Think Tank
I used to be firmly on team ‘no shoulder pads’… but after sewing the Claudia Tank by Just Patterns, as part of the testing process, I have changed my mind!
As a tester I was remunerated for printing and given a fabric allowance, and there was no obligation to post my finished garment on socials. I’m posting to share because I love this tank, and it’s shown me that sometimes you really do just have to try something to see if it works on you.
With regards to styling, I think Claudia (we are now on a first name basis) lends itself to be tucked into high waisted pants or jeans. Clever Claudia is giving me the illusion of a waist… and that’s no mean feat!
This was my first time sewing a Just Patterns garment and I found it to be a well drafted pattern with clear instructions. I won’t hesitate to sew their patterns in the future.
It was actually a really quick sew with only five pattern pieces – front, back, neckband and armhole (front & back) facings.
You can see from the photo above that the armholes have been drafted with excellent bra coverage.
My only change to the pattern was to perform my usual 3/8″ (1cm) forward shoulder adjustment.
I used scraps for this project which is always very satisfying. The 100% cotton knit was leftover from making my youngest daughter a twirly dress a few years ago, and I think this is the third time I’ve used this colour ribbing (from Wattlehill Fabrics) this summer! The shoulder pads were purchased from work… if you need a pair they can be found here.
I wore shoulder pads in my teens in the 80s and I’ve embraced them a second time around in my mid 40s. Have you changed your mind recently about anything sewing or no sewing related? Do tell….
Pattern: Just Patterns’ Claudia Tank
Size: 40
Fabric: 100% cotton knit scraps (originally from The Fabric Store), ribbing from Wattlehill Fabrics and should pads from The Cloth Shop
Alterations: 3/8″ (1cm) forward shoulder adjustment
Outfit: Jeans from Bassike and sneakers & sunglasses from Luisa
Photo Location: Eastern Suburbs, Melbourne
It suits you very well.
Thank you. I really enjoyed this quick project and I love wearing my new tee.
Love what you are saying about previously being anti-shoulder pads. As a child of the 80s, nothing frightens me more, but I recently was youtube baited into watching a documentary of Alber Elbaz’s last collection with Lanvin where he too never used them until this collection. He said(I paraphrase): “a vision came to me where the shoulder pads were like wings, protective armor for the modern woman who is at battle always in her life, so many stresses…” And he did them different than the 80s style, and I think yours looks like that. I’m copying…
That’s so interesting. I noticed that the weather presenter on the news a few nights ago had shoulder pads in her top. She looked good. It can be hard to work past our 80s phobias, but I’m pleased to hear you’re keen to give it a go.