Look for Less: Anthro Free Flow Tank


Some of you may remember my attempting to make the Anthro free flow tank. And let me tell you, it was hard! It looks awesome on the hanger, but I neglected a few things in my planning: a) the shirt I was attaching the ruffles to was stretchy, really stretchy; so when I put the shirt on it loses a lot of oomph b) because I left the edge of the ruffles raw, and the ruffles are stretched out, they roll, a lot. How does J.Crew do it? Their raw knits don't roll?! Does anyone have the secret to this? If so, I would love to hear it.

ANYWAY. I saw this Arden B. top that is very similar in shape to the Anthro one for half the price. And no heartache when your sewing project goes awry.


Free Flow Tank - Anthropologie - $78.00
Tiered Ribbon Waist Top - Arden B. - $39.00

What do you guys think of the Arden B. version? Any sewing tips to impart? Leave a comment!

Thanks for reading,

Happy Shopping!

10 comments:

  1. I am curious to see your version! The key to sewing ruffles on stretchy fabric is to sew while the stretchy fabric is actually stretched out. Use a zig-zag stitch or a stretch stitch to do this and then when you release the stretchy fabric, it should form back to its original shape. In this case, when it's on the hanger, it should look almost like the ruffles are TOO gathered, but when you put it on, it stretches and voila! The ruffles are just right.

    As for the rolling, it looks like both tops in the pictures above actually have hemmed ruffles. This is one way to avoid rolling.

    Anyway, it's amazing to me that something at Arden B was actually LESS expensive!

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  2. I recently made a ruffled shirt from two Downeast tees, and the jersey rolled up like nobody's business. Annoying as it is, I think the only solution IS to hem them. A little more work, but as long as it makes them lay flat, I'll try it!

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  3. @Renee - The problem was I didn't use enough fabric for the ruffle (in that I didn't take into account how much the shirt would stretch out while on me). I used a zig zag and all that.

    @Rachel - I think you are right. Hemming is the answer. I just really didn't want to do it. And I want someone to explain J.Crew's raw edge voo-doo magic! I'll try to get mine hemmed soon. And then perhaps I will like it enough to take a picture of it.

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  4. The kind of knit you use will make a difference too. Single knits like jersey, which look different on the front and back, will curl, but double knits like interlock, which look the same on the front and the back, won't curl much. I'd love to see the one you made.

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  5. @marymary- Holy smokes! You are a genius! I will try to keep my eyes open for double knit next time I undertake this type of project.

    Thanks for commenting!

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  6. The Arden B top is cuter than the Anthro in my opinion - like the color way better!

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  7. I LOVE it!!! I think the arden b is cuter than anthro. I really love the color.

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  8. I have had this Anthro top in my "Inspiration: Clothes" folder for a while now, kept thinking how easy it'd be to copy. What's sort of lame about the Anthro one is that the ruffles are just on the front... sort of cheap, eh? I would have made it out of a 100% cotton base, no lycra or anything, and I would have used a different fabric for the ruffles. Same color, silk would be ideal.

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  9. What a great find!

    I haven't read Hunger Games yet, but it and the sequel are both on my to-read list. They come highly recommended {via my Goodreads friends, at least}, so I'm looking forward to them. :)

    As for ANTM... I do like Raina. I love that she's doing so well. I also like Jessica, because she's young and pretty and not too drama.

    Also, are you as excited as I am for the return of Glee next week? Like, I'm squealing as I'm typing this right now. I think I'm going to have to have a viewing party or something to commemorate...

    ReplyDelete

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