5 Reasons I added The Cashmerette Eustis to my closet

Hello! It’s been a minute, hasn’t it? I’ve been busy printing sewing patterns for Blue Cup Shop, working for the man and reading all the books! I finally have two new makes to share, I sewed the Cashmerette Eustis T-shirt. I got two cute tops to wear that are comfortable and didn’t take me forever to fit and sew. 

Recently, I’ve been diving into the Cashmerette Eustis Top from the book Sewing the Curve. To be honest, I didn’t expect this pattern to become a “repeat” in my wardrobe. I’m usually not part of the “one and done” team, but once you nail the fit of a pattern, the possibilities are endless.

5 Reasons the Eustis Top is a Wardrobe Essential

If you’re on the fence about sewing this pattern, here is why it earned a spot in my rotation:

1. The Ultimate Staple: It’s the “cake” every wardrobe needs.
2. Fabric Flexibility: One pattern, multiple “vibes” depending on your knit choice.
3. Built for Curves: Excellent drafting that handles bicep and length tweaks easily.
4. Styling Ease: It plays well with jeans, skirts, and layers.
5. Speedy Sewing: A fast make with high-impact details like the puffed sleeve.

I made two versions:

1. A printed rayon/lycra blend (Gifted fabric)
2. A solid cotton/lycra blend

One pattern, two completely different experiences.

Why We Need “Cake” in Our Wardrobes

A few years ago, there was a big conversation in the sewing community about sewing “cake vs. frosting.” “Cake” represents the staples and basics, the things you actually wear every day. “Frosting” represents those one-of-a-kind, “wow” makes that look great on Instagram but maybe sit in the closet.

I used to think, “Who wants to see the boring stuff?” But it turns out, many of you (and me too!) actually do. Basics can be “wow” too, provided you have the right fabric, cut, and styling. The Eustis isn’t flashy on the hanger, but it becomes a staple based on how you bring it to life.

Rayon vs. Cotton: The Fabric Showdown

Choosing the right knit fabric changes the entire vibe of this jersey t-shirt.

Feature	Rayon/Lycra Version	Cotton/Lycra Version
Feel	Drapier, moves with the body.	Structured and holds its shape.
Fit	Skims the curves without clinging.	More polished and defined.
Sleeves	Soft and relaxed.	The puffed sleeve really “pops.”
Vibe	Easy, “don’t overthink it” style.	Great for a professional look.

My Essential Pattern Adjustments

I made a size 18/20, E/F bust, blending between sizes to get enough ease through the waist and some just in case seam allowance at the side seams.  I chose the long sleeve version. Even with Cashmerette’s excellent curvy drafting, I always make a few tweaks to fit my proportions perfectly:

1. Bicep Adjustment

If a pattern doesn’t offer a “large bicep” sleeve option, I refine it myself to add ease in the upper arm. I actually skipped this for the drapey rayon version, but it was a must-carry-out for the more stable cotton blend.

2. Length Adjustment

Cashmerette is often drafted for a shorter waist. I typically add 1” to 1.5” just above the waist to ensure the top hits at exactly the right spot on my torso.

How to Style the Eustis Top

This T-shirt is the ultimate “supporting player.” It’s not meant to be the loud centerpiece of an outfit; it’s meant to make everything else look better.

• The Everyday Uniform: Pair either version with straight or wide-leg jeans.
• The Polished Layer: Add a lightweight blazer or a long-line vest with sneakers or flats.
• The Lounge Luxe: This pattern is so comfortable it could easily double as a high-end pajama top.

Final Thoughts

Is it my favorite Cashmerette pattern/ T-shirt of all time? Nope. But the Eustis fills a real gap for anyone building a functional, handmade wardrobe.  It’s a quick, easy sew that I would make again.  

The changes I would make to this is: the hem, I like shirttail hems on my body. Lastly, maybe something funky with the neckline or a center back seam to save on more fabric.    We need to sew the patterns we have and bring our visions and inspiration to life.  I don’t know about you, but I have hundreds of patterns and I need to sew them LOL.

Ready to Sew Your Own?

If you’re ready to add some “cake” to your closet, don’t let a messy stack of taped-together paper slow you down. You can get your PDF patterns printed on large-format sheets (no taping required!) and keep them crisp for years in a dedicated pattern storage envelope.

Blue Cup Shop @ https://bluecupshop.etsy.com