Made: Wiksten Tank

If you are looking for a fresh summer accessory AND an easy sewing project, you must try the Wiksten Tank pattern. This cute top has been making the rounds across the sewing/craft blog network and for good reason. It is an easy project (even for a novice sewer!) and in a matter of hours you'll have a fresh new top to add to your summer wardrobe. The pattern also calls for french seams, which sounds daunting, but it will make you feel all fancy once you complete them.

I used a warm abstract print and instead of binding it with the same fabric, I decided to use some vintage brown lace bias tape I had lying around. The lace was a little tricky to sew but I thought it added a nice touch. The back of the shirt was a little loose (I used a quilting cotton so the draping was a little stiff) so I added a small double inner pleat on the top of the back neckline to take up some of the slack.  You can buy the pattern HERE and also find out more about Jenny Gordy by following her BLOG. Hopefully, we'll be seeing more patterns from this very talented lady in the not so distant future.

Trends

Ikat Card by Wild Ink Press

NYC is a place of makers and innovators. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't see something inspiring. Whether it be the city scape, someone's outfit, or an intimate moment caught in a public place.

There are always noticeable trends on the West Coast, but here on the East side of the states people don't hesitate to wear whatever tickles their fancy. You really can get away with wearing anything in this town.  But along that note, there are trends that stand out and when you start to take notice, you begin to understand why NYC is the style capital of the world (with Paris not falling too far behind).

One thing that seems to have been particularly popular this summer, and even into this fall is Ikat.

Maybe it's because I spend my working hours on the UES, but this traditional pattern is rampant and not only looks good as a dress or a skirt, but also a bag, and most definitely in home decor accessories.  In other words, it's accessible, and flattering on almost any figure. The colorways are diverse and it carries a sort of liberated feeling about it without the tackiness that is often found in hippie tie dyes.

I say jump on board, even in the fall. Or pick out an Ikat swatch you like for next spring. If you don't end up using it for a skirt, you can easily transform your swatch into a pillow for your couch. 

Amazing Ikat dress by Brooklyn Designer, Wiksten

Stunning Ikat leggings from SF designer, Peeko. LOVE!