Eucalypt tank dress
Yes, I’m still blogging things I made in 2014. I really feel an inner push to get these all over and done with, so that I can move into a fresh new year. It’s weird how the mind works sometimes, I think!
This is the Megan Nielsen Eucalypt woven tank dress. I was able to pick Anna‘s brain in regards to sizing and alterations, as she has used this pattern a few times, and cut a Medium with a small FBA and a high rounded shoulder adjustment. I think I should have done a slightly larger FBA. It is snug across the boobs.
Looking at this photo of the back, I could also have done with shortening the back waist length. I don’t have a sway back – actually I have a relatively flat bottom – but my back waist length is shorter than my front. Beth of SunnyGal Studio has an excellent post on back waist length here. I suspect that many sewers (not all of course!) who talk about their “sway back” are actually people with a “short back waist”. Considering that I had already altered the pattern in other ways it is a pity I didn’t think about the back waist while I was at it (especially because I do petite many of my patterns before cutting). Clearly years of sewing experience don’t always mean that I think through all elements of a project before I start!
There is a little bit of bra strap exposure and gaping at the side front of the armholes. I don’t like my straps to show. I know that plenty of people don’t care at all if their straps show, and they make a feature of it with contrasting colours etc, but I am in my mid-forties and prefer smooth beige bras and those straps are not especially visually appealing as far as I am concerned. I might add some shoulder strap keepers to ensure that they stay hidden. The front armhole gaping reflects both the need for a slightly larger FBA and the front armhole being too large, but that is difficult to rectify without a bust dart. Garments without darts are the hardest to fit smoothly, which is pretty obvious if you really think about it I suppose. The fit across the upper back and back armholes is pretty good for a simple tank.
Something I did think of early in the project was making contrast bias binding to finish the edges. I also decided to make the centre front seam a feature and topstitch down each side with topstitching thread. Such a simple touch, but one that I am very pleased with.
The chambray was beautiful to work with, and I love the curved hemline. So all in all this dress is one that I like and will wear. It will be a great item for those super hot days we can get in Melbourne, but the pattern probably won’t get another outing from me. I quite like it, but there are others I like more on me. Simple patterns like this have nowhere to hide in terms of the need for fit alterations!
I really like this dress Lara, particularly with your necklace, and just right for summer too. Off to checkout the pattern!
Nice dress! Shame about missing the back adjustment. I’m in my early 30’s and hate visible bra straps!! And I also love smooth beige bras…
Thank you so much for your review – of this dress and of ALL the patterns you review on your blog. I very seldom comment but I want you to know I appreciate the effort you go through to share your sewing experiences and expertise. I have learned a great deal from your blogs and have purchased (and not purchased!) patterns based on your recommendations. So, just consider this a general ‘thank you’ – and keep up the good work!!
I really like the denim look and the style looks really cool to wear.
Another beige, black or white bra wearer here, none of which I like to display.
I actually really like this on you, it has a Japanese pattern feel, but better cut.