Seamwork // Addison tank

Confession time: I am in love with Seamwork patterns! They’d been on my radar since the launch of their first issue back in December 2014 but I’d been a fool and not tried any. Until last month, when I decided to bite the bullet and subscribe! At only $6 a month, with 2 pattern vouchers each month to spend on any of the patterns, it was a bargain! I reiterate: what a fool I’d been for not trying this so far. Anyway, say hello to my very first Seamwork make, the Addison tank.

That collar! ❤ I definitely prefer wearing it tucked in but here’s how it looks untucked.

The stiffness of this cotton means it isn’t very drapey — which you can see more from the back — but this makes no difference to my love for the fabric or finished make. I also really like the thickness and roundness of the collar back.

And tucked in again. These photos were taken the first time I wore it and it was a little more ‘poofy’. As the day went on, it relaxed a lot.

Fabric

I’d said in my first vlog — Fabric, patterns and sewing plans June 2016 — that I’d picked this up from the 2015 Knitting and Stitching Show in London last summer. Definitely true! But I have now discovered this was from the Fabrics Galore stand and they still have some on their website: Swiss Knot cotton available in white, grey and black, all £8/metre. It really is super soft so I certainly recommend it.

Sizing and cutting

I cut a size 0 but initially cut the length of the size 8 (my measurements are in the right hand sidebar).

Fitting and alterations

• Full lining rather than just the facing, and I hemmed them both together
• Reduced the side seams of the front and back by 1.5cm
• Took ~4cm off the front hem

Pattern instructions

Seamwork pattern instructions are fab, the images are great and the method is described in detail. Almost everything was straightforward, the only exception being joining the lining and outer fabric at the armholes. The method used is called the burrito method and it melted my mind for a while (I’d even sewn it up wrong initially). I really couldn’t picture what I had to do in my mind but did work it out in the end. Luckily for you, Colette have since posted a great little video demonstration on their Instagram account.

I’ve had a few people ask me how I achieved the such a pointed collar. Seamwork issue 19 (which Addison was released with) has an excellent article on How to Make a Perfect Point. I use a combination of the First and Third Approach. I hope that helps!

Finishing

Overlocking: Overlocked all the seams with white overlock thread
Topstitching: Standard topstitching on my regular machine

Verdict

Basically my favourite top EVER right now. I’m having to control myself not to wear her everyday. There’s definitely going to be more in my future, and I shall choose fabric which continues to show off that beautiful collar. There are also other collar options: Peter Pan and Pussy Bow (for subscribers). Or at least, I swear that’s what I saw on their Instagram but I am struggling to find a link for either of these. If anyone knows of their whereabouts, do let me know in the comments. Ahhh here we go, the Peter Pan collar.

Working on…

My next vlog: June’s makes. Stay tuned for that! I’ve also used my second credit to purchase Adelaide (er hello, SNAPS!) so that’s on the horizon. With the release of this month’s issue, I have another 2 credits. Any suggestions from the pattern catalogue?