Kolouri

This post is a tutorial for a super easy tank top reconstruction.  We’re turning an ill-fitting knit top into a sultry summer tube top in about 30 minutes.

You’ll need…

- One ill-fitting knit top
- 1 yard (or thereabouts) of 2″ wide elastic
- Scrap of cotton jersey about 5″ long and 30″ wide (for women’s size small)
- Thread and a sewing machine

Here’s a pic of the top that had been shoved in my bottom drawer, not once worn.

First we’ll  need to cut straight across the top, front and back.

Next, cut two scraps of jersey 4.5 inches long by the width of the top.  In this case, 15 inches.  Right sides together, sew side seams of casing.  Be sure to leave a 2 inch gap along one seam to thread elastic through the casing later.

With right sides together, pin casing to body, matching side seams and easing in any fullness.  Sew casing to body using a zig-zag or stretch stitch if your machine has one.  Alternatively, serge the seam.

Cut elastic about 1 inch smaller than bust measurement and thread through the casing.  Distribute fullness.  Whipstitch the opening closed and tack elastic to casing at sideseams to prevent twisting in the wash.

And that’s it!  Ready for a sultry summer BBQ in no time at all.

Enjoy!

Sigh.  Did you hear that?  The satisfaction of finishing a project long in the making?  With all those bright colors and the haphazard pattern working together, I’m calling this one “Child’s Play.”  It won’t be available for sale, but do plan on some more quilts in store in the future. *wink*

This one measures approximately 38″ x 52.”

It’s too hot to dye!

So I’ve been playing with my sewing machine, which happens to be parked right in front of the wall A/C unit. I was trying some new quilting techniques on this little doll quilt… I used a free online tute and the scraps were a little surprise from Giselle (thank you, Giselle!!!). So in the spirt of keeping things fun, it’s available free for shipping in my hyena cart shop… ends Wednesday!

The front is pieced from exclusive girasol scraps and the back is a fish print cotton batik. Inside is thin cotton batting. Perfect for putting dollies to bed… or a little lovey for a sweet little girl. It measures approximately 17 inches square.

Whirly Gig Girasol Quilt

Fish Batik Backing

Happy shopping and good luck to all!

I know some of you are interested in seeing dyed fish.. here are some swatches.

Top (left to right): black cherry+amethyst, dilue fuchsia, wisteria

Bottom (left to right): mist grey, palomino gold, turquoise

Right side

Wrong side

And some closeups of the faux Petrol-Honig Fish…

Wrong side

Right side

Enjoy! Just leave a comment if you want to see anything else and I’ll see what I can do!

Silk waves like you’ve never seen before!

This gorgeous gradation reminds me of a sunset over a beautiful African landscape. The colors are rich and vibrant. The silk makes them shimmer. The gorgeous deep orange fades into soft orange, then magenta and finally a deep red-violet.

Some action shots…

And some pics of the wrap…

On the orange side, there is some beautiful contrast between the silk and the cotton. The silk is a brilliant yellow, with the cotton being orange. There is no discernable contrast on the magenta side.

Some closeups of the weave and contrast…

This will be available for purchase Wednesday in the shop… Happy Shopping!