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Winnats tank is a super chic sleeveless tank top that can be easily lengthened into a dress using the instructions from the book. I have sewn a Winnats tank for myself in luxurious pink silk jersey for the book release blog tour.

Pattern Sizing

The challenge was that I was sewing this top for someone who lives on another continent and I couldn’t take her measurements myself. I sent a long list of instructions about how to take her measurements. The only problem was that I assumed she had a dressmaker’s tape measure! But she didn’t and she told me she creatively used a piece of string and a ruler.

Basing on her 44″ bust measuremt I cut the size that corresponded which was large. The thing I really like about this book is that the sizes are shown with the finished garment measurements – this makes it infinitely easier to get an idea of how much ease is in the style.

Fabric – Octopi and Unicorns

This is cotton jersey from Cotton and Steel in their whimsical mystery train print. Sadly this was the last 1.25 meter that I found – I have tried to find more of this fabric without any luck. This is the same print that I used to sew McCalls M6044 for my husband. Thoughthat was the medium weight quilting cotton substrate.

I washed the fabric on 30 degrees and tumble dried without any significant loss of colour. Though Cotton and Steel is on the pricier side you are paying for quality.

Sewing Construction

I used my overlocker for the shoulder and side seams and for sewing the armhole bands. Then I used the coverstitch machine for sewing down those seams. The hem was simply turned over and coverstitched. The book does give instrutions on sewing without an overlocker too which is great and acknowledges the fact that not everyone will have a serger especially beginners. Wendy also explains the use of twin needles if so desired. Most basic sewing machines have twin needle.

A super fast make it took me less than 90 minutes to finish it all.

Design Alterations

I sewed the armhole bands and neck band with a contrast jersey fabric. Its got these cute prancing unicorns. I was actually looking for a navy jersey when I stumbled upon these unicorns. Yay! Unicorns plus octopi! Perfect!

Did it look like the design.

Yes it did!

Sewing Techniques

Hemming knit fabrics

Sewing neckbands and armhole bands

Twin needle finish

Verdict

The tank looks great and I am super happy with how it turned out. I really hope that she likes it. Finger crossed.