Hello again!
Back so soon you say? Yes! And I am happy to announce another pattern release hot on the heels of last month's Free Range Slacks pattern. This one, the Underwood Tank Dress & Top pdf pattern, is a hot summer item for me. I've been wearing my Underwood Tanks for over a year now. I named the pattern after a town in the Columbia Gorge where I spend many of my summer days visiting with friends and playing in the water at the Underwood beach. I almost released this pattern last summer however, it was so late in the season, that I waited an entire year for this. So why is it so late in the summer this year? Well, I wasn't happy with the way I had finished the neck and armholes and so I sat on it a while. I also have been working furiously on the Curvy size range version and was hoping to release them together. In the end, I realized that I was rushing things and that if I didn't want to wait to release this another year, I'd better just get it out there and the Curvy sizes will be later. This pattern is currently only offered as a pdf as I didn't have time to get it to the printer and back in time before the end of summer. I may try to have it printed once I have the Curvy sizes finished.
The pattern offers three lengths (tank top, mini dress and long dress), two necklines (low scooped neck & higher curved neck) and two armhole and neckline finishing techniques. All versions have a low back that lands just above the bra line and the long dress has knee length side vents. It requires knit fabrics with at least 50% stretch in the width and 20% in the length. You can use fabrics with more or less stretch however, it may affect the fit and you will probably need to size up or down accordingly. Most of the fitting and samples were done with this lovely bamboo jersey that I purchased from the following shops:
stylemaker fabrics
pdx sewing studio
blackbird fabrics
I also used some rayon knits that I purchased locally at Portland's Mill End Store as well as used some cotton jersey fabrics. The cotton jersey fabric worked however, it resulted in a garment that looked more like a swimwear cover-up. Not a problem if that is the look you are after however, the bamboo jersey just has such a nice finish to it that it elevates the look of the garment considerably not to mention that if feels like butter to wear.
Now let's talk about the features and options. Here are several photos of the long dress version #3. It is meant to be almost maxi length and lands above the ankles. The necklines are interchangeable but the photos of version #3 show low neckline B.
Janey is 5'7" and is wearing a size 4. Her measurements are bust - 35", waist - 27", hips 37". The bust is the most important measurement and if you are between sizes, I would suggest sizing down as the waist and hips are very full and roomy.
These samples were sewn with the simple fold over method of hemming the neckline and armholes. I love the clean look of that technique however, the weight of the bamboo jersey causes the shoulders to stretch out and therefore, I suggest using the strip facing method for the longer version #3 to help stabilize the shoulder straps. If you like the simple, clean look of the fold over method, you may want to shorten the straps a bit. Try it on before you finish the hems so you can easily adjust it.
Here is my good friend Crystal who has been helping me out part time this summer. She also models for me occasionally and I think this dress looks amazing on her. Crystal is 5'7" and is wearing a size 18. Her measurements are b - 46", w - 40", h - 48". The armholes and neckline of this dress were finished using the strip facing method A. It results in a slightly wider looking strap.
And here are the mini dress versions with the higher neckline A.
This is Myranda who has moved away and so sadly cannot model for me anymore. I loved working with her and she is a natural. I can't remember her measurements but she is closer to a size 8. Here she fit into a size 6 dress that was made out of a fabric with a little less stretch and the result is a bit shorter and tighter. I did add length to this after this photoshoot so the other model photos are more accurate but I wanted to show this so you can see that you may be able to fit into a few different sizes due to the fabric stretching.
And now for the tops.
So that about wraps it up. My Underwood Tanks truly are the most worn items in my closet when the weather is warm. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. The pattern is 20% off now through July 28th at 12 pm pacific time in the Sew House Seven webshop and there is no code needed.
Happy sewing!
Peggy