I recently had the privilege of testing the Joey tank by Made Again Patterns. I love the mission of this company; Jessica designs her patterns with refashioning in mind. I have been recycling fabric since I was a 4-Her and love that Made Again gives a bit of structure to beginning refashioners.


All of the fabric and the thread that I used for this project were sourced from ReCraft Indy, a secondhand store for craft and hobby supplies with a focus on sustainability and environmentalism. And the button was an extra from a RTW sweater that was long since moved on from my closet.


I made my own bias tape for this pattern, sewing together pieces of what I think were once quilting scrapes. It was fun and didn't effect the appearance of the final product in any significant way since I positioned the joining seams at the same location on each arm.

I also appreciate that measuring the length needed for shoulder straps was included in the pattern instructions. Nothing is worse than constantly having to yank your straps back up all day!


This pattern is geared toward an "advanced beginner" and it was a fun weekend sew I would recommend to anyone looking for an easy, breezy summer tank. Just imagine all the refashioning possibilities!



Time estimate: 4 hours
Size: Small
Fabric used: cotton, unsure of specific!
Care instructions: cold water wash, line dry (just to be safe)
Cost: $3 estimated

I recently went home for the weekend where I spent hours with my mom looking through her collection of sewing patterns. She let me borrow more than a dozen and my sewing queue is full. Be on the look out for a few vintages pieces in the near future!


This pattern is one that I discovered in her collection, Simplicity A2116. It's a pajama pattern, but I love how classic the shape of this tank top is and knew it would be a quick sew. And Mom had a bundle of So Sew English fabric she was willing to share! You know how I'm a sucker for a good floral.


The pattern instructions called for turning under and top stitching all raw edges, but Mom and I wanted to add a neckband and armbands for a more classic look. To create these pattern pieces we measured the arm holes by standing a measuring tape on its edge and reduced the length to 87.5% of the opening length and adding 1/2" for the seam allowance. I sewed these in first and liked the finished product, but it was a tight fit, so I tried 90% of the opening length plus 1/2" seam allowance for the neckband. Although it was easier to add the neckband than the armbands, I would like the neckband to fit a bit more snugly and would reduce it to 87.5% if making this tank top again. The neckband and each armband was cut at 2" in depth.


I was able to try a new, more decorative stretch stitch on the hem of the tank top and serged all interior seams with nylon stretch thread on both loopers. This tank top is sewn to be lived in, and I'm sure it will get a lot of wear this summer.


Time estimate: 3 hours
Size: 10
Fabric used: knit blend from So Sew English scrap bundle, unsure about specifics!
Care instructions: cold water wash, line dry (just to be safe)
Cost: free to me!