A Wiksten Tank for me

Random stash fabric (maybe from Spotty remnant bin years ago)?

I promised myself earlier in the year to take more time to sew clothes for me.

I was planning on making myself a new dress to wear to B-Fab's upcoming wedding, but I haven't had the mojo to take on a big project like that at the moment, and there's about a billion non-crafty things being organised in the background at the moment that have had to take priority.

So for some reason last week, I also decided that I wanted to make myself a simple top. I found the Grainline Tank and the Wiksten Tank online (both are downloadable - yah!)

I ended up choosing the Wiksten Tank as that also has an option for a longer tunic style top/dress.

For some reason, they both have tiny pockets on the boob. Call me crazy, but who wants a boob pocket? I don't need to be drawing any more attention there! So, as you can see, I eliminated the boob pocket on mine.

I'm assuming that the instructions have been written for those that don't have an overlocker as you sew a seam, then fold over and sew another seam (I also topstitched the seams as I think it looks nice). For my next one, I'll just sew and overlock. Easy peasy.

I also took the lazy option and just used pre-made bias binding. I have a tonne in the stash, and my local oppy also has another tonne.... so I'll never run out!

This is the XL size, and it's a bit big but nice and comfy. I think I'll try a L next.... and I just happened to find the perfect fabric for it at Spotty today!

Trial and Error

With the forecast of all of this hot weather, I decided that I needed to make myself a new summer dress to swelter in.

Of course, I don't actually own any dress patterns, and I don't have any learned dressmaking skills, so instead I just used the trial and error method. (BTW - I wouldn't actually recommend this method, but I like to just free form sew).

Step 1 - Draw a picture
Step 2 - Grab the tape measure and take a couple of random measurements
Step 3 - Cut fabric
Step 4 - Sew

It's not too bad for a first trial, although it does look more like a nightie than a dress. It's too tight under the armholes, a bit too short, and too low at the back, and I wouldn't actually wear it outside of my house, but other than its fine...ha!  I figure that this is all part of the learning process when it comes to making clothes.

I took the photo before I hemmed it!


It can only be onward and upward from here......

....and the Op Shop Gods were smiling

Dress $25

I stumbled onto a little goldmine earlier this week.... I've lost about ten kilos over the last twelve months, and so most of my clothes don't actually fit me properly anymore.

Top $10 Shorts $10

I've been partaking in some regular op shopping trying to find some bargain clothes, and then this week I found that my local Salvos shop had received a couple of truckloads of Myer sample stock. On Tuesday my sister and I picked up about 10 tops and a skirt for the princely sum of $75.

Jacket $20

Today we returned for some more bargains, to find that they'd increased the prices, but there were still some more beauties on offer.

I now have an entire new summer wardrobe of brand new clothes for about $150. Now that's what I call a bargain!