I didn't initially buy it, though I was tempted. Greg was at work that particular Saturday and I was already infringing on Parker's naptime. So I hurried home with all my other fabric (that I, of course, needed - NEEDED - for other projects), but that whale print lingered in my mind. And so later that night, since Greg didn't get home very late, I made him go back to JoAnn with me, kids in tow, to get the whale print chambray.
It took me several months to even start my project using the fabric - the Wiksten tank - and then I was in the midst of being very busy at work, which meant that it also took me several more months to finish.
But finally, I finished! And I'm patting myself on the back for (a) finishing and (b) an overall pretty good job.
I've worn, washed, and dried the tank a few times since I've finished. It's held up well. The only (minor) drawback: it has to be ironed before wearing (and I loathe having to iron clothes - but the whales!).
Following the sizing guide, I went with the XS size. I didn't like the pocket, so I skipped that step. I was also a little apprehensive given some of the other reviews I read online, but I decided to make the tank from the pattern with no alterations. One of the recurring things I saw were people talking about the gaping neckline in the back. I didn't personally have this problem as much despite not adjusting the pattern for it, but I could see how it would annoy people if it were worse.
If I were to make this tank again, I'd consider the following alterations:
- Raising the neckline by an inch or so
- Minimizing the neck gap following this how-to: Striped Wiksten Tank by Made by Rae
- Using a more drape-y fabric, such as rayon (and hopefully doesn't wrinkle as easily)
If I were making the dress version, I'd probably also lengthen the dress. It appears to hit a little on the short side based on the pictures of the dress I have seen other people make:
- Wiksten Tank Dress by Everything Else We Do
- Wiksten Tank Dress by Where The Orchids Grow
- Geometric Wiksten Tank Dress by When All You Need Is
- Lace Wiksten Tank Dress & Leggings by Radiant Home Studio
I've actually already started on the dress version after picking out some suiting fabric (that I know doesn't wrinkle since I pre-washed and dried it). It's slow going between all the crafty things I'd like to do with what little time I have after the kids go to bed, but hopefully I'll finish in time for it to be part of this Summer of Basics Make-along!
