Finished top! : Wiksten #2 : the sugar skull version

I made another Wiksten top! I'm embarrassed to say that I made it ... a while ago.  (Last fall?) However, it hasn't been blogged, so I might as well get around to it, right?   This one was made from an awesome Alexander Henry print of sugar skulls, which translates to "calaveras" (which, not coincidentally, is the name of this print).  The skulls have gold glitter on them and I always get a ton of compliments when I wear this top. 

I may have mentioned before that, as a Spanish teacher, I love to wear Spanish-themed clothing in my classroom.  It may or may not be a secret that I really wish I were The Frizz.  I even wore this tank top during Me Made May, on the celebratory last day of the school year ... 

I made this one a smaller size than the first version.  While roomy and comfy, my husband complained that the first version looks like "a tent" on me and is not flattering.  I take his criticism very constructively (that is his intent, after all), and I sized down for this.    While I absolutely adore this top for summer wear, the slightly low neckline is a little too hubba-hubba for a high school teacher, which translates to being able to wear this to professional development days before school starts, or in the classroom - but with a scarf. ;)    Lesson learned!  Watch that pesky neckline in the future.  Meanwhile, I do enjoy wearing this top!

Project notes :
Pattern : Wiksten - Tank Top
Fabric : Alexander Henry "Calaveras"
Mods : Size medium - no mods

Finished tank top! : Sorbetto #2 : the Mexican Skull version

After my first Sorbetto, I decided to move on and make another one using some inexpensive fabric that I picked up a loooong time ago at Joann's on clearance.  

                

The fabric is a Mexican skull-inspired print, which is perfect for me because I'm a Spanish teacher -- but also because I also have a deep and not-so-secret desire to be just like The Friz.  

                

I love that the red skulls match my favorite red clogs.  I used red thread on this tank top in anticipation of an outfit with red accents.  I also omitted the pleat because I thought this print might be too much with an additional pleat going on.

This tank top looks at home with a pair of shorts, but will also be perfect with a certain jean skirt I have in mind for a school outfit.  

                   


I can't wait to wear this during our hot days head as I start the school year!  

Project notes :
Pattern : Sorbetto top by Colette (free!)
Fabric : mystery sugar skull fabric from stash
Mods : Omitted the pleat / Size 8, armscyes graded to 10.
{{On Kollabora here.}}

Finished tank top! : Sorbetto #1 : the trial version

I decided I needed more tank tops this summer and so tried out a pattern that I hadn't attempted yet -- being obviously the last sewing blogger on the planet to have made this, the free Colette Sorbetto top.  I have long admired the many versions of this tank top, and am pretty excited to add this to my repertoire.

               

I wanted to make a version using some stash fabric that wouldn't kill me if this didn't turn out -- so I dug into my men's button down shirt collection and picked out one with a fun print.  To modify this tank to use the shirt as a base, I used the button down front in the back, removed the pocket, and moved the pocket to the front.

I made a size 8, with the armscyes graded to a 10, and it seems to fit perfectly!  I could have sized up to a 10, but this slightly smaller version is just perfect.

                   

I feel pretty proud of my bias facing, which is coming along now.  For this top, I used a 10" square of fabric cut from the arm of the men's shirt, and followed the tutorial on continuous bias binding by the Coletterie.

                  

On to the next Sorbetto project, now!

Project notes :
Pattern : Sorbetto top by Colette (free!)
Fabric : thrifted men's button-down shirt 
Mods : Omitted the pleat / Size 8, armscyes graded to 10.
{{On Kollabora here.}}

Finished top! : Wiksten #1 : the pinstripe version

So, I've been sewing more than Everyday Skirts lately ... I have a few Wiksten tank tops that I've whipped up to share.

          

I used stash fabric for this first version to get a feel for the fit ... the fabric is some cotton/polyester shirting fabric that I bought for super cheap years and years ago and it's been hanging around in my stash since then. I recall buying it to make something for my daughter when she was a baby ... my daughter who is about to turn 12.  That's some languishing in the stash, I tell you!  Luckily it made a great Wiksten tank.  

        

This was my very first experience at making bias tape to apply to the neckline and sleeves.  It was very interesting and the experience has become easier, luckily. 

I find the tank to be extremely comfy to wear in the summer heat, and the polyester (or whatever makes this not 100% cotton) means that it wrinkles less, which is a plus, in my opinion.  I also love the subtle stripes that don't really reek of the 4th of July (like my first Everyday Skirt sort of does), yet they convey that simple "casual July tank top" feel.  They also go great with my red clogs, which is a huge bonus.  

I wore this tank top to a picnic for my son's marching band.  My husband accompanied me and was kind enough to take a few photos in a great spot for a photo op -- it's trailer-turned-into-a-moveable-clinic project that some colleagues and students at my school have been working on. You can see more of the project here in this video on YouTube.  I'm extremely impressed with this project and very proud of my school!

Project notes :
Pattern : Wiksten - Tank Top
Fabric : Cheap-o cotton blend
Mods : Size large - no mods
{{On Kollabora here.}}