Our Newest Pattern: Willow!

Willow Tank Dress | Grainline Studio

We have been day dreaming in the studio of warm days at the lake, canoe trips and having night picnics at Millennium Park. And most importantly… what we are going to be wearing during these activities! With this new season there is a new pattern… The Willow Tank! The pattern includes both a Tank Top and Dress and it can be made in a wide variety of fabrics.

Willow Tank Dress | Grainline Studio

The tank version of the Willow has a modern mid-hip length and a higher neckline to balance the shorter length. The fit is slightly boxy from the waist down but bust darts keep it fitted through the shoulders and bust. We also included a deep turned up hem to add a classy finished edge to the tank, as well as create the pleat you see in the dress version.

 

The dress version of the Willow is the perfect dress for kicking around town. Since it’s loose fitting it won’t stick to you in the heat of summer. The dress pattern is two pieces so that leaves the option to use two different fabrics for the top and skirt – great for coordinating prints and solids!

The Willow is rated for beginners but is also great for more experienced sewers who are looking for a super wearable, easy project or want to do some customization. Techniques involved include sewing a straight seam, darts, hemming, and applying bias facings.

You can purchase the Willow in both printed format as well as downloadable PDF in our shop.

Willow Tank Dress | Grainline Studio

And now a little bit about how the Willow came about. I’ve really been feeling the need for a tank like this over the past few months – something with a slightly higher neckline and wider straps that looks great in bold prints and simple solids alike. The slightly boxy, contemporary feel and the shorter length are what I’m all about right now in my wardrobe top wise! At the same time I’ve been feeling that it was time to retire the Tiny Pocket Tank. I’ll always love the Tiny Pocket Tank, it was our first pattern and all! But being our first pattern meant I used a different fit model with different proportions than our current measurement chart which resulted in it fitting slightly differently than the rest of our line. It was important to me to replace it with an updated style since it’s a great beginner pattern and I want to make sure that there’s something for every level in our pattern offerings, both in wovens and knits. So that’s the story on how the Willow came to!

We’ll have plenty of Willow related posts coming up including fabric suggestions, our Willows, and a sew along for the beginners out there who might need a little extra hand holding. Stay tuned!

Mentioned Products

  • Willow Tank & Dress 0 – 18
    Willow Tank & Dress | Grainline Studio