Beatrice Tanks and Dresses

Jalie introduced “Beatrice Tanks and Dresses” (#4135) this week. Jalie’s description:

Choice of fitted tank tops and knee-length dresses with bound neckline and armholes.

View A: Tank with square neckline.
View B: Camisole with narrow straps and a straight neckline.
Two lengths options
Pair it with the Sylvie shorts for a fun summer outfit or a comfy PJ set.

This pattern includes sizes for kids, teens and adults (up to 2X). It is also available in an expanded size range (1X-5X)

My Beatrice Tanks

I chose to make the tanks, as I wear a lot of sleeveless tops during the summer. According to my measurements I wear size size “W”, but decided to go up one size due to the “fitted tanks” in Jalie’s description. It’s the light blue one in the photos. Construction was a breeze, using a remnant of an ITY knit with 50% stretch in both directions. The neck and armhole binding method is so professional, and using “Cover-stitch” there and for the hem, there is nothing “home-made” about these tanks.

The fit, though, is not me. I’m not comfortable wearing such a close-to-the-body top. It’s partially an “age thing”. 67 years old, 3 children, and I love to cook and eat good food and mediocre wine. I think looser tops are more flattering on my body, especially when I walk past a mirror. Yikes!

I didn’t give up though, and traced off a size “Y”, (up 2 sizes) cut and sewed it in an afternoon. Another remnant of ITY gone from the stash. It’s still not “me”, though. I’m going to make 1 more, in size “Y” in a different, slightly heavier fabric. I’ll review that experiment when I do, so watch this space, and the “Sewing with Jalie” Facebook page.