Introducing the Rumi Tank Top & Dress

UPDATE: Please note that this pattern has been updated and re-launched, so some of the information below is no longer relevant to the new version. Find information on the re-launched version here. Thanks!

Welcome to our newest pattern, the Rumi Tank! Rumi is a feminine and sporty racerback knit tank top and dress that will become a staple in your wardrobe. It is a quick pattern for experienced sewers, as well as those new to sewing with stretch fabrics. Rumi is the perfect intersection of elegant, flirty, modern, and utilitarian, and this pattern will take you from yoga class, to a picnic, to a nice evening out, all in comfort and style. 

The Rumi Tank is the first pattern that we are releasing that is only available in a PDF format and is not printed on tissue paper. This is the first of a collection we're calling Chop Chop, which are quick and easy to sew patterns that you can buy, download, and sew today. 

There are a couple of differences in formatting from our main collection of PDF patterns, which are our printed patterns turned PDF, unlike the Chop Chop collection, which are designed as PDF from the start. The main difference is that the step by step instructions are not drawn illustrations, rather they are full color photographs. Since these are quick and easy patterns, there are not many steps involved and the photos are an efficient approach to quickly getting the information out to you. 

The other main difference is the cover features the pattern on a dress form instead of a figure. Again, this is to highlight the simplicity of the design and to provide a quality, but stripped down pattern from the main collection. The rest is all the same: the patterns are sized from 0–18, there are in-depth instructions to help you sew the pattern, and all the other details you know and love. Because of these stripped down details, the price of the Chop Chop collection is slightly less than that of our main collection, which we feel you all will appreciate too! If you're ever in question as to which is which, just look for the Chop Chop stamp on the cover, and you'll know it's part of this group. We want these to be instant gratification patterns that become staples in your closet. And because they are slightly less work for us to produce, we can release loads more patterns every year! Hurrah! 

For the first pattern of our Chop Chop collection, we knew we wanted something easy but elegant. The Rumi Tank is precisely that! The pattern has two views: a tank dress and a tank top. Both feature narrow flirty straps that curve to a graceful racerback and a deep scoop neck in the front. 

View B, the Rumi Tank top, is fitted through the upper body with negative ease through the bust. It then gently curves for a nipped in waist and a slight flare at the hip, with positive ease to avoid cling and to provide you with a flattering silhouette. It's also a great stash buster, using only a yard of 60" wide fabric! 

View A, the Rumi Tank dress, has all the same flattering upper body details, but after the bust it flares to a fun and swingy trapeze dress. The hem is finished with a contrasting band that matches the contrasting binding around the neck and arm openings. 

One of the great things about Rumi is its ability to go from many different situations with ease. The tank top version above in tissue cotton stripes is great for casual events like working out, going to a ballgame, or just lounging at home. 

Where the tank version pictured here, sewn in elegant navy bamboo and paired with dark jeans and heels, is far dressier than its striped counterpart and can easily go to a more elegant situation. But of course, you will still be as comfy as ever!

View A, the Rumi Tank dress can also be made in one fabric, by simply combining the hem band and dress patterns to form one piece for the front and back, and sewing the binding in the same fabric as well. 

The black and white dress version shown here is sewn in silk jersey, making it a swishy and gorgeous option for a nicer affair, a date night, or if you're like me and you live in dresses, this is a wonderful easy garment to wear everyday. 

We are really excited about offering you this new Chop Chop collection of PDF only patterns and hope you all love them too! Pick up the Rumi Tank now while it's on sale, and seriously, you will have it sewn up so quickly you'll be wearing it later today! 

Please use the #RumiTank and #ChristineHaynesPatterns hashtags for your makes so we can all enjoy them! Thanks as always for the support an we can't wait to see what you make.