Another puggy cameo today! Man Friend’s laundry is still in the same spot.
sweater: J. Crew
top: Grainline’s Tiny Pocket Tank, previously unblogged
jeans: Uniqlo
necklace: Rare Bird on Etsy
This was my first Tiny Pocket Tank (my second was the top in my Pink Nightmare Pajama set). It’s a lovely pattern, but… I dove headfirst into sewing this, thinking, “eh, it’s a swingy top, no need to muslin!”. Famous last words! The shoulders were way too big, which I decided to fix with a box pleat in the back, but that wasn’t a very elegant solution. And even worse, the armscyes are too tight and ride up in my armpits all. day. long. I need to take off the armhole binding and lower it, but the fabric is pretty sheer and delicate and doesn’t take to seam ripping too well. I did a pretty awful job with the bias binding, too… hopefully it’s not too noticeable.
The fabric was labeled Liberty lawn (totally untrue– unless Liberty is now practically transparent and $8/yard). It’s underlined with yellow cotton batiste that I had in my stash. I was worried that the tank looked too much like PJ’s, but Gail suggested that I wear chunkier accessories with it, and I think that helps.
Despite the issues that I have with this, it’s really a nice pattern and I’m glad that I was able to work out my fitting issues before I made the second version. I’m hoping I can fix this one enough to wear it comfortably because I really do like it. Make one (or four)!
How did you find the bust darts on that one? I felt like mine were way too high when I made it for the first time. I also used far too stiff a fabric…
You know, I didn’t have to move the bust darts, but I rarely need to.
aaahhh I love your Pug! Looks like he’s got a little gray beard like my Vito does. I’ve always wanted a black Pug.
His little beard is the cutest! And he has a little white spot on his chest that I love. Vito is so cute– his photos always kill me!
Three words: Somewhat wearable muslin.
Teeheehee!
Well it looks super cute how you’ve styled it there!
Thanks, Donna!
Muahahahaha – I got you to do my bidding! OK, next time, I want you to wear it with a denim jacket, a tiered skirt, and some boots (leather, not snow).
I’ve seen some really nice versions of this top (including yours – I like it!). I might have to make one, one of these days.
I’m going to put you on payroll as my personal stylist!
I think this makes a cute outfit! It looks so cozy with the cream sweater.
Thanks! It’s been unexpectedly cool around here the last week or two, so cardigans have definitely been necessary.
Love that summery top! I have a similar pattern from Wiksten. Haven’t had a chance to make it yet
Oh, yes, I’ve seen that pattern– it looks lovely!
You can definitely see the possibilities with this tank pattern…
It’s such a great platform for statement fabric!
I like it
The necklace is a nice touch.
Thanks! I don’t usually wear much jewelry, but I’m digging this necklace (and everything at her Etsy shop)!
it looks so cute on you–I can’t see any of the problems you mention. With the weather heating up, I might have to check out that pattern soon!
Yes, definitely do it! It’s the perfect summer tank– breezy and cool, but not too revealing!
I love this tank with the sweater and necklace – it’s a fabulous combination!
Thanks, friend!! A compliment from a fashionista like you is a high compliment indeed!!
I agree with you that the pattern makes up for any problems you may have had sewing it. I never thought that chunky accessories would help make the top look less pajama-y seeing it makes the statement true.
Gail is the accessory queen– she puts together the cutest outfits! I’m so glad she suggested that! I’m really looking forward to making a few more of these tanks!
I have LOVED your MMM posts ! But this is my favourite ! You look just too cute in this outfit. I love it ! xx
I see your man friend is from the same mould as mine, in fact my man friends clothes stay where they are until they actually start growing mould ! I am looking forward to keeping an eye on the clothes situation throughout the month, it will be a little like playing ‘where’s wally’ !! (do you know that in the US ?). xxx
Thanks, ma’am! We have that in the US, but for some reason his name is Waldo here (anybody know why he’s sometimes Wally and sometimes Waldo? very strange).
The box pleat sounds like a good solution. I had a similar experience with the Grainline T – I thought “hm, it’s a loose t-shirt shape, surely it will fit! And the armscyes are too tight. Anyway! You tank looks great, especially with that necklace – I’ve had my eye on that for a while! “Tough” accessories are a good way to make something look a bit more grown up/ substantial. Lately any time I wear floral, out comes a spiky or industrial necklace to create balance. And boots. And possibly a leather jacket. Oh wait, is it the 90s? No? Hm.
Hahahaha– sometimes I feel like my fashion hasn’t progressed at all since the grunge years! I did a closet inventory at the beginning of MMM and noticed that all my buttondown shirts are plaid!
Armscyes are often too tight on me– I wonder why that is. I have skinny arms (like, a 4 year-old could probably beat me in an arm wrestling match), so that’s not the problem…
Like it a lot. Its funny, I keep getting reminded that tops like this are so practical and pretty….and then forgetting when I’m back om my own sewing!!
I get so wrapped up in making pretty dresses sometimes that I neglect nice, basic pieces that I can wear every day! I’ve got a few more of these on deck… I know I’ll wear this quite a bit when the weather gets warmer.