Happy Wednesday!
As I ease my way back into sewing, I thought I would start with quick and easy pieces for instant gratification. I actually started a pair of jeans, but when I did my first fitting and they were too big, I put them away. I just can’t handle failed projects right now. I’ll get back to the jeans after I start going full speed again. I’m determined to conquer sewing jeans. This was my third attempt in the last couple of years, but I refuse to give up. I’ll be back, JEANS, and I will slay you.
As I was scrolling through Instagram one day last week, I saw Tiffany of @tipstitched wearing this Curved Hem Tank by Street Style Patterns in a camo print, and I fell in love with it. The length and curved hem are what really grabbed my attention. I also loved her fabric and decided I needed about 10 of these tanks. I quickly went to her blog to read the Review that she wrote on the pattern.
After reading Tiffany’s Review, I went to the Street Style Patterns website for more information and quickly ordered the pattern. The designer of Street Style Patterns also has a Scandinavian inspired line of sewing patterns for children, called Brindille & Twig. After printing the pattern, I cut and sewed it the next day. If you’re a beginner and want a really easy project, I recommend giving this one a try. It’s a PDF pattern, which means you’ll have to print and assemble the pattern on your own. Or you can use the copy shop version and take it to your local printer to have it printed.
I absolutely love the fit of this tank and I can’t wait to make more. I plan to lengthen it for a dress version. I’d also like to lengthen it a bit for a few workout tops in athletic fabric. The tank is a lot longer on the model but I didn’t get that length with mine. I cut a size small and graded out to a medium at the hip. While the length is okay for me on this first one, I’d like to go just a bit longer for the workout tops for more coverage in the back. Perhaps I may even try a high/low situation for the workout top and lengthen the back only. I used a slinky rib knit from my stash that I picked up from the Michael Levine Loft a few years ago. The description on the website suggests using a feather weight rib knit that has a soft drape and doesn’t curl. I’ve linked to a rib knit from Michael Levine’s below that looks similar to the one I used. When searching for your knit fabric to use, just be sure it doesn’t curl because there is no hem sewn into this tank. Of course, if you don’t mind the curl of the fabric at your hem, then do your own thing. That’s the joy of sewing–we can follow the guidelines or choose to ignore them. Since I like the pattern, I’ll experiment with some nice prints next.
I’ve also purchased the Joggers and Bodysuit from the Street Style Patterns line and can’t wait to give them a try. You can also find them on Instagram @streetstylepatterns.
Now, let me tell you about these photos. Some of you know that my husband was my photographer and videographer. He took great pictures and video for my blog and YouTube channel. Since I have to take my own photos and video now, I’m trying to learn how to do this right. I wanted to have my photo shoot outdoors for my return to blogging. One of our favorite spots to shoot was on a street we call The Boulevard. As I contemplated going there for the shoot, I was apprehensive about doing it alone. However, I decided to just be brave and do it. As I parked the car and started to get out, I got nervous because I thought I would look silly and narcissistic out there taking pictures of myself. But I got out of that car and said, “I can do this! I don’t care if people look! Let ’em look!” I set up my tripod and camera, did some test shots then stepped in front of the camera. Oh gosh! It felt so weird the first few shots. Then I relaxed and just let if flow. Whew! I did it and I’ll do it again. Hahaha! My CEMO would be so proud of me. I can see him smiling, saying “Go Nee Nee!” I’m gonna learn to be great behind the camera. I’m gonna learn all that I can and become better. I’m gonna have clear and crisp photos and bright video. It’s gonna happen. This photo shoot was darn good for my second try outdoors. The first try was at the beginning of my “Casual Woman” Collection, and this one turned out better.
I’m happy to be back in my studio and look forward to sharing more as I get into my groove. I don’t feel sad coming into my space anymore. Yaaayyy!!!
Create the Look!
- Pattern: Street Style Patterns – Curved Hem Tank
- Fabric: Slinky Rib Knit like this – HERE
- Skirt: Old Purchase from Dilliards
Let me mention this skirt, because I get compliments every time I wear it. This is one of the few ready-to-wear items that I still have in my closet. I love it so much and I will keep it until it either falls apart or I can no longer fit it. I had planned on duplicating it but haven’t gotten around to that yet. It’s a stretch lace fabric with a thin knit lining. A mermaid style skirt pattern would accomplish this look. Of course, if you know how to draft your own patterns, you should be able to recreate this skirt with ease.
