After 4 years of "I should", I finally did sew a Wiksten Tank (size xs) . The pattern is available as a downloadable now so there is no reason not to. An even longer time ago I ordered the tova top, got started and stuck on the placket and predictably quit. I think I will try a little harder this time and give it an honest go, with a muslim and so on.
The great advantage to being late to any (sewing) party / bandwagon is that you benefit from all the bloggers that have taken time to try and review the pattern before you. For example one of my favorite blog friend Larissa wrote an extensive post about the Wiksten Tank and his cousin the Grainline Tank. I simply followed her advice, made a muslin and compared notes. I agree with her, the original neckline is Olé! Olé! Which might work well for some but as a rule, if you can see my bra than it's too low. I lifted it up about 1/2". The tip to angle the back piece on the fold to take out some of the excess back fabric is good, BUT 1" might be too much. It was for me and created tightness in the arm holes. I ended up cutting 1/4" around each armhole to remedy this problem . Next time I will only angle 1/2" and see if it helps. Blindly following Larissa again, I went for the Grainline tutorial on getting flat bias necklines. It is a gem, but turns a quick tank into a labor of love. I will always and forever use this technique though, it is simply the way to go. After binding two armholes and a neckline, one is basically a pro at it anyways. Here is a look (bottom left)
The bottom hem is gently curved and not too high-low, nicely tuckable (not a word I bet) into high waisted pants or skirts, which is exactly what I need it for. The fabric is Liberty, part of the Massdrop 3 yards of Liberty order that occurred recently. It's a good pattern when used with Tana Lawn but I would like to try it in something else as well, something flowery and bright! This grey print is calling for a neon necklace don't you think?
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Love the fabric, love the top!!! You need to make another one at least.
Posted by: Jodie | June 10, 2014 at 06:40 AM