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Saturday, July 12, 2014

Foxglove Tank Pattern Using Desert Blanket Arizona Knit

Hi there!  I am sure I have mentioned it before but I love the Art Gallery Arizona Knits and I have been scheming ways to use it.  So when I saw that the new Foxglove Tank Pattern by Selvage Designs could be used with knits....I was in!  Since I used the Tomahawk Stripe for my My Dress, I used the Desert Blanket knit for this tank.  Both are still available in the shop.
The Foxglove pattern is great!  It is simple and straight forward with plenty of diagrams and options.  I really have no complaints with it.  I do, however, need to get a racerback bra, because the only thing that I had that would work was a really old and terrible sports bra which I am sure you noticed is not very flattering.  Anyway, great tank, and I hope to make more.  I have a rayon slub knit that I have been waiting for the perfect pattern to use and I think this will be perfect!
I did have one issue that had noting to do with the pattern.  I wanted to use a twin/double needle to hem the bottom, neckline and arm holes, since this is often suggested for knits.  The twin needle that came with my machine would not work, so I went to Joann's in search of a twin needle I could use.  Well, there was only one to chose from.  The package said that it could be used for knits so I went for it.  Unfortunately, I had the most difficult time finishing the hems.  I took them out multiple times and tried everything I though I could and I still had skipped stitches.  I think that the issue is the needle, but I am not sure.  I have had trouble with some knits before doing this, also with a straight stitch but only a single needle.  Anyway, do any of you have any experience with this that you might be able to share some advice with me?  It would be tremendously appreciated. 
Overall, this is a wonderful pattern and a gorgeous knit.  I will have to investigate a bit on the twin needle front, but other than that I want to make more.  I have a couple of different ideas for the hems on the next one, so perhaps I will skip the twin needle all together for that one!

Thanks so much for checking out my post, I do greatly appreciate it!

This post is linked up with Finish It Up Friday at Crazy Mom Quilts and Show Off Saturday at Sew Can She.

4 comments:

  1. Ooh, I love that fabric and didn't realize it came in knit too so thanks for sharing! I have a love/hate relationship with my twin needle. I refuse to give up because the result is worth the trouble. Here's what I've learned for me and my Singer Quantum Stylist: I run both threads through together while threading but then only put one through the thread guide right before the needle. The other one just skips that part. I read that somewhere online. In addition to using the straight stitch, my machine also has an additional button to press when using a twin needle. A slightly longer stitch length of 3 or 3.5 is helpful. Even still, things seem to get tangled inside after a while. I can hem an entire shirt for my 3 yr old, but when doing my size, I can't get all the way around before it binds up. So to avoid having an issue front and center, I just quickly stop and rethread at the side seam now and I have no trouble. Hope some of that helps. Good luck.

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  2. This is so cute and flattering! Great fabric.

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  3. No help with the twin needle here but it looks great!

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  4. I have no help with the needle issue but love the pattern and fabric. Great Job!!1

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