This week has been crazy. So here I am on Friday thinking I haven’t written about this tank top I made. Shall we rectify that now? Yes, yes!
I had gotten this fabric in the remnants section at Joann’s. I always always stop there. Most of the time I find great pieces for just a few bucks. I try to get as close to 1 yard as possible just in case. I believe this one was just shy of a yard and I had intended to use it for Lilli. Buuuuuut I really liked the print and wanted it for myself. ๐ Besides it was something not completely blue. My wardrobe has turned into an ocean! So I was determined to make it work.
My original pattern of choice was with sleeves but I didn’t have enough fabric. The pattern I ended up using is a retired pattern from Grainline Studios, called Tiny Pocket Tank. I have made this pattern once before, so construction was easier. I didn’t even have enough to place the back piece on the fold, so I added some seam allowance and cut two pieces and joined the back with a French seam for a cleaner finished.
I guess I lost weight since I made this pattern last, because I needed to take it in about 1/2 inch of both sides. It was also hanging weird, the darts were below my breasts. I pulled up the shoulders 1.5 inches. With these changes, the front fit perfectly. And then I turned around…
I had the usual pooling at mid to lower back. I had been reading about swayback adjustments and decided to figure out how much I would need to take in. I couldn’t do a horizontal dart so I made a vertical one in the middle. At first I took in 2 inches then realized that was waay too much. I ended up taking in just 1 inch.
Since the last time I made this tank I have learned much more about fit and sewing overall. This time I took the time to mark my changes on my traced out pattern. I also started making the necessary swayback adjustments to the pattern for next go around.
I’ve learned much through this process but I have more to learn. Once I put the arm bindings on, the fit was ever so slightly off again. It pulls at the arms a tad,so next time I need to keep it 1/4 inch loose to allow tightening from the bindings. You can see the wrinkles in the pictures.
Overall, I am still happy with the shirt. I finished off the neckline and arms with bindings folded inside.
The hem was serged around and turned up just once, to keep the length. Oh I forgot to mention, the pattern comes with a tiny pocket – hence the name. I leave those off. I’m more of a big, useful pocket gal.
Pattern Info:
Pattern Name: Grainline Studios, Tiny Pocket Tank
Size: 10 graded to 12 from waist to hip
Modifications: Pulled shoulders up 1.5′, raised neckline 0.5′, back dart 1″, no pockets
Would I recommend it? Yes, well fitting, layering top