[ pendant necklace by Liz Smith at Made in Lowell ]
I turned this old fitted, jersey sheet into a fun, flattering and *very comfortable* summer tank top, using the elasticized Edge of the sheet as the top of my tank. Straps are optional b/c of this.
It was pretty easy. See below for the quick-n-dirty explanation!
There are 2 sections: a top Panel (bust) and Bottom panel (below bust). I kinda made it up as I went along. Didn't end up where I thought I would, but I'm happy with it. And I have another 2/3 of a sheet to play around for another one! All grey all the time. That's me!
To make the top panel
- I wrapped the sheet around me, with the elasticized edge under my armpits. I brought it together in front of me and marked it.
- I added a few inches to my mark before I cut it, knowing I could take it in later if needed (it was).
- I sewed a single seam to make a tube, and this seam is in the middle back.
- The length of your top panel will depend upon your bra cup size. Wear the bra you intend to wear when you drape the sheet around you. Mark it and cut it where you have coverage with which you're comfortable. I wanted mine to sit sort of like an empire waist.
To make the bottom panel
- I cut a big section from the sheet that was 17" x the length of the sheet (less the edges that go around the mattress).
- From this large piece, I cut small, tapered pieces.
- They increase from a width of 4" at the top edge to 5" along the bottom edge. I wasn't sure how many to cut b/c I didn't measure. I think I cut 10 pieces and ended up using 9.
- Sew right sides togther, with all short edges at the top.
- You might want to try it on after you have about 10 pieces sewn together to see how it fits and to determine if you'll need less or more panels.
- When you it fits around you with about 2" of excess, sew the last edges together to make a tube.
Fiddling and fudging the fit
- Start pinning the bottom panel to the top panel, right sides together. Before you start, kind of envision where all the seams in the bottom panel will end-up so you'll know how to match up the bottom to the top.
- I pinned the front about 6-7 inches across and same with the back, leaving about 2" unpinned on the sides
- As I neared each side seam under the armpits, I could tell the top panel needed to be taken in about an inch on both sides ~ so the top and bottom panels would match without excess. You don't want it tight, however, b/c you have to fit it over your head and get your arms through!
- I quickly took in the top panel with 2 new side seams, continued pinning and finally sewed the top and bottom together.
Finishing
- To get a slightly snugger fit where this makeshift empire waist sits, I used elastic thread in the bobbin and simply stitched in the ditch from the previous step ~ where the top and bottom panels are sewn together.
- At this point, the tank top was tunic length. I wasn't sure if I just wanted to snip it off to a shorter length or do the ruching with the elastic thread. I chose the latter.
- I stitched in the ditch of each seam going lengthwise on the bottom, creating a bunchy (and very forgiving!) look while bringing up the length, too.
That's it! The unfinished bottom edge and the slightly uneven ruching add to the artsy look of it! I totally embrace these things b/c it gives an original flair to whatever you make!
Again, straps are optional! The elasticized top edge is plenty, but I added them for peace of mind. Play around with it and see what you end up with! What could be more comfortable to wear than an old sheet (well maybe footsie pajamas or overalls...)!
