my take on the trends: neon and lace

No, you don't need to adjust your monitor... that's actually pretty close to the real color of this top! I've been thinking about trying the neon trend in a simple tank like this. I was leaning towards a vibrant pink, but having a hard time finding the right shade that would look good on me in a nice fabric. But then while checking out Anthropologie (for the first time!) in Philadelphia I saw a gorgeous silk tank in a super-bright, vibrant coral. Perfect! Oh, did I want to buy that tank! But I didn't, and later in the trip exploring Fabric Row (very cool!) my sister found the near identical color on a crowded shop shelf! For only $6/yard! And in a lovely, drapey rayon.... I love rayon. It's not exactly a neon, but super-bright! It's almost a red, and almost a coral, and almost like the most vibrant, dark watermelon you've ever seen... yum! And probably more flattering on me than a traditional neon would be.

This is another version of the Ella Tank I recently pattern tested for Liola Patterns. This time I cut a size small and shortened it about 1.5" at the waistline. I also decided to take advantage of the yoke design feature to play with another trend: lace! Lace on neon coral? Ummm... yes!

I always have a hard time with this style of finishing the arm and neck openings; making a bias strip that is turned under and sewn to conceal the raw edge, almost like a very thin facing. I can never get it to lay flat when worn, or end up pressing little wrinkles along the neckline to make it lie flat (any tips would be totally appreciated!). I wish I had bound it similar to my fishy tank or Lemon Drop Top where the bias binding is exposed on both sides, like you would bind a quilt. It would be especially nice with this lovely, light rayon! I also made a few wrinkles on one section of my narrow hem:

When altering the pattern I did not take any length out above the bust or from the straps, and decided that a low neckline would be ok with this kind of drapey, summer top. But, once constructed I discovered that the bust points were also way too low. How did I not notice that the last time I made it? So I had to take up the straps after I'd already bound the neck and arm openings, tacking them down so it doesn't show too bad:

So now the side seam doesn't hang straight, but oh well. Still a very cool, comfortable almost-perfect summer top. I'll make sure to lower the straps and arm opening evenly on both the front and back pattern pieces before I cut out my fabric next time I make this top. Then the fit should be just perfect!

pattern testing the ella top for liola patterns

I was super excited to have the opportunity to pattern test for and indie pattern company, especially since the Ella Top by Liola Patterns is exactly the kind of top I am looking for in my wardrobe! I couldn't describe it any better than she does:

image source: http://www.lioladesigns.com/2014/05/ella-top-pdf-sewing-pattern.html

I used that horrible-feeling-yet-beautiful synthetic fabric that I had used to test my silk maxidress pattern, but made the binding for the neck and arm opening from a light cotton/poly blend instead. I took advantage of the back yoke detail to play with the border print of my fabric. 

oops! bra hanging on the doorknob!

I think this top has a great shape, and was very easy to put together. My measurements fall in-between a medium and a large, and being so petite I opted for the medium and then made no pattern alterations. Even so, I think next time I will cut a small instead and make some other adjustments to shorten at the straps and the length overall, and possibly narrow the scoop neckline. It was just too big overall for my frame, so I gave it to sister. Looks great on her! And I'll have to make myself another. Maybe in crisp white cotton, or neon pink rayon, or blue with little flowers.... and how about buttons? So many possibilities!