I made this Wiksten Tank a few years ago, which was one of my earliest forays into me-made apparel.
(See more photos at the end of the post.)
Size / View:
XS. Technically I fall into S based on the bust measurement, but there's also a lot of ease in the pattern, so I sized down.
For reference, my measurements are:
- Bust: 34.5"
- High Bust: 32.5"
- Waist: 29"
- Hip: 37.5"
- Height: 5' 0"
Fabric:
Whale print chambray from Joann.
Side story - I had gone to Joann one Saturday with two young kids in tow, and I didn't stop to shop for very long, though I had spotted this whale print on the shelf. I couldn't get it out of my head though, so I went back later that night with the whole family to get this fabric!
Adjustments / Construction:
- None. I followed the pattern as written.
- Sewing around curves was a little tricky and there are a few spots where it's not perfect, but I'm sure I'm the only one that notices. I don't think I was ironing down as I was pinning the curves, so I would try to do that better next time even though it takes more time.
- This was the first time I finished a neckline with hidden binding and looking back on it, I could have done a better job ensuring that the underside doesn't show. Again, this is probably something that I only notice because I sewed the garment, particularly since I used the same fabric for the binding.
Likes:
- Easy to sew for beginners
- No serger required since the inside is finished with French seams
Next Time:
Subsequent to this whale print chambray version, I made a dress version out of gray suiting fabric (also from Joann) that I wore to the office a few times, with a skinny belt cinching the waste and a cardigan. It was okay, but I don't love it. I'm thinking of using the fabric to make something else all together.
In this second version though, I made a couple of adjustments that I would do if I sew this pattern again:
- Raise the front neckline by 1 inch
- Took a couple of inches out of the back neckline to reduce gaping, following the tip in this post: Striped Wiksten Tank - Made by Rae
Next time, I might also try out a fabric with a little more drape, such as a rayon challis.
