Reef Tank - Party in the Back

Pattern: Megan Nielsen's Reef Tank
Fabric: something synthetic ??
Cost: free (remnants)

I celebrated my birthday last month and decided to do something fun for the occasion. We held a casual BBQ on the back patio (complete with friends and dogs and cupcakes!). Since I'm not a fancy dress type of girl, I made myself a sparkly Reef tank to celebrate. With its back strap details, it lends itself perfectly to some creative straps.

For the straps, I started with a sheer novelty fabric left over from this shirt. I then trimmed the seam allowances and bound the edges in fold over elastic. I sewed the two together using my BERNINA coverstitch, stretching the elastic slightly as I sewed. I am still getting used to the coverstitch so this took some practice, but eventually I got a fairly nice finish. 

Here is a full view of the back. I was careful to overlap the stripes so that they match up where the straps cross.

This is the perfect top for me because it's simple and subtle, but with a fun twist. The body is made from the same material as my Pattern Magic dress but turned to the wrong side, which is black. It has already gotten a ton of wear as something easy to pull on and head out for the night in. It goes well under my black jackets, but is perfect for warmer restaurants and bars. (Worn here with my modified not pull-on Misty Jeans).

Welp, it's another year under my belt. I've already got lots of plans for more things to sew, but also trying to relax and have fun. Happy birthday to me!