I’ve made this new top! rather cute and feminine with a sweet little tie front at the waist. Yes, it’s linen, it’s plain, and it’s white. I just can’t help it, I’m a diehard white or off-white top kind of a girl… I’ve got stacks of them and keep on piling new ones in t the ol’ wardrobe because I never have quite the right one, and always feel like I could use just a few more, in different styles and fabrics. Also; white fabrics; honestly, sign me up for the Addicted t
o White Fabric club, asap! Every time I sort through my fabric stash I say to my husband and to Cassie; please, DO NOT let me buy white fabric, ever again!!! I think I have enough to last me a lifetime of sewing nothing but white or at least off-white or ivory or just plain pale clothing for myself… and yet,when making something I find I never have that just-right type and find it necessary to head out to the fabric store to search for it…. aaaagh! I’m going to the fabric store later today, just to buy elastic and am steeling myself to Stay Away from the fabric area… *giving myself a stern talking to*
This particular fabric is fine-grade handkerchief linen; a long term resident from my stash thank goodness. Provenance long forgotten, ahem.
The pattern; so, recently I was contacted by Jen, of Jennifer Lauren Handmade, who asked me to review her latest pattern the Hunter tank top, and this is it! Cute, non? I reckon so. Mine is view 2, with the skinnier shoulders.
It’s a simple and rather classic design, with that front tie feature to distinguish itself; all cut on the bias and with centre front and back seams because there is a bit of shaping in it. I LOVE the teeny little breast pocket on it! so very cute! not that I’ll ever be putting anything in it but it’s a sweet decorative touch; which I reckon a plain white tank top NEEDS.
I followed the instructions, which are very thorough btw; and aimed at someone who knows how to sew but is still relatively new to making clothes. I did the French seams and flat-felled seams where indicated throughout, and one of those super skinny hems at the bottom that look really nice in linen, made by stitching three times. So, it’s rather beautifully finished. That’s something else about very plain and basic items; they really should be finished well in order to stay the distance. I took my time and made sure I did, even to the point of unpicking several bits and doing them over.
you could probably wear it untied too, looks kinda dramatic
Thoughts; it’s a lovely classic design with very good bones, and a lovely fit and drape, thanks to the bias cut and subtle shaping through the centre seams. I think the design does need fabric that has a bit of “grab” to it for that tie to stay tied up. My linen does, but it does tend to loosen over time too, so I think in a soft, slinky, slippery fabric like crepe de chine the tie might slip out pretty quick if you didn’t anchor it somehow.
It is quite short, designed to sit at the natural waist, so is very nice to wear with a high-waisted skirt or jeans. I have a few things that fit the bill, so yay! I’m also planning to make it lengthened a bit by next summer and without the tie-feature, to wear with some of my more low-slung things as well. Actually, lengthened possibly even to dress length! while making this one I was already hatching plans for a tank dress using this pattern… mwahaha.
NOT a white one!
Details:
Top. the Hunter tank top by Jennifer Lauren Handmade, white linen
Skirt; Vogue 2894, red floral cotton, lined with purple cotton, details here
Shoes; made by me, details here
The post little white tank appeared first on Handmade by Carolyn.