Trying Simplicity 8143 again, and not begrudging the fact that part of the usable fabric was narrower (and shorter) than even the smallest size of the pattern wanted, and that I would have to cut the ribbing bands significantly shorter than I had in the previous version. These limitations made me remove more than I probably would have on my own, and the resulting item fits much better than the first try.
The bit that need improvisation was completely unrelated.
I thrifted Simplicity Super Saver 8143, from 1987, a forgotten number of years ago.
It always looked useful, but I rarely had the right kind of fabric for it. Once I finally had some, I discovered the tissue had been cut in size 6 (for the top; the skirt was cut in size 10, and I have yet to have any reason to concern myself over that) and despaired, since that was so small.
The recent bout of experimenting with the tank top from New Look 6766 led me to re-evaluate the idea of "correct size" when it comes to a tank top sewing pattern. Stretch makes a big difference.
And there's loads of stretch in a rib knit, with plenty left of the pale peach rib knit I got from the craft thrift store about two years ago, so I went ahead and cut that in the available size. I did compensate a bit in sewing by making the side seams only about ¼". I probably didn't need to do that, because, again: stretch.
But, hey, my main reason for wanting a tank top like this is to layer in winter, and this will certainly work for that.
