Wiksten Tank v1 "70's Curtain" *Finished Object*

The Seamless Pledge and The Pregnancy Pledge are well and truly underway!* 

*Any makes, charity/ thrift shop finds and upcycling will be tweeted using the hashtag #PregnancyPledge on Twitter, if you're interested!

I have finally used this African wax print I, shamefully, picked up last year in April.  The fabric is fabulous and I am trying to 'stash-bust' as I save for this child! It's working; I am getting through a backlog of fabric, wool and trimmings. 

Alas, the more one makes- the more one wants to make (and spend). 

I bought the fabric from The Fabric Godmother, who regularly has beautiful African wax prints in. I love their uniqueness. Every centimetre of the fabric is hand-dyed and really is beautiful. 

So here is the first of many, many pregnancy tops....

 I love this top! Colour-wise, it's a major statement print. I will undoubtedly wear this top with the obligatory leggings/ jeggings and pretty sandals. I think a few wooden accessories will really bring out the modern-ethnic look of the piece. There is loads of space in the front too, ready for the ever-growing bump. Those pattern adjustments did the trick, it's much longer now- but not as long and tapered as the dress version included with this pattern. I hate to even think about wearing leggings with a short top, it simply must come down to the thighs- or I don't want to know! Modesty.

Front

Back

Hidden pocket! For the tokens, loose change, train tickets... this is for my holiday as a 6 month pregnant woman, who knows what little secret treasures I'll need this pocket for then?! Probably some confectionery of some form, no doubt.  I thought I would play around the pocket location on the top. Originally, this was meant to be a breast pocket. I changed it; I don't EVER use a breast pocket when I have them on a piece of clothing. So I decided that a hip pocket would be more useful. Also, with the bold and clear print... I was able to totally match the pocket with the main top- so it's almost a secret pocket.

Bias-bound armholes and neckline. It's a frustratingly small bias strip to guide and sew around these areas! I am slowly getting used to the art of the bias-strip application and use, but it is still the definition of 'finickiness' as far as I am concerned. 

Behold... my first ever french-seam finish. I am very impressed. It really gives the feeling of class, I think anyway. I will use this wonderful technique again, what do I need to a little maths to work out how to apply it to other pieces that I sew...

1/4" + ? = 5/8" 

What is the value of ? and particularly, what is it in metric?!

On that mathematical , I shall leave you to mull this over and help out an over-worked, perpetually-tired, constantly-hungry expectant-mother!

My overall review of the Wiksten Tank is totally positive. Adaptable, easy and quick. I think with the right environment, the right amount of need, the right amount of willingness... it would be very easy to churn out 3 or 4 of these in an afternoon session. Clear instructions and a beautiful stash-buster, I highly recommend this to anyone. I actually prefer it to the very similar 'Sorbetto' from Colette Patterns, its a more wearable and versatile design; tucked in, with leggings, skirts, jeans... you could even wear it on top of a bikini/ swimsuit at the beach in summer. The length is easily adjustable.

Cost: €8 for fabric. Thread from stash (navy)
Time taken: 3 hours
Make again? Yes!!

Bundana 

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