The racerback silhouette has become a staple in my wardrobe over the last few years. There's really no better way to show off all those push ups and lat pulls than a racerback top. So of course when Christine Haynes released the Rumi Tank/Dress I had to snatch it up. This pattern is the first in a new collection she is developing of quick to sew patterns (yay! just my style!) called Chop Chop.
Shortly after I bought the pattern, I found this hawaiian print in the remnant bin at Joann's. It was pretty big for a remnant at about 7/8 yard. I had a luau to attend over Labor Day weekend so I snatched up the fabric and started making right away. The fabric is a kind of thin, knit fabric. I was hoping that I could get a dress out of it but it wasn't quite long enough. I have some scraps left and I'm thinking they will make some really fun panties. (Check out my DIY underwear sewing adventures here.)
When I first opened up the pdf files, I was a little surprised that there were separate pattern pieces for the top and dress. I had assumed that they were the same, just lengthened for the dress. In fact, the dress and top have a different fit and ease, the tank being much more fitted at the waist and hips. If you look at the technical drawings the difference is quite obvious. I just wasn't looking. :)
To topstitch the neckline and arm openings, I used my tried and true method of using a twin needle and wooly nylon thread in the bobbin. I wrote a blog post about this method right here.
For my first go at the pattern, I made between a size 10 and 12. I didn't want it to be super fitted at the waist and hips and my bust measurement is a little bigger than size 10. I cut the length at the biggest size and added a little freeform curve to the hem when I cut it out. I didn't draw it out before hand, just took the rotary cutter and eyeballed it.
This was really easy to sew, especially because I've made a few racerbacks before using patterns I traced from RTW. I didn't read the instructions super carefully because I was pretty confident about what I needed to do. The instructions include clear and colorful photos of all the necessary steps and some tips for sewing with knits. The pattern is really perfect and a lot better than the last one I traced which always turns out a little twisty.
I really like this top and it was really fun to wear at the luau. Here I'm wearing the top with another of my favorite makes from the summer, the Alexandria Trousers. I'm sure I'll be using this pattern again, and will likely be making the dress too. This was actually my first time sewing a Christine Haynes pattern and I really enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to seeing more of the Chop Chop collection as quick and easy are right up my alley.
