Split-Back Tank

I took a little personal time the other month and left work early to shop at the marketplace at the Sewing and Stichery Expo.  Unfortunately, I had forgotten that I have an extremely low tolerance for crowds and after about one hour all I could think was "get me the hell out of here!"  Fortunately, I was able to pick up one or two great things before I high-tailed it for the closest door.  My favorite find was some ombre batik fabric.  Not only are the colors gorgeous, but the hand on this fabric is lovely and much less stiff than regular quilting cotton.  In fact, I fell so madly in love with this fabric that I bought one yard in this color way (which is bluish) and then I finished off a bolt in a gray color way.  I'm hoping that the gray fabric will one day magically be turned into a dress for me.  I'll add it to the ever-expanding list of things that I'd like to get around to making one day. 

But back to this little top.  It's based off of Grainline Studios Tiny Pocket Tank but it's altered to have a split-back to make it a wee bit more fun (yet another "business in the front, party in the back" top).  I followed this tutorial on how to turn the tank into a split-back and based on what was written in the tutorial I cut out one size smaller than was recommended because I was concerned about the top being too loose because of the open back.  I was still worried about this when sewing the top up and I ended up taking an additional 1/4 of an inch in on each side.  Even though I cut out a size 2 this time though, I kept the tank a size 8 in length because after two pregnancies I don't need to be showing anybody my stomach, thank you very much.

After sewing everything up it became apparent that even with the modifications the tank still appeared too loose and shapeless because of the open back, so sewed up half of the back opening by stitching down the back hemline (just like Natasha did in the tutorial).  Problem solved!   In fact - note to self - this would have been a much better solution than trying to sew a significantly smaller size in the first place.  You live, you learn.

Now go and enter your own shirt in Rae's Spring Top Sewalong!  Go on now!