I’ve seen a few sewists on Instagram already talking about planning their makes for Autumn and Winter but while we still have good weather in the UK and the possibility of another heatwave in August all I can think of is Summer sewing. So today I want to show you the Fantail Tank by The Sewing Revival which is a new-to-me pattern company.
First up though…fabric. I’ve used some lovely printed fabric from Patterns and Plains. It’s a drapey smooth polyester crepe that feels lovely against the skin and the paint dash design has lots of my favourite colours in it. Apart from the fact that it frays quite a lot it actually sews up beautifully.
Ok, back to the pattern. As I said earlier, it’s one of Sewing Revival’s range. The company is based in New Zealand and they specialise in designs that they describe as “easy enough to ensure success and different enough to celebrate”. I was drawn to the rounded shape V-neck (there is a standard round neck option too) and the deep elasticated section at the centre front hemline
I like the fact that the hem dipped at the back but I felt it was a little bit too extreme for my taste so I’ve made mine dip more subtly at the back.
The size ranges come in sets of 3 and I chose the 8/10/12 range. I ended up cutting my top mainly on the size 8 but still ended up taking it in down the sides (there is a fair bit of ease). I also took a little off the length at the front.
The instructions were pretty good with lots of photos throughout. I particularly liked the technique for the all-in-one facing and around the neck and armholes. I enjoyed doing the burrito method for finishing off the arm holes once the neckline was stitched. It was quite fun ‘birthing’ the shoulders and armholes! The side seams are stitched after the neck and shoulder facings are complete.
Here’s an inside picture of those facings. I love how clean it all looks!
And here is the deep hem at the front with the elasticated detail.
I like the drapey relaxed feel that this top has and with all those colours in it, it will go with so many things in my wardrobe.
Overall this was a really enjoyable make and it’s always nice getting familiar with new independent pattern companies. I also tried A0 printing for the first time and it was rather nice not to have to tape the PDF together I’ll definitely be doing that again!
Thanks for reading and tell me in the comments if you’ve tried The Sewing Revival or other new-to-you companies lately.
See you soon!
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it’s gorgeous! perfect for summer.
Author
Ohhh, thank you, Sue! I’m thrilled with it.
What a beautiful outfit! Love the top and the pants are gorgeous made in such a drapey fabric. I live in a very warm climate and rarely wear sleeveless..need the sun protection for my very fair skin…but may try this top. Thanks for your reviews..always impressive and inspiring.
Author
Ohhh, thank you so much, Fran. That’s really lovely of you to say.
By the way, those pants are featured on my blog somewhere. They are Simplicity 1071 and the fabric is jersey, lined with a stretch lining because of the thinner jersey.
Thanks, Diane for noting the Simplicity pants pattern number. Love the simplicity of them; very slimming!
Author
You’re welcome! And they’re super comfy too.
I’ve enjoyed a sleeved version of this pattern. Sewing revival has some appealing patterns that we can appreciate during the summer months. I always enjoy your posts. Thank you for offering them .
Author
Thanks for the kind words, Julia. I’m glad you enjoy my blog.
Ah, yes, I did see a sleeved version on the Sewing Revival website, I’d like to try that too.
Wonderful summer top, with a bit of Autumn colors, perhaps, Diane? Could be transitional under a sweater or jacket…
I think your modifications are just right: the back hem is stylish, different, but not extreme, and the top looks wonderful on you. Also, your finishing and pressing is so well done, as usual!
I am always looking for tops with some interest that still pack easily, and this definitely fits that criteria ;-}
All-in-one facings make more sense and are more elegant than separate neck and armhole facings, unless you simply don’t have sufficient fabric.
I have heard the term, but nothing comes to mind when you mention the burrito method for finishing the armholes: can you please elaborate?
Author
Thanks, Joan! Absolutely…some of the shades are Autumnal and I’m envisaging it with my longer burnt orange cardigan and some blue jeans for when the temperatures dip.
The Burrito method is more commonly used with double-layer shirt yokes but this is the first time I’ve seen it used for a facing. I just found a video on the actual Sewing Revival website showing how this method is used with a combined neck and armhole facing https://thesewingrevival.com/blogs/tips-tricks/burrito-method
Thanks, Diane – I will check it out.
I love burritos – the food ;-} Now I fully understand the name for this technique, well-demonstrated in the video.