Eek! I dipped my toe into garment sewing for myself. Starting with the popular and beginner friendly pattern, Wiksten Tank by Jenny Gordy. After making two this past weekend I can tell you, it's an easy and satisfying pattern. The Wiksten tank is very well written and includes french seams and bias binding for a polished look. Lots of tanks are popping up on flickr and you can see why! It looks good in any fabric and has a very flattering shape. Here are some of my favorites:
1. dealtry + wiksten collaboration, 2. Wiksten Tank #1, 3. Wiksten tank w/ sweater on top, 4. Wiksten tank top, 5. chevron dress, 6. Wiksten tank in Washi, 7. Wiksten Tank, 8. Wiksten Tank, 9. wiksten tank
For my first try, I wanted to use nice fabric, but not precious fabric. I had just enough of this Farmdale print in my stash. It went pretty well. The binding on the arm holes is a little fiddly and it went much smoother the second time around. I was glad I practiced first.
Then I took a deep breath and bought some Quilt Blocks by Ellen Luckett Baker from The Intrepid Thread.
I love this print!! It looks pretty good right?
I was a little shocked at the scraps leftover. Good thing I quilt!! ; )
TIPS:
- Try it on after you sew the first seams, but before you finish it to make sure you like the fit.
- Pin and then pin some more.
- I found it easier to cut the bias strips using my quilting ruler and rotary cutter. Measure first!
- If you have to, you can piece your bias strips. I didn't have enough fabric for the long neck strip so I cut two and pieced them together. After it's finished, you can't tell!
- Don't own a Pressing Ham? Me either. I used a rolled up hand towel and it worked in a pinch.
MATERIALS:
Pattern: Wiksten Tank by Jenny Gordy (I bought the .pdf version)
Pattern: Wiksten Tank by Jenny Gordy (I bought the .pdf version)
Fabric #1: Farmdale Blossoms by Alexander Henry
Fabric #2: Quilt Blocks by Ellen Luckett Baker
Up next... the Tova?!
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| A pretty apple blossom from my yard. |
