It's come to my attention lately that nearly the entire collection of brand Wiksten has made it across into my Pinterest 'style' board. The clean lines, understated elegance and effortlessly feminine clothes sums up exactly what I'm channeling in my very wearable hand-made wardrobe. So it's very exciting to be able to get in on the action, at least in pattern form, with the Wiksten Tank pattern. And speaking of in on the action, I'm chucking this baby into the Spring Top Sewalong pool where it can make friends with Kristen's lovely plaid version.
On a recent thrifty outing I grabbed this lonely Target blouse for about two bucks with the Wiksten pattern in mind. It says polyester on the label and I can only describe the print as a sort of early 90's geometric tribal confusion. I'm pretty sure it will get to see the light of day more in its new form. The pattern's French seams come out beautifully but I think I'll steer clear of this sort of fibre again...it's so slippery and synthetic that no matter how ferocious I was with the iron, it didn't press flat. Note wavy bottom hem. Whoever said a good workman never blames his tools, was not a sewer. Wavy hem or not, it's very wearable and feels so effortless, so Wiksten, mmm. For a little extra detail I placed the pattern on top of the blouse just over the edge of original button placket. Marvel at the stealth of the placket stealer.
I love it, such pretty fabric. Love your necklace too, where is that from (please say Brissy somewhere!)
ReplyDeleteHaha well actually its from etsy, from here http://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleDirtyDish?ref=seller_info and very reasonably priced too.
DeleteHahaha.... I just got the e pattern because of the plaid tank and then, i join the flickr group to see more inspirations. I am a nursing mama of 2 babes (2years old and 11months old) and i don't like to show my belly at all, or clothing that doesn't stretch but this top is just something i cant miss.
ReplyDeleteI think we're going to be seeing a lot of these somehow. I'm still bfeeding too and I think from memory you can squeeze a boob out the top. I know what you mean, when your body is a production line you just want to be comfy. I think you'll like this one, since it hides all those areas but is still super stylish.
DeleteI love the Wiksten tank pattern. It's been my quick fix pattern this summer for when I've really wanted to sew something that I know will come together perfectly and quickly. I love your version and your stealthy placket stealing! Have you tried the tiny tank pattern too? How do they compare?
ReplyDeleteOh you are right, it is predictable and you're guaranteed the same results time after time, I can see why you made a few then. I posted on the tiny tank a little while ago and they're very similar, maybe a slightly different shape and the tiny tank has bust darts. I think I like the fit of the Wiksten better but can't put my finger on why.
Deletewahoo!! wiksten tank buddies! we couldn't have planned that better. :) thanks for linking to mine - i LOVE yours! worth the trouble that pesky fabric gave you, you sneaky placket stealer.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome for the link love. That was so funny seeing yours on the feed this morning, knowing I was going to post aswell.
DeleteI love this! Nice work.
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
DeleteIt's beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI was wondering, is the pattern worth the money? When I saw the price I was WHOA, that much for a tank pattern?
I had the same reaction to the price! But its worth the investment...sweet shape, beautifully constructed, quick and so simple that you can go to town with interesting fabrics. So if you can get past the price, I'd definitely recommend.
DeleteOoooohhhhh, now I'm even more inspried. I bought the e-pattern last night after seeing Kristen's. Ha ha, that means there'll be at least one more in the Spring Tops pool :)
ReplyDeleteOh you did?! I'll be keeping a look out for your version in the pool.
DeleteVery cute! I love how you adapted it from the blouse and the pattern is very cool and much more suited to a Wiksten tank ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot :)
DeleteI love it! I am also a huge Wiksten coveter so I totally get the appeal of the clean lines and understated elegance. I think this Basquiat-esque 90's "urban tribal" print is totally awesome and perfect for this tank. It definitely deserves to get a lot of wear!
ReplyDeleteAlso - your necklace. Amazing.
Why does that not surprise me that you are Wiksten fan too! Thanks, I got the necklace from etsy, it was 10 bucks. Bargain!
DeleteSuper cute! And I second the compliment on your necklace - so simple and chic.
ReplyDeleteThanks lovely!
DeleteLove it, in fact love everything you make! I'm also wondering what the Wiksten tank pattern is like in comparison to the Grainline tiny pocket tank pattern. This one looks like it may be slightly more fitted?
ReplyDelete(I'm loving the necklace as well).
Thanks Melinda! I think that's it...the Wiksten is slightly more fitted, even though the grainline tank has bust darts. They're slightly different shapes but both flattering, big difference in price though!
DeleteOh so nice! I need to make one of these, and now that I see it is available as a much more affordable e-pattern, I'm thinking I might go for it. I really want some simple tanks for summer! And you remind me, I must get my top(s)? done for the sew along too!
ReplyDeleteOh you'll love it. Its the perfect tank. I just noticed that they're now an e-pattern, definitely a more economical option. I don't know about you but I am feeling divided...mad men challenge, spring top sew-a-long...its all happening!
DeleteThis is a fantastic refashion. Great find with the shirt. And, thanks for introducing me to Wiksten patterns. I might have to try one of them out:) This is a great look!
ReplyDeleteThank you ;) Glad you think so, it was such a waist as a daggy sack blouse.
ReplyDeletehow did I miss this? Perfect print for the tank!
ReplyDeleteLovely top and a very inspiring blog! Can I ask how do you choose an item to be re-fashioned, knowing that there will be enough fabric? And also do you have a pattern for your boys t-shirt and manigan? xx
ReplyDeleteThanks, what a lovely comment. Good question, well I guess the good thing about getting tops from thrift stores to refashion is that they're so cheap you can afford to experiment. For boys clothes I tend to go for as large a shirt possible, like XL but sometimes I will grab smaller shirts if they have a cool print and you might be able to use them for a cuff. For this top here, the print caught my eye first and it was just lucky that it was quite a large top, because there almost wasn't enough. You could look for interesting fabric on something like a maxi dress, then you could be sure there'd be enough to refashion it into a tank top. As for the 'Manligan' pattern, I've just added the link to all of the posts but here it is as well http://www.etsy.com/listing/71777953/darling-cardigan-pdf-sewing-pattern-and. I hadn't realized I'd left it out, thanks for alerting me! Was there any particular t-shirt you were thinking of?
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