Sunday 19 January 2014

Tropical Tank Top

It's been a very busy week with not a lot of time for sewing, however I did manage to finish my first version of the Grainline Studio Tiny Pocket Tank



The fabric is a lovely tropical print spun rayon purchased from Spotlight. It has a lot of drape and was ideal for this loose summery top. I didn't add the pocket as I thought there was enough going on with this busy print.

I wanted a close fit through the neckline, shoulders and armholes, so I cut a size 8 (should be a size 12 according to my bust measurement) and did some adjustments. Using Sarah Veblen's The Complete Photo Guide to Perfect Fitting I did a Full Bust Adjustment (FBA) of 2.5cm. I also lengthened the top by 6cm as I wanted it to cover my behind and be a little more tunic like. I stay stitched the neckline and armholes as soon as possible to avoid stretching these areas. After the front and back were joined, at the shoulders and side seams I had a quick try on to check the fit. The underarms felt a little tight so I scooped out approximately 1 cm from the lower half of each arm hole.



I am quite pleased with the fit I achieved with my adjustments. I will try a few more tweaks for the next one.




As you can see in the photo above, the bust dart is too high. For the next one I will try lowering it by a couple of cm. I would also like to try a shorter version with some side seam shaping so it doesn't hang so loosely.

I used purchased lime green bias binding to bind the neckline and armholes. I didn't have enough fabric left over to make the binding. Although it was a bit stiff it did work out OK.


I'm really happy with the fit in the back as well. No gaping and great backside cover. I also like the slightly shaped hemline.


Perfect outfit for date night...dining al fresco at a lovely little restaurant by the river on a very warm summer evening.

Happy Sewing


24 comments:

  1. That's soooo pretty. You must be stoked! I went to Spotlight for the first time in ages the other day and I was pleasantly surprised at the range of fabric they had. Took all my strength not to buy any. You adjustments make the fit perfect - you should make more!

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    1. Thanks for your lovely comments Rosi. I don't get to go to Spotlight very often (two hour drive away), so when I get the opportunity I try to make the most of it. I was quite pleased with the fit and I'm sure I will be making more of these.

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  2. This top looks great ~ and I am just loving the length! Must pop back into Spotlight and have a peek at what fabric they have in stock ... J

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    1. Thanks Judith. I love the longer length too...it hides a multitude of sins. I bought this fabric back in November, I think. They had quite a few tropical print spun rayons to choose from. I bought a couple of others at the same time which I have yet to sew up.

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  3. Perfect summery outfit ... love those colors!

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    1. Thanks Debbie. I seem to be drawn to bright cheery fabrics.

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  4. What a lovely fresh looking top. Perfect for the warmer weather.

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    1. Thanks BeaJay. I finished it just in time for date night and the weather was unusually warm that night which made it perfect.

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  5. Love the longer length and cheerful fabric. Very cute!

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    1. Thanks Sarah. I love to wear bright colours and the longer length feels so much more comfortable.

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  6. For such an apparently 'simple' top, you've done a lot of adjustments but just goes to show that it pays off - a perfectly fitting top and made in a vibrant fabric. Lovely with the white trousers.

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    1. Thanks Ruth. I am amazed that a few adjustments can do wonders with fit. Now I have a well fitting pattern that I will use over and over again, so well worth the effort.

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  7. How fabulous. I can see what you mean by the dart height, however, with the busy fabric pattern you can't notice. The fit is great. Congratulations. Cheers, Karen

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    1. Thanks Karen. I guess, at my age I should have just known to lower the bust dart, as everything seams to be moving south.

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  8. I've been on the lookout for a woven tank pattern and this looks perfect. Yours looks so summery and fresh. I want one!

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    1. Thanks Megan. It has already been worn several times with the hot weather we have been having lately.

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  9. That is a very pretty tank top, so perfect for the long hot summer :)

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  10. Thanks Carolyn. It has been perfect for the hot summer days we have been having here.

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  11. Hi Jean. I discovered your blog thru the RTW FASTERS. I have so enjoyed reading thru your blog...all the way to the first post...Your clothes fit you perfectly and look beautiful on you. Hope you don't mind...I will not be "following" you on your RTW journey.

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    1. Thanks FlyAwayHome. I really appreciate your lovely comment.

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  12. This top is very pretty and flattering on you. The perfect hot weather garment, I think.

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  13. Thanks Diana. I have worn it several times already.

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  14. Lovely top. I was admiring the fit in the shoulders before I read your post, and now I see why. I also need to cut a much smaller shoulder than my bust size indicates. It makes such a difference!

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