I absolutely love the big, bold and bright ITY knit prints that have been coming out lately on the Fabric Mart website. They are perfect for dresses, but what if your lifestyle doesn't need a ton of dresses? I think I've found the answer: long tunics!
For these outfits, I used Vogue 9159. This pattern includes both a shorter and longer length tunic, and the slightly flared pants. The tunics have an inset at the sides of the front, and one of the seams isn't sewn all of the way, creating a nice deep walking slit.
I always have to test out a pattern from an inexpensive fabric to make sure I like the fit, so my first version was with an ITY knit that I got from the $1.99 section at Fabric Mart. I loved the colors and wanted to show off as much as the extra large paisley print as possible, so I made the longer version.
What I learned from making the test version was that the neckline was pretty wide, and that even though I staystitched the neck facing, that the facing was going to roll out- just the nature of the beast. To remedy this, I used a double needle and topstitched 2" from the neckline edge as you can see in this close-up. I like the extra stitching detail, and used it on the other versions as well.
So, for my second version, I wanted to try the shorter length tunic and I brought in the neckline about 1/2" all the way round. I used a black and white graphic ITY knit and some ivory ponte knit for the pants. The pants are really comfortable, by the way. Even though they aren't the focal point of the pattern, I think they are a gem of a pattern. The cut is just right to taper in at the knee and flare out just enough to give a nice curve.
I saved my favorite fabric for last- this teal, black and white graphic stripe. I decided that I really liked the longer version on me, so I made this version longer as well. I used a black ponte knit for the pants, and an ombre silk chiffon for the scarf.
There is a center back seam in this pattern which allows you to have some shaping at the waist. I had to be careful when I cut that the stripes would all match on the sides, sleeves and center back. I also intentionally put a black area at the waist to give an illusion of a smaller waist. I know that many fashion gurus tell you not to wear horizontal stripes, but I think if you place them strategically, that they are just fine!
When I ordered these two knits, I had also ordered this white lace with circles, planning on making a scarf with it. However, when I got it, the lace had far too much body for a scarf, so I had to come up with a plan B. I made this waterfall vest instead! It's definitely a lot of pattern combