As I mentioned, I’ve been making lots of clothes that I haven’t gotten around to blogging about. This Lightning Tank top is one of them. I saw this knit lightning fabric pop up on the Wanderlust Facebook page and knew I needed it. Needed.
Lightining tank tops are the new summer essential, I’m pretty sure I read that somewhere. This fabric is superb..the flashes of lightning are worn and a rose gold color, absolutely perfect. It’s thin and light with a soft hand a decent amount of stretch. Sometimes knits I buy on-line end up cheaper feeling than I would like but not this stuff.
I used the Jorna Tank pattern, same as this one, with a few modifications. Just like I did previously, I took out the flair in the tank but I also lowered the neckline and didn’t put in the called-for lining. I just wasn’t crazy about the way the lining sat in the top. Instead of lining it, I hemmed the armhole and I tried something new with the neckline.
Inspired by the great new book from Colette Patterns, The Colette Guide to Sewing Knits (affiliate link) by Alyson Clair I attempted a raw-edge rolled band. That sounds very technical but it’s really exciting and super easy. You know how knit fabrics don’t fray? And, it naturally rolls up a little at the edge, which always seems so annoying. Well…this method of finishing the neckband uses the non-fraying rolling part as an advantage. You simply sew on a strip of rolled knit fabric and that’s it! New neckband method! How great is that?
It’s kind of hard to see in this picture because I actually stitched the neckband on with the roll rolling to the inside instead of the outside of the top. But, next time I will remember to check for that and get it right. Besides that mistake, this is kind of a life-changing neckline for me. The book even suggests using a strip of lightweight silk in the same way for a super pretty effect. Isn’t that genius? It’s such a great way to elevate a basic item with a touch of color and impact. I love it.
As soon as I heard about the Colette book about knits I knew I was going to buy it. And, to be honest, when it arrived I was a little sad it didn’t include any specific projects, no patterns, nothing. But, once I opened it I didn’t even care. It goes through amazing, creative, beautiful options for trims, elastic lace, the best machines, great tips for knits, bands…everything. It’s a knit lovers dream. The first section discusses different fabric weights and stretch, proper needles and notions. Following that is in-depth coverage on the best machines and how to use them. The final section, which I found the most useful, includes an incredible array of great tips on how to lay out knit fabric, how to get a good fit and then stitching and finishing options. I feel like I know a lot about sewing with knits and I learned a ton from this book. It’s an awesome addition to my bookshelf.
Jennifer Gretchen says
This is really wonderful. I don’t even know where to start. It’s a tunic, but it’s vintage looking, and the comic-book nerd in me is screaming and.. and.. Love that rolled detail near the neck.
Melissa Q. says
You are so rocking my world! Comic book nerd!! I love that I am appealing to your inner comic book nerd, that makes my day! Thanks for the compliments. I’m pretty fond of it, too. 🙂
Masha says
I had a RTW shirt with that rolled-edge finish but it never occurred to me to try it myself. Totally doing it though, it looks great on your tank!
Melissa Q. says
Thank you! The rolled-edge finish is making me really happy, I can’t wait to make more fancy neckbands.
kristin says
awwwwesome lightning bolt tank!! i have a RTW top like that too, from Loft I think. so smart to make it that way!
Melissa Q. says
Aw, shucks. Thank you!
Brienne Moody says
Very cool tank! And I hadn’t even heard about that book – I’ll have to add it to my list’
Melissa Q. says
It’s a clever book, as I get more serious about making clothes I will wear I’m realizing I need to know all I can about sewing with knits. The book has lots of great ideas, it’s a good foundation.