Citrus Summer Tank–for Me!

I have tendency to do this every summer.
Right as the season is coming to a close, I start sewing tank tops like I live in an oven.
Oh wait. I do.
It’s called Texas.

But more importantly, I’m headed to Palm Springs today for our annual Sisters/Cousins trip!

So you know…citrus fabric, swimsuits, tank tops, and Thrifty ice cream seemed like the right move.

(If you’re from California, you know what I mean).
((Chocolate. Malted. Freaking. Crunch.))
(((Dude. I miss it so much in Texas)))

And I’m totally loving this tank.  I don’t sew nearly enough for myself. But already this summer I’ve made two versions of this tank, a swimsuit coverup, and I have another outfit scheming in my head.

What I love about this tank top is how easy it was to make.
The pattern is self-drafted.  And I used the Citrus knit fabric, from my fabric collection called Fiesta Fun.
Because this fabric just makes me feel happy!

And the fabric is so stinking soft.  I know I’ve said this before, but Art Gallery knits are really some of the softest that I’ve ever felt.  And I like the weight—not to light; not to heavy—just enough to keep some structure around the armholes…which I did by creating a 1/2 inch double fold binding (like making knit bias tape).  It’s similar to what I did on the Scooter Dress for Clara a few months ago.  I keep playing with my method of attaching it.  And I’m really enjoying it.

If you’re new to sewing with knits I have post with tons of tips HERE and a good video HERE.
The good news about knits, is that you can sew them right on your standard sewing machine! In fact for this tank, all I used was a zigzag stitch.  So easy. And cute.

I seriously love this tank!
I’m going to keep going with more versions.  Maybe a subtle ruffle “sleeve” attachment.

And if I’d thought it through better, I would have waited to TAKE my pics in Palm Springs…where the colors and mid-century love is everywhere
….along with barrels o’ cactus, and 100 degree weather.

But we still have plenty of that in Texas.
Have a good weekend! I’ll see you poolside!

  1. 1) Julie C

    Love the tee !! You should make a tee-shirt dress ! Have a great trip.

  2. 2) PsychicSewerKathleen

    Love your tank too! Thank you for that suggestion re double fold bias tape with KNIT and sewn on with a zig zag – I favour that finish especially for a light weight knit tank. I’m off to look at your tutorials!

  3. 3) Linda M

    Love this tank. Full coverage but still sleeveless.

  4. 4) Doreen

    Very cute, and like you said, not TOO light, not TOO heavy 😉

  5. 5) Elizabeth

    So Cute!!!

  6. 6) Martha l

    So stinkin cute! I’m really excited to see it was all zigzag stitch. I don’t have a serger so this looks like a great option.

  7. 7) Erika

    Where do you go for your sister/cousin get together? Another oven 🙂 Love the tank, have enjoyed your blog for a few years. It is about time for me to learn to sew. Thanks and have a great trip!!

  8. 8) Sandra

    Perfect summer print! What kind of bracelet are you wearing in these pics?

  9. 9) Joanne

    It looks gorgeous. I like these kind of fabrics for summer !

  10. 10) TeRi

    Your tank is so cute, Dana! I love the little split hem and the shoulder coverage is just perfect. The citrus fabric is super fun, too!

  11. 11) Kim

    That looks awesome!! We are heading into Spring Down Under and this makes me so excited! Can’t wait to see what variation you come up with.

  12. 12) Noily michelle

    I really love ur tutorials about clothes. Please give me the information about your book. Thank you

  13. 13) CElina

    I love this!! It looks like something this novice could even make.

  14. 14) Dawn Oldham

    Soooo cute! I’d love this pattern for children, as well! It would be perfect with a shirt!

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