Lago my Tank!

I have something very exciting to share with you today- A FREE PATTERN!

Everyone loves free, right?! Sometimes, free patterns skimp on quality, but that is definitely not the case here- the Lago Tank from Itch to Stitch is a summer staple, with impeccable drafting, excellent instructions (I would even say this would be good for a first project!) and a contemporary style. The tank is fitted in the bust, but loose though the waist and hits at mid hip.

The neck and arms are finished with narrow bands, which are easy to construct and lend a sophistication to the top. Fabrics like cotton lycra, brushed poly, and rayon spandex are perfect for this style, which is certainly going to be on heavy rotation in my wardrobe.

As far as construction goes, Kennis has provided very thorough instructions with helpful markings and notches, especially on the neck and arm band pieces. While a more advanced seamstress would find these unnecessary, a novice would be very grateful for the support that goes beyond the basic “quarter the neckline” instructions that used to frustrate me so much as a beginner.

I highly recommend evaluating the stretch of your fabric and adjusting the length of the bands accordingly- I did have to take out about an inch to account for the high stretch content of my rayon spandex versions. A general rule of thumb is to measure around the opening, and cut a piece that is 75-85% of that measurement, plus seam allowances, erring on the shorter side for a stretchier fabric and the longer side for one with less stretch or recovery. Topstitching the bands, as suggested in the instructions is also very important in achieving an elegant finish and helping them lie flat.

I made two versions during testing, both in a medium to heavy weight rayon spandex knit.

The first is a a white tank with a silver foil print, from JoAnns fabrics (available here). I love it, and I have to admit that while I prefer buying online, sometimes JoAnns surprises me. They also have this material in black with gold foil, and you can bet its going to be made into a Lago tank as well!

 

Once I was comfortable with the fit, I went searching in my stash for another rayon knit to sew, and unearthed this panel I purchased several years ago from StoneMountain and Daughter Fabrics in Berkeley.

It was expensive, so I was only able to purchase a single panel, and its been sitting on my shelf waiting for the right pattern to come along to show off it’s beauty.

I decided the Lago was the ticket, and sewed up another tank in less time than it takes to get my kids to put on their pajamas (little bedtime procrastinators that they are). My topstitching was done on my regular sewing machine using a long straight stitch, and the scoop of the neckline is just deep enough to nurse in. Winning!

For our photoshoot, we went to a newly painted mural downtown, after having dinner out with the kids and some friends. I made an interesting picture at the dinner table, wearing an old ugly  button up over my skinny jeans and boots, with full make up on, so I could eat my guacamole without worrying about dropping it on my new tank! The tank emerged unscathed, and the kids enjoyed rolling around in the dirt in front of the mural while we snapped our photos.

Well, what are you waiting for? Grab your Lago Tank here, (no code needed) sew it up and show it off! While you’re at it, grab some more Itch to Stitch Patterns– I love the Anza Jumpsuit, and want to make a summer version of the Arenal top! Everything is on sale for 20% off for Mother’s Day with the code lovemom

Note: This top is nursing friendly, in that the neckline is low enough to pull down, and it is loose enough on the bottom to pull up if needed.

 

Note: this post contains affiliate links. It won’t cost you anything and I promise to spread the love my continuing to make and share with you!

 

Get notified of new posts via email


3 Comments

  1. auschick on May 13, 2017 at 6:50 pm

    That background combined with your top is amazing!! That foil one is so cool too…. how well does it wash? I might have to get some.

    • Sarah on May 13, 2017 at 8:56 pm

      Thank you! I thought they would be a fun match! The foil has washed quite well so far- I wouldn’t iron it but it looks fine out of the dryer (and who am I kidding, I never iron anyway)!

  2. […] whole time I was testing the Lago tank (here), I knew I wanted to hack it, and had a specific style I wanted to recreate based off a favorite […]

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply