Thursday, July 3, 2014

Quick & Dirty Tank Dress

I needed a quick fix, something painless and easy, something that didn't require detail work, something that I could start and finish in the same day.

Got it.  Let me introduce you to New Look 6210!

If you'd like to read my pattern review, here it is. Basically, I had a little over a yard of this lovely knit from Joann's (bought it a year ago), and it took a few hours to assemble. I originally bought this pattern a few months ago because I wanted more racer back tanks for the gym. This pattern would be easy to trim down to hip length and make a top, so this dress was my "muslin" version to test the sizing.

I cut and stitched the 16 according to the "finished garment measurements" on the pattern paper, but when I was done, I had a decision to make.  There was some gaping in the underarms and it was fairly loose through the sides, especially in the waist. If I left it alone, this would make a great swimsuit cover-up or nightshirt. If I took it in 3/4" along both sides seams (all the way from armhole to hem), it would be fitted and make a great summer tank dress.


I took it in. I love the fit now and want to make about a dozen more. I just love racer backs!!!

So, I used 3 machines to construct it. I used my regular machine set to the slightest zig-zag for the seams, and then hopped over to the serger to clean up the seams (I know that's silly, I really only needed the serger). Then the coverstitch came into play for the hemming.
So, my appetite for construction has been fulfilled, I've got a new TNT (for both a dress and gym tank), and it was done (start to finish) in a few hours today. Love, love, love! Best sewing day I've had in a long time!

16 comments:

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

Love your fabric choice for this very pretty summer dress!

Lori said...

Fabulous dress, I am so happy you made it fitted for the dress.

Debbie Iles said...

I love a quick and dirty tank dress. Yours is great. Pretty fabric, and such a handy TNT to have in your collection. Can't believe I only just worked out the same thing for myself about a month ago. I should have done it years ago!

Dharma said...

Great summer dress! Isn't just fun to get a great garment out of a yard or so of fabric!!
Thanks for the idea of using the pattern for some gym tops.

Robin said...

Great dress--nice summer look. Sometimes those quick and simple projects can give us the uplift we need to keep sewing. Instant gratification. I like the racer back too.

Kyle said...

I have this pattern and will have to sew it up sometime soon! I love that it has a CB seam to make it fit so nicely!

Your dress looks great and you do too!

Shannon said...

This looks great! I have this in my to-do list, now I just have to pull it out and make it up.

Shannon said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mariela Alethia said...

Easy peezy pretty summer dress

Bunny said...

I love it. Everything about it is so pretty on you, the color, the shape, etc. Great look, Kristine!

RhondaBuss said...

Perfect summer dress. Fits beautifully.

Sheila said...

Lovely dress and it screams I am ready to take on summer.

Nana said...

Fabric, Pattern and fit are perfect and it looks great on you. Perfect for any summer day.

L said...

Quick projects that produce great results are the best! You scored with this knit find and have a very cute summer dress. Nice!

Sharon Sews said...

Very pretty fabric and great choice of pattern to showcase the print. I love quick and easy knit dresses for summer also.

Beth said...

Love the dress….you did a great job!