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)!
Ginger Makes... 
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…
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You know, I didn’t have to move the bust darts, but I rarely need to.
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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.
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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!
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Three words: Somewhat wearable muslin. 😉
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Teeheehee!
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Well it looks super cute how you’ve styled it there!
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Thanks, Donna!
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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.
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I’m going to put you on payroll as my personal stylist! 😀
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I think this makes a cute outfit! It looks so cozy with the cream sweater.
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Thanks! It’s been unexpectedly cool around here the last week or two, so cardigans have definitely been necessary.
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Love that summery top! I have a similar pattern from Wiksten. Haven’t had a chance to make it yet
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Oh, yes, I’ve seen that pattern– it looks lovely!
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You can definitely see the possibilities with this tank pattern…
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It’s such a great platform for statement fabric!
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I like it 🙂 The necklace is a nice touch.
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Thanks! I don’t usually wear much jewelry, but I’m digging this necklace (and everything at her Etsy shop)!
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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!
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Yes, definitely do it! It’s the perfect summer tank– breezy and cool, but not too revealing!
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I love this tank with the sweater and necklace – it’s a fabulous combination!
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Thanks, friend!! A compliment from a fashionista like you is a high compliment indeed!! 🙂
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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.
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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!
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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
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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).
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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.
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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…
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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!!
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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.
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