in my own wardrobe for more basics. More of those wardrobe items that fill in the gaps and finish off outfits and basically make your wardrobe wearable. I am a real tucker in of tops and have a massive hatred for getting a cold back, so the bodysuit was a natural choice for me. It keeps your top tucked in perfectly all day, never leaves your mid section exposed and has the benefit of adding more warmth on a cold day.
I see this pattern as a perfect companion for the extra special items in your wardrobe. It’s the top you reach for to go with your statement skirt. It’s the turtleneck you wear under your favourite dress to take you through winter. It perfectly pairs with pants for an elegant look or comfy casual look. It literally goes with everything. That’s my kind of basic. Given my desire to make it fill in wardrobe gaps, i went a little nutty on variations so we have 3 sleeve lengths, three necklines, plus bodysuit and tee options.
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At the moment one of my favourite ways to wear Rowan pieces is layered underneath something else. I have a lot of garments that only work in some situations or weather conditions – but throw a basic tee or turtleneck underneath, and suddenly that dress or tank top or whatever can be worn in a completely new situation! For this reason, I tend to make a lot more of the bodysuit version.
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I’ve also delved more into fabrics i wouldn’t usually sew with, as you can get away with using them in a layering piece. Things like sheers and stretch laces don’t usually feature in my wardrobe, but i am really enjoying using them as pieces that help me stretch the rest of my wardrobe through the entire year.
I think it’s unlikely i’ll wear a sheer or lacey top on its on with just my bra showing, but I really love the depth it adds in the layering department when worn under something.
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Something I really love about Rowan is how easy it is to hack and create your own variations! I really want to try adding some statement sleeves! I’m thinking of mashing up the Dove flared cuff pattern piece with the Rowan sleeve and seeing what i come up with! I even like the idea of just creating a large rectangular cuff with the a slit up the side just for something fun!
It’s really easy to change up the neckline too. I would like to try making a scoop neck version as well as just chopping off the shoulders completely and making an off the shoulder version. There are so many possiblities its kind of ridiculous. Since this pattern is a stretch pattern it’s pretty forgiving.
When it comes to fabrics, the most important thing is to just stay within the stretch requirements. This pattern has negative easy and requires fabrics with at least 40% stretch. 4 stretch is even better but not required.
LOOKING FOR MORE ROWAN POSTS?
Here’s the full list of Rowan tutorials:
- Inspiration and ideas for sewing your Rowan (this post!)
- Rowan Pattern tester Roundup
- Rowan Curve Pattern Tester Roundup
- Rowan Curve Maker Roundup
- How to stabilise fabric with tissue paper
- How to lengthen or shorten the pattern
- How to sew a V neck on knit fabric
- How to insert a neck back with a regular sewing machine
- How to sew a snap crotch bodysuit
- Pattern Hack: How to Add Ruffle Shoulders
- Pattern Hack: Rowan maxi dress variation
- Pattern Hack: Scoop neckline variation
- Pattern Hack: Bodycon Dress
- Pattern Hack: 3 Ways to Sew Ringer Tee
- Pattern Hack: Tiered Gathered Dress
We’d love to see what you’re creating from the Rowan bodysuit and tee pattern or the Rowan Curve bodysuit and tee pattern! Don’t forget to tag your creations #MNRowan and @megannielsenpatterns to share what you’ve been working on, and check out what everyone else is up to!
