here’s a first! i have never sewn a garment for myself that fit just right, straight from the pattern, without tinkering. it’s mostly my fault for always cutting things too big – my body proportions apparently don’t fit in the “sizing box” very well and i never want to make something too small, so i go the other route then take it in later (doesn’t work that well). this time i trusted the pattern, made the proper size based on the one measurement called for, and voila! i made a top that i really love to wear!
it was my first try at the wiksten tank (now available for download), and i made it in a gingham from joann because it’s lightweight for drape, didn’t cost much, and i had enough in my stash. i was hoping for it to be a “wearable muslin,” but it ended up much better than that, to me! for a little pizzazz, i turned the pocket on the bias and did my topstitching in hot pink. i know, you’d think when i finally stop sewing for my pink-obsessed three-year-old i’d pick a different color, but i thought it looked good with the black and white. what can i say? guess the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree.
it’s cute with a cardigan and i see it getting worn a lot as the weather warms up.
drapey tops often tend to look a bit “maternity” on me, but this one hangs really nicely – the neckline and armholes are cut perfectly to fit so the drape looks intentional, not like you’re trying to hide something…does that make sense? i had checked out the wiksten flickr group and the tank seemed universally flattering that way, which is the main reason i bought the pattern.
i like the shirt tail hemline, too – slightly longer in the back. it’s just a really well-drafted pattern and i’m happy to have it in my stash now! a great starting point like this has my imagination running wild with how to alter it for different looks, too.
i’m throwing the headless photo above into rae’s spring top sewalong pool, which opens today! many thanks to rae for giving me a kick in the pants to sew for myself. i don’t know what my deal is – i can dream up semi-elaborate looks for my kids and be pretty sure i can execute them, but when it comes to sewing clothes for me, even a simple tank required a big leap of faith. i needed a success to really build some confidence, and this was a great first step!
skirt as top 
very cute! i love the contrast stitching!
Love the pocket on the bias – adds such a great little detail, along with the contrast top-stitching. I have yet to make a Wiksten pattern, but have heard nothing but good from all the reviews. Now that they’re available via downloads, perhaps this is the time! Thanks for sharing:)
looks fabulous on you! i need to make a couple for summer too.
awesome! love it when things fit just right. and I love that gingham, the pink topstitching is perfect!!
thank you, anna! such a huge relief to actually have it fit! 🙂
perfect! wiksten patterns are the best confidence boosters. it looks totally great on you!
I AGREE! wiksten is the oliver + s of adult patterns, apparently!
Swooon…
So pretty! It looks fantastic!
damn girl! u got talent, what a beautiful job u did, I wish I was able to =)
Aw, thanks! Since I don’t sew much for myself, it’s good to start simple.
This is SO cute. I love it! I want one!
love it! and you are so pretty. 🙂
so bute! Glad you took the plunge into seIf! Scary but so rewarding when it turns out as great as your tank.
That is so inspiring, Kristin! I have yet to sew a pattern up for myself. I did a basic skirt a couple weeks ago, but I’m just SO chicken to do anything else. Your tank turned out so great, I’m going to have to go check out these wiksten patterns. Let’s see some more stuff! Love that you put some pink on there, by the way. 🙂
Thanks, Stef – I’m working on another top now!! I hope you work up the nerve to sew more for yourself, too!!
Lovely! I know what you mean about drapey tops looking a bit maternity. I’ll bet you want to make a tone of these now.
Your top looks awesome! I love the contrast stitching, such a nice touch. And the whole thing looks flawless, perfectly executed. Thanks so much for posting about Wiksten!
Thank YOU! What a fantastic pattern. Thanks for making it available to download, too!!
I love this Kristin! I may need to make one for me. Fabulous drape.
I just found your blog! This shirt is great. I love the contrasting pocket on the bias!
I’m glad you mentioned the spring top sewalong – I found out about it last year the day before it ended and wanted to be sure to sew something this year (for myself, finally :).
I also just read your post on your experience being part of PR&P. You mentioned learning how to draft patterns and how much freedom it has given you. Please share with me how you learned! Did you take a class? Read a book? I’d love to have that kind of freedom in sewing clothing!
Lookin’ good!! 🙂
Super nice! I loooove the plaid. You’ve just further inspired me to get this pattern (esp now that it’s available as an e-pattern!) I realize I’ve followed your blog for a bit, but I don’t think I’ve ever commented before, so I’m aiming to correct that and comment more! All your work is so beautiful!
Oh thanks so much, Johanna!! I’ve followed you on Pinterest so it’s fun to connect more here. Yay!
Love the gingham, and it is so flattering and look super comfy. Hooray for awesome patterns!
That is such a cute top! You did a fabulous job!
You did a great job! It has a flattering fit and it looks comfortable. I quit buying tanks from the stores because a lot of them are too short and don’t fit well. I like to be able to do something physical without any unattended body parts showing.
That’s super cute! I love the gingham with the bias cut pocket!
Hi Kristin! That top is darling! And, I love the Pink!! I would love to make several of these tops! I use a wheelchair and I’m always looking for a top that covers my tummy! (You how how “things” change when you’re sitting?! Like your tummy tends to sit in your lap!) : ) That and the fact that I have had breast cancer and a double mastectomy, puts me in an awkward position when it comes to dressing. I cannot have reconstructive surgery OR wear prosthetics (anywhere, breasts or legs) due to severe latex/silicone allergies, so regular tops that have darts don’t work. Do you have any suggestions for this non-sewer? Well, I can sew a straight line, but a pattern??
Love your blog and all of your Creations! Hugs ~ Jo
Very Cute top! I really like the added flair of the pink top stitching. : )
It looks great! I love the pocket and pink stitching. I’m just about to start my first Wiksten tank – very excited as, like you, I have plenty of plans for fabric and adapting it 🙂