Today I am reviewing one of my favorite patterns; from a very versatile book “The Magic Pattern Book” by Amy Barickman. I came across this book one day when perusing the shelves of my local bookstore and just had to have it! I haven’t seen much of it online, and I am so surprised given just how many patterns and styles are included. For the price of around $15 on Amazon you get a lot of bang for your buck. The book includes 6 patterns that you can style into 36 different looks. The patterns include the tank top, dress, accessories, skirt, coat and cardigan.
The first pattern I chose was for a Tank, and I used the Alice Tank style. I’ve made it previously here and again for this review. I love the length of the tank and the dropped sides. For this version I used a light voile (Art Gallery Tule Voile Mojave Illuminated) and I love how light and airy the top turned out. I can’t wait to sew it up again in a floral to try to replicate this top from ModCloth I have been eyeing!
I love that the length is long enough to pair it with slim pants or leggings, but it would also look cute with a pencil skirt or denim shorts…if I ever get myself in a pair of shorts. I don’t think I’ve worn a pair since high school!
I love that the length is long enough to pair it with slim pants or leggings, but it would also look cute with a pencil skirt or denim shorts…if I ever get myself in a pair of shorts. I don’t think I’ve worn a pair since high school!
- Pattern name
- Alice Tank (Magic Pattern Book by Amy Barickman)
- Size range
- Up to XXL
- What size did you make?
- XXL
- What are your measurements, height, and body type?
- 5’8”, 50-45-52, bra size
- What adjustments did you make and how long did they take?
- None; but did not include optional back elastic
- What was the construction process like? Did the instructions make sense to you?
- Construction is simple. I chose to do French seams for the shoulders and the side seams. I prefer French seams when using such a light fabric and I think it offers such a nice and clean finish inside. I also opted to use store bought bias tape instead of creating my own.The only difficult part might be getting the hem right on the triangle points of the side on the bottom hem. Other than that it is super quick and easy. The placement of the seam under the bust and the darts worked perfectly for me without any changes.
- How do you like the pattern’s fit? Do you think the design works well for your particular body shape?
- I think the design works well for me. Although some of these pics make me look pregnant it is more due to the wind and an impatient husband taking pics than it is to the tops fit. I think the length is very flattering and it fits well even without alterations.
- Will you make the pattern again? If so, what fit or design changes will you make?
- I have already made several versions of this and I will make another for sure!
- Do you have any advice on this pattern for other curvy sewers? Are there any resources (blog posts, fitting books, tutorials) that helped yousew this piece up?
- My advice would be to give it a shot! Take a risk and try this book and it’s patterns even though there aren’t many examples of them online- especially on curvy sewers. I am really happy that I picked this book up when I spotted it and tried it even though I was worried the styles wouldn’t work for me or the sizing might be too limited. It wasn’t and I love what I have made so far.
Size Range (1-5) 3, Sizing goes up to XXL, which is great and fit me very well although it might be limiting for some.
Instructions (1-5) 5, easy to understand for even a beginner.
Construction Process (1-5) 4. Simple construction
Based on your review, I ordered the book from Amazon. Although I am not a beginning sewer, I liked all the variations. HOWEVER, and this turned out to be a deal-breaker for me, the patterns come in pdf’s on a CD – for letter sized paper only; no printshop pdf’s. This was not clear either in your review or in the description on Amazon. One thing I hate is to tape multiple pieces of paper. I’m returning the book. Perhaps in future reviews of pdf patterns, the reviewer can state whether the pattern has a printshop variation? Thanks!
Sweet version of that tank! What is it with family members and photos (“I took one! Let’s go!”)
My library has this book, and I was underwhelmed by the collection. It’s a good idea, but all pretty run of the mill patterns.
On the other hand, if you’re relatively new to sewing, the mix and match pattern book is a great brain changer. This is a fine collection of basic pieces that would save you a pile of money and time once you figure out where you are in their fit profile. And since you have to do that with any pattern company you run into, hey, why not one stop shopping?
Your top looks great. I pulled my book off the shelf last month and added it to my summer “to sew” pile. I too have wondered why there isn’t more blog coverage about the book. It is a great book.
I’m sold! I had to buy the book. Your top looks so cute, and your review was good. I went and looked at the book onAmazon,and it looks fabuous! Thanks for the recommendation!
I like that top on you! And on the strength of that, I ordered the book today from Amazon. I hope my stuff turns out as well as yours!
Thank you so much for reviewing this pattern and this book. I have made a couple versions of thank and totally love it. Plus, it really made be feel confident to sew something that was easy but looks totally cute.
It is a very simple yet flattering pattern isn’t it? I love it and I am so happy to share it and hope to see other versions. I’d love to see some of the versions on the CSC Flickr page!
Very flattering tunic top. Looks light and breezy for a hot summer day. Nice job.
I saw that book at amazon and considered it since there were so many patterns included! I will now with your recommendation and seeing one of the tops made up on you! The style does suit you to a T – pretty material as well. Aren’t french seams fun? I love them 🙂
I should have added to my other post that Nancy Zieman has a video with the author, Amy, on her site.
Great! I will have to check out the video, I have not seen it yet.
Thanks for adding your measurements, this will work for me too. I am going to order this book
This is great! I’ve been eyeing up this book for a while on amazon, but I haven’t been able to leaf through it in a bookshop. Could you give us some idea about the largest sizes it goes up to?
Thank you 🙂
The largest size is XXL, which is what I made for this top. One issue I found though is the largest size for the skirts included seemed to be sized smaller and I have yet to try one for this reason. I have lost around 25lbs since I took the pictures for this post, but at the time I believe I was wearing a RTW 18-20…which is what I’d say the
XXL in this pattern is comparable to if that helps!
I like the top. It looks fresh and comfortable and on trend.
Thanks Susan. It is very comfortable and I love the longer length and how breezy it is.
The shirt looks great. I’ve not heard of that book but going to go check that out
Have you made anything else from it?
Thanks. I actually wrote this post a while back and have since made a few more versions of this tank but have not ventured past this pattern in the book…yet!
I love it! It looks so good I ordered the book with the pattern! Your patience shows in the neatness of the stitching.
thanks so much! There are several great patterns and variations in the book along with fabric and pattern ideas.
What tips could you tell us about the hem triangle points?
honestly I just kinda winged it- oops. For a more professional finish you’d want to do mitered corners. Colette has clear instructions here: https://blog.colettehq.com/news/how-to-sew-a-mitered-corner