The Transforming Tank: Part Five

A while back, I started a series that I called The Transforming Tank.  This idea behind this series was to start with a pattern for a basic tank top and to continue to alter the pattern to create different looks.  I thought it would be interesting to see how the tank would evolve over time.

Recently, I was doing some cleaning and sorting in my sewing room when I came across the original tank - from Part One of the series.  I was about to throw it away, when I began to wonder if it could be saved, and if I could create something interesting from this plain muslin.

Searching my scrap pile, I found a long piece of fabric that was eventually to become the trim, which is hand-sewed along the tank's neckline.  The piece was not long enough to go all the way around the perimeter of the neck opening, but I kind of liked the idea of keeping it asymmetrical. 

Then, I headed to the fabric store, where the box of teal dye was jumping out at me.  I love to hand dye things and I was pleased with the way the colour turned out once the fabric was washed and dried.

Lastly, I found an old broach in my jewelry drawer that I decided goes perfectly with the colour of the tank.  I love the pop of colour it adds, and not only that, I love that the broach can be changed whenever I decide I want to create a new look for my tank.

 

To read more from The Transforming Tank series, click here:
The Transforming Tank: Part One
The Transforming Tank: Part Two
The Transforming Tank: Part Three
The Transforming Tank: Part Four

How to Apply an Appliqué in 10 Easy Steps

Step 1:

Trace each appliqué piece onto the paper side of your fusible webbing.  Leave approximately 1/2" between each pattern piece.

Step 2:

Cut out the traced pieces .  Be sure to leave approximately 1/4" of extra webbing around each piece.

Step 3:

Position the fusible webbing pattern pieces onto the wrong side of your appliqué fabric.  Use your iron to fuse the pieces.  Do not use steam.

Step 4:

Cut out the pieces along the traced lines.

Step 5:

Remove the paper backing and position the appliqué pieces onto your project, with the webbing side down.  Layer the pieces as directed by the placement guide.

Step 6:

Place a pressing cloth over the appliqué design and fuse with an iron, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 7:

Cut a piece of stabilizer that is approximately 1.5" - 2" bigger than the appliqué design.  Position the stabilizer on the wrong side of your project fabric, underneath the appliqué.  Use pins or baste the stabilizer in into position.

Step 8:

Set your machine to a zigzag stitch and stitch around the appliqué.  You can use coordinating thread or contrasting thread, depending on the project and the look you wish to achieve.  You can also change the thread colour for each appliqué piece, as desired.

Step 9:

Remove pins or basting stitches from stabilizer and trim stabilizer as close to stitching as possible without cutting through the project fabric.

Step 10:

If applicable, apply finishing touches to project - this could include sewing on extra trims and notions, or drawing on accents with a fabric marker.

More Signature Cowls from Player Two Apparel

…yet another cowl that I sewed for sale on my Etsy Shop.  I love mixing and matching the colours and prints.