Thanks for stopping by!
Remember: When you live in your DESIGN, it is from there that God SHINES!
Hello Anita,
You’re so amazing , you inspire so many people, I’m for one.
I love your beautiful smile. Just too say……… The top is BEAUTIFUL ! I just love, love, love your style.
Welcome back! Remember…. When you live in your Design,it is from there that God shines! When every time I sit down to sew ,that’s the first thing that comes to my mine. I just want to thank you for the encouragement .Thank You!
Keep up the good work Anita.
So glad to see you back! I know CEMO would be so proud of you. I too feel really awkward taking pictures of myself with my tripod in random places (like the street or at the neighborhood pool), but you did a great job!
On to the shirt…you know I love it. Now I need one in a rib knit! I also think it would make a great dress.Oh Tie Dye Divas has a good mermaid skirt pattern (https://www.tiedyedivapatterns.com/product/mermaid-maxi-straight-and-flared-maxi-skirt-pattern-for-women) though I know you could draft your own. Do be made if I added something else to your list.
Anita,
I was wondering who you got the shoot your photos—girl you doing it (I’m such a dork I would have been taking pics of my feet, sky and who knows what.) Keep up the good work and I can’t wait to see what’s next in your arsenal of designs.
You look amazing and yes your Cemo is smiling down on you along with God. Continue to shine bright. My continued prayers for you and your family. Ms Anita
Thank you Yolanda! I really appreciate your prayres.
You look beautiful, the pictures look great, and the make is lovely. Great job!
Hello Anita
You look really good. I’m happy to see you back.The outfit is You 🙂 :)..love it.Just the keep the faith and you’ll be just fine.Keeping you and family in prayer.May God continue to give you strength. Be Bless. Dottie
Thanks so much Dorothy. I’m keeping the faith.
Lovely tank top! You did an awesome job with the pics.
Great Pictures Anita!!! You did it and I know CEMO would be so proud of you. He is now in that great cloud of witnesses cheering you on. The top is so cute and I love the skirt. Well done!
You are such an inspiration in more ways that you’ll ever know. Keep believing, continue to be strong.
Hi Anita, I love the top! I am going to order the pattern and make workout tops too. What a versatile pattern. Girl, I love your skirt! What pattern is that? It is great to see you getting back into your sewing. I am proud of you. You are such a beautiful person inside and out. I hope to meet you in person one day too. I want to give kudos and recognition to the sew sisters and brothers out there. What an amazing family of people who reached out to you during this difficult time in your life. I hope we can all meet up for a sewing retreat one day. Have a great evening Anita!
OMGosh Patricia, the sew sisters and brothers blew my mind with their love and support. I hope we get to meet in person one day too. My heart is beyond grateful for you and our sewing community. I spoke about the skirt in the post. It’s ready-to-wear. I didn’t make it.
I missed the skirt mentioned in your post. I was excited to see you again.
hi Anita So glad to see that you back
Hi Eula. I’m glad to be back.
Miss Anita I am so glad you’re back. And u look amazing, love that top and ur skirt is so beautiful.
Hi Dionne! Thank you so much, sister.
Anita, I am so glad that you’re gradually getting back in strive. God is there with you every step of the way and lend on him during your ups and downs…….Be bless.
Thank you Jequita! Yes, that’s exactly what I’m doing, leaning on Him.
LOVE, LOVE LOVE! So proud of you, Ms. Anita!! Your creation looks great, your camera skills look great and YOU look great! One think I have discovered during my 13 year-marriage, is that I have learned so much from my husband that some of his qualities have become a part of me and I believe the same for you. Mr. Cemo’s skills and qualities are forever a part of you! It looked like he took those photos! We love you and you’re doing great!
Oooooohhhhh, you are so RIGHT! Yes, I learned so very much from him and I will carry those beautiful qualities with me forever. OMGoodness, sister, yes, the qualities will be with me forever. Thank you so much for sharing this because I’ve never thought of how what I learned from him will help me to carry on in every area of my life. My life has been enriched because of him.
