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Gemma tank dress hack

07/28/2017

Gemma tank as a dress

After making three Gemma tanks and finally achieving a good fit, why not use the tank as base for a new dress? A simple throw on summer dress with a fitted waist.

I used my size medium D cup tank bodice and extended it to almost knee length. Then I cut it a bit below the waist to make a waist seam and to allow for a bit of a blouson effect. Since I had already cut the pattern in two at the waist to create a seam and a casing for elastic, I figured, why not add some hip pockets? Because who doesn’t need pockets on a dress like this?

This was exactly the type of easy wearing dress I had envisioned when choosing this rayon Island batik print from The Confident Stitch. I love this fabric and it’s so cool for the dog days of August which are on their way! It’s not too flimsy like some rayon prints, has just enough body for a dress like this, and also has the required drape to keep this look from getting too boxy.

Gemma tank as a dress

I did enhance the slope of the shirt tail hemline, as Rae explains in her tutorial for how to turn this tank into a dress. While she added flare to her version, I took away flare from mine. I wanted the skirt to be a little more straight and my muslin was too voluminous, so I shaved off a few inches at the sides.Gemma tank as a dress

I look forward to making a few more versions now that I have the fit of the skirt how I like and the pocket pattern drafted.

Still using my iPhone 5s, but my camera will be back soon. I miss it!

Happy sewing!

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Related posts:

My new favorite woven tank Easy Tank Top Dress Tutorial DIY workout pants and tank top pattern tutorial Simplicity 1165; rayon shorts , Simplicity 1589; a silk tank
-McKenzie

Filed Under: PATTERN DRAFTING, Pattern Reviews, Sewing for myself

About Justine

You made it to the end of the post! Please stop by often for a variety of sewing projects, clothes making tips , and stylish handmade living. Feel free to email me at justine @ sewcountrychick.com if you have questions.

Comments

  1. Kate McIvor says

    07/28/2017 at 6:14 pm

    Great job!

  2. Shirley says

    07/29/2017 at 6:06 am

    This looks like a perfect fit and I love the fabric. Your pictures look great. I only use my phone for photos, but my kids operate the phone camera better than they would a “camera” camera. LOL

  3. Sandy Osborne says

    07/29/2017 at 11:05 am

    Love the hack — and the pockets!! That batik is gorgeous (yum!

  4. Carol Gardiner says

    08/02/2017 at 9:42 pm

    Justine, that fabric is awesome, and the dress is so cute. Perfect for the hot muggy weather we have been having in CA.

  5. Roberta says

    08/07/2017 at 3:37 am

    Love the colors – it looks great on you. Great idea!



I'm Justine! Welcome to my sewing blog! Here you'll find lots of handmade clothing for myself and other lucky folks! I'm a native Los Angeleno who moved to a small farm outside of LA with my family.

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