I’m not big on subscriptions; digital ones tend to clog up my inbox and paper subscriptions clutter up my home. When I do subscribe to something it’s got to be either incredibly useful or super inspiring. My subscription to Seamwork magazine from Collete Patterns just happens to be both. Each month’s issue comes with two free patterns that tend to be fresh and modern looking. At the end of Selfish Sewing Week I stitched up this Aurora Tank. It’s no longer tank top weather in New Jersey but sewing my own clothes has never been an entirely practical endeavor so why get smart now. Plus, I had just enough of these stripes left over from this dress.
I actually made a muslin for this top but in an interlock knit fabric and for some reason it fit much looser in the interlock. This version is a little tight in parts. I also added quite a few finishing touches to the top. The top has lovely puckers at the front that connect to shoulder straps and in the original pattern they are left as three layers of raw edges, I tucked that into the yoke for a cleaner look. I did the same for the back of the tank.
Plus, I switched out the back of the top with a little Liberty of London lawn fabric. Can you tell I’m dedicating to using up my precious fabrics? Can you also tell that I’m going nuts for stripes?
I also had to switch up the front scoop of the neck and the armholes, they were simply folded and stitched with a twin needle. Instead, I cut a 1″ strip of knit fabric for a small binding. Made it much easier to stitch in a clean line and provided a clean, finished look. I love all the changes but I’m not pleased with how it gathers at the back and fits too tight in the arm. All of that said, it’s a fun top.
It looks pretty good with my Madre Beads, too…don’t you think? I promise to switch to cool weather clothing soon, mostly so that I can wear what I make right away!
Jeanette Tuttle-Hamer says
I love the mix of prints. I still wear tank tops now…it’s a good opportunity to wear that light-weight shirt, jacket or sweater you couldn’t wear this summer in PA
Melissa Q. says
That is a great point Jeanette! Now you are encouraging me! Tanks forever!!
erin says
cute! i’ll have to check out that pattern – i have 4 credits at the moment and am not sure what i want to use them for!
Melissa Q. says
Perfect! Don’t you love the mag! I’m hoping to try the Adelaide dress next.
Colleen says
I wear tanks all year! And then just layer up. You did a great job with this knit fabric. Keep seeing!