Hey Anita, You look beautiful and Ilove the you mix and fabric patterns (knit and lace). I’m my mother’s only girl and when I was little girl she taught me how to sew. She went home to be with our Father in Heaven many years ago so I dedicate everything I sew to her when people admire what I make. When I sew I think of the fun times I had with her which sometimes makes me cry (which I’m doing now) but more often makes me smile but I know that she is always with me. I pray that you continue to inspire us with the gifts that God has placed within you. Be blessed.
Oh Thelma, I love your story. Yes, she is always with you. Thank you for your prayers and I will continue in this gift God has graced me with.
I love this top and you look fabulous. So glad that you are back in your studio
Thanks Pam!
Welcome back, Anita!!! Truly happy you’re back—I’ve missed you and the fabulous clothes you make and showcase. Creating and videoing your masterpieces will help make each day brighter inside, one moment at a time. Can’t wait for Wednesday’s. With God, all things are possible and He’s got you, forever!
“Wednesdays with God!” I love that! Yes, He’s got me, sister!
With all the beautiful and well deserved accolades, I have a very mundane question to ask. What is the best type of bra to wear with this tank?
Hey Faye! You will definitely need to wear a racerback bra, unless you’re fine with your bra straps showing.
Thank you. Good advice.
Hi Faye,
You can buy a bra strap clip to turn your regular bra into a racerback bra. I thought I mention that, and hope Anita don’t mind.
Hi Anita, I m so glad to see you sewing again. Your are bless. Love the outfit.
Oh Anita! You are glowing with the peace that comes from the Lord. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. Your perseverance is faith in action, which pleases our Father in Heaven immensely. Thank you for sharing your beauty from within. The tank top looks so comfortable and fits wonderfully on you! God’s Blessings!
Thank you so much Sandra! God is keeping me, sister! He’s showing me how to continue living. Blessings to you and your family also.
Nice. Continued prayers.
Thanks for your prayers.
Of course the tank is pretty, but your photography makes it look even better! Nicely done! Can’t wait to see more of uour creations and photos!
Beautiful! So happy you are back and easing into sewing. It truly is therapy! God’s continued blessings!
Hi Anita!
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful look! I love it!!! I should do photoshoots by myself too, you inspired me!
But I think your CEMO is still with you in your heart and he helps you to take the pictures, that is why they are so great! ?
Sending you a lot of love! ❤️❤️❤️
You inspire me I am a single mother and reluctant to do things like that alone, your strength changed all that if you can do it then I am going to. I have a few different types of sewing machines and thank you for inspiring me to take them down from the closet.
Yes, Donna! Come on sister! We can do whatever we set in our minds to do. So glad you’re going to take those machines out. Do what makes you feel happy! Every fear and obstacle conquered increases our drive and determination to keep going and be who we were created to be. I’m rooting for you, sister.
You are a gem and masterpiece that God has gifted US with. Your posts are inspirational, creative, and always filled with your beautiful magic! Thank you for sharing your gifts/life with us… You look awesome and your pictures are superb.
Oh gosh, thanks so much V!
Welcome Back Anita. You did a GREAT job on the pictures. I love the top. I have quite a bit of client sewing to do then I will be traveling for my job so I hope to squeeze some sewing in between for myself. I really miss sewing for myself, until I’m able to do that, I’ll admire your work.
I look forward to seeing your makes for yourself too, LaToria!
JOY cometh in the morning!!!!
Glad to see you back at it and with renewed strength!!!!!
Love this tank!!! I’ll be making 10 or more too!!!
Wishing you continued healing and blessings, my sister!!!
…and STILL, I rise!!!
Warm love, from N.C.
Amen! Amen! “JOY cometh in the morning!…and STILL, I rise!!!” Thank you sister. Have fun making your tanks.
Anita I think your pictures are gorgeous! Your drive is so inspiring and of course your makes! I have to tell you every time I drag my behind to the gym I think of you! I tell myself, if I just stick with it maybe one day I’ll look like Ms. Anita! LOL LOVE the top!
Thanks so much Su! I just started back at the gym too and let me tell you, I’m DRAGGING for real. LOL! It’s gonna take a minute to build my strength and stamina back up. Keep it going sister.
Fabulous look my Dear and so Good to see you smiling. . . You are an Inspiration!
Hey so good to see you back! You just brighten up my wednesdays. You did a great job on your photo shoot and tank, the outfit really looks great!
Hi Anita and welcome back.
You are so inspiring. I am glad that you are taking things one day at a time. You look beautiful as always. Cemo is smiling down on you from Heaven.
God bless you.
Oh Anita pretty, I love this skirt and top. What is the pattern number & where can I get the material for the skirt.
Hi Rosalind. All details are written in the post above.
Anita, I had to laugh at myself because I posted the message before I read the blog. I was too excited just seeing the pictures. Silly me. I did go back to read the blog. Thanks!!!
Simply beautiful. Great job on the photography
I am so proud of you Anita!! You are inspiring many!
Beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful. It’s good to see your beautiful smile again. The top is awesome. Yes, Cemo is smiling down on you.
I’m sure CEMO was proudly watching! Your photos turned out great and so did your tank!
Beautiful Anita as always; and that skirt oh my. So wonderful to see you. God bless you!
You have the Victory!
That tank looks so comfortable and fast to make.
Yeeesss! Victory in the name of Jesus!
Okay, so this post made me cry! Dang it!
You are amazing, Anita! The simple top with an old lovely skirt just makes such a great look! rEALLY PRETTY.
Welcome back Anita. Great job on the photos & the top. I look forward to seeing the rest of the collection. Yes, Cemo would b ed proud.
You.are.so.strong. Is there anything you can’t do? Love your posts and your determination! I smile at your victories as we follow with you on your journey.
Congratulations on conquering your fears! The photos turned out great!
I love the tank and it fits so well!! I’m glad you’re no longer sad to step in your space.
It’s amazing how thorough you are… As I was reading, I was wondering to myself of who took pictures. As I continued to read, you answered the question. You did a great job and you will continue to do so. You are very strong! I don’t know you personally but it is always great to hear positive reports! Keep doing what you are doing 🙂
Hi Anita, I am so glad to see you in my inbox! Will you be making a video tutorial for this top?
Hi Keshna! I’m not sure. I thought about it but I haven’t decided.
Welcome back! This tank turned out beautifully! No matter how hard life knocks or tries to knock you down, always get back up. You are more than a conqueror. Romans 8:37.
Amen! More than a conqueror, through Jesus Christ.
Beautiful. I am happy to see that you are getting back into your groove..
My lovely, lovely, Anita!!
You make me smile with each word. Thank you for that phone call…and i will return your call soon!!
You are such a shining inspiration. I was wondering about who took the photos, and you amaze me with your strength and talent (both at the sewing machine and in front of the camera ….and behind it…LOL)
Thanks so much Jodie! You mean you could understand what I was saying through all those tears. That tribute video you and Rob put together was absolutely beautiful and I can never thank you enough. I’ve watched it at least 5 times, and I’m not done yet.
Life may try to pull us down but the daughters of zion will rise and shine..this is my mentor I love you, your work never stop to amazed me.. even those crazy times I was still going back and forth your page.. I am happy you are back.. the devil is taunted once again…looking forward to more..
Oh Rachel, YES! Rise & SHINE! Rise & SHINE! Daughters of Zion!
I love it and I love that you’re back. I’m still praying for your strength as well.
Thank you for your prayers, Angie!
BEAUTIFUL,ANITA! Both YOU and the outfit! GOD’S VERY BEST to YOU!
“All can do all things through Christ who strengthen me!” You did a fantastic job on your photo shoot and on the tank.
Happy to see you back at it!!! 🙂
Thanks Anita
You are beautiful as always. Love the tank top.
Barbara
Well, Anita you nailed it! The outfit and the photos. Congrats. Years ago I bought a tee from Talbots that had a hemline like this and I really loved it. I think this style looks great with leggings also. Thanks for your blog. I love your enthusiasm and presence.
Thanks Lin. Yes, It will look great with leggings.