The newest pattern in the True Bias lineup was released on Tuesday, and I am so excited to show you the version I whipped up as a pattern tester! I sewed this fun tee up at the end of February, just a few months before the world turned upside down and social distancing became our norm. This was the second pattern that I’ve tested for True Bias, and just as with the last, it was such a pleasure to test for Kelly!
The Rio Ringer Tee is a fairly simple design with a slightly retro vibe, and would look absolutely fantastic paired with the Lander Pants – making the perfect tee to match the Landers was actually the inspiration for this pattern! The slightly fitted shape of the tee is complemented by neck and sleeve bands, which offer a great opportunity for a little fun! Rib knits were suggested for the bands, and I happened to have a little bit of this rib knit leftover from a Nikko Dress. The teal color was an unexpectedly nice pairing with the print of the velvet knit I used for the main body of the tee.
The Rio is a great option for smaller cuts of fabric. This fun velvet knit was gifted to me from Minerva, and I received a total of 3 yards of it. I cut out a Linden Sweatshirt and a pair of Hudson Pants right away when I got it, and had a little more fabric leftover than I’d guessed I would. It was just enough to get a Rio tee out of!!
Based on the recommended measurements, I sewed up a size 6, which is my standard size in True Bias patterns. My tee turned out a little more snug than I would’ve preferred, and I think this is probably due to the fabric I chose. Many of the testers used drapier knits, and got the looser, more casual looking fit I’d had in mind. I am happy with the way my Rio turned out, but I do have to strategically choose what to pair it with, since it is a little tighter and a little shorter than I’d expected! If you’re trying to figure out the perfect fabric to start with, I’d highly recommend the striped line of Art Gallery Fabrics knits. I saw many testers try the Rio out in this fabric, and it was an absolutely lovely match!
I’m looking forward to making another version soon – I have been thinking a grey version with a light pink band accent would be so cute! The pattern comes with both a tee and a dress version, and even better, comes in three great size ranges, including kids! My little girl is still just slightly too small for the childrens’ size range, but I will definitely be making matching Rios in coming years.
If you’re looking for a great basic with a little extra nod to the 70s, you need to get yourself a Rio! Bonus – it is perfect for work from home or Netflix and quarantine, and is one of the May patterns for Sew My Style 2020! Kelly put together a great post over on the True Bias Blog with a little more information about the pattern, so check that out – the pattern is also on sale through the end of the day today! The discount code can be found at the end of Kelly’s post 🙂
Ringer Tee: handmade by me
Fabric: Minerva – Lady McElroy Bees Velvet Knit Fabric Black Multi
Pattern: True Bias – Rio Ringer Tee
Key Ingredients:
Brother XR9500PRW Sewing Machine
Brother 1034D Overlocker / Serger
Schmetz Jersey Ballpoint Needles
Dahle 36×48 Self-healing Cutting Mat
Heat & Bond Soft Stretch (Lite)
Though the pattern used in this post was provided to me as a pattern tester, and the fabric was generously provided to me by the awesome team at Minerva, all words and opinions expressed are my own, as always! Links provided throughout this post may be affiliate links – if you choose to purchase any products through these links, I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you. This simply helps me justify the costs of my sewing habit and the time it takes to share it with you!! Happy Sewing!
- XX Elizabeth
