My First Grainline Archer top

I have been meaning to sew up an Archer button up for months and months! I honestly was looking for an alternative pattern for a while because I didn't like how baggy and unfitted it looked on some bloggers. Turns out I did not have to worry  as the size I sewed up (6 for bust down to a 2 in hips) was not baggy at all. My first attempt was not at all perfect and there are plenty of changes I will be making for my second and third (already cut out ready to sew).

Even though to my hip measurements I am a 0 in my next copy I will grade the hips as a 6 as these really hugged tight in my hips in an unflattering way. I think the 6 for the bust was right BUT I get major boob gape so the button placement really needs to be reshuffled. I also don't really like how the last button ends up being so close to the bottom - There needs to be the same length beneath the button as there is between each button I think.

I read lot of bloggers wanted their arms to be shorter as they were too long - I had the opposite problem! These are a 1-2cm too short through the arms so I have added extra length for 2 and 3. I do like lots of the details though like the view A sleeve cuffs, the pleat in the back, the back yoke. I found sewing it up really easy following the sew along.

Is it a quick sew? No. 

Is it a fun challenge? Yes.

There is just something satisfying in sewing something you would otherwise need to buy and would cost $50-$150. 

The fabric I used is a beautiful, soft, barely wrinkly, perfect Chambray Tencel in Red from Imagine Gnats Shop.

Pattern is the Archer Button up by Grainline Studios

Wiksten Tank - sewing for me.

Wiksten Tank

I have admired this pattern since I saw it here and here and almost everywhere else in blogland.

It took me several tries to get it right but I feel pretty confident I have mastered the Wiksten now!

The pattern itself is very easy, only 2 pieces to cut, front and back. Following many other bloggers advice I took an inch out of the back and raised the front by an inch. The fit on me needed a lot of adjusting as my bust and my hips do not fit the same size.

It finishes beautifully with french seams and bias tape.

(I do not really like to have my photograph taken, so this is the best you get)

 Bias Detail

 French seam detail

Lined up pocket detail

These are some of my earlier, less perfect attempts at the Wilksten tank.

Pattern: Wiksten Tank
Size: Modified S/M
Fabric: Japanese printed cotton lawn from Spotlight
Modifications: I made this one about 3" longer then the pattern so that I could wear it over leggings in the 'in-between-seasons'. I also used store bought bias tape for the arms and neck holes.

Now that I am confident with this one I will be selling them here and here.

Till next time :)