Sunday, August 31, 2014

Take that Satin and Duplicate Me...

Hello Everyone! Happy Labour Day!
The kids are heading back to school on Tuesday and I have mixed feelings. I have loved having the kid home all summer but I will have a bit more free time to work with only the baby at home. 
As promised in my last video I am making a garment post. I made this top back in May for one of my regular clients. She was going to an event that had a colour theme. She had a swing tank that fit her well and she wanted to duplicate in an evening fabric. She chose an satin in a beautiful red coral. Now for most people satin is an evening fabric. I tend to wear satin anytime of day no matter what I'm doing, but that's because I love it and don't attend many occasions calling for satin. Lesson to take from this - if you want to wear what makes you happy. That's what fashion is all about as well as personal style. If you are happy wearing satin while you do your daily chores than i say put it on.
Anyhoo....back to the tank.
Here is the original tank

When making a pattern from a ready made garment I like to use muslin. Muslin is unbleached cotton. I use it so I can sew the pattern to test before cutting into my fashion fabric.



 This garment was cut on the bias. Cutting a garment on the bias gives the fabric some stretch and movement. Satin is unforgiving so cutting the tank this way will allow it to skim the body without being tight or cumbersome.

I used french seaming for the side seams and shoulder seams. I think they look more polished and finished on the inside of the garment. A french seam is usually used for lightweight and sheer fabric. It make for a strong seam is delicate fabric and contains the raw edges to prevent fraying.


To finish the armholes and and neckline I made matching bias tape.


Here is the finished edge.




 She also wanted a matching tie belt so she could wear it both ways, loose or belted.


TADA!!! And there you have it. A satin swing tank with matching belt! I have to say I really liked this garment and am thinking of making one for myself. I might be adding sleeves to mine since the cooler weather is right around the corner.

Question: How do you feel about formal fabrics worn for casual dress? 

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