Today I have a great summer basic to share with you, a tank top sewn up in a super soft ikat print cotton. I finished this one up a few weeks ago so you might have seen it over on Instagram. The pattern is the Ella Top by Liola Designs. I made this pattern once before, back in 2015, and have been meaning to make it again. I love that it's an easy to wear tank shape but has a back yoke and center back pleat.
I bought the fabric from Imagine Gnats probably about 2 years ago. I originally was going to use a different blouse pattern but after it sitting in my queue for at least a year, I spontaneously decided that this fabric should become the Ella Top. The fabric is super soft and so nice to wear. It's a lovely cotton and was very easy to sew with. Yay!
The pattern has an optional trim detail at the back yoke and I decided to use piping. I love the little contrast accent the piping creates. As you can see in the photo, the back has a very, very slight racerback shape. I love the shape but it does mean that bra straps will sometimes peek out. I made sure to tuck mine in for these photos. You could also probably wear a racerback bra and not worry about peeking straps.
Just like last time, I made a size large. I forgot to make notes, but I think I kept the length the same as was given in the pattern. When I made this before I used a rayon and even though this cotton is pretty light weight the drape feels pretty different. Just like with the Dove Blouse I made recently, I find that the shoulders kind of rise up when I'm seated. If I made this pattern in a cotton again, I might cut a size Medium and do an FBA and possibly a sway back adjustment. Until I looked at the pictures, I really didn't notice how the top pools at my lower back.
Even with the minor fit issues, I'm glad to have this top in my wardrobe and I'm sure it will get plenty of wear. What's your favorite pattern for summer tops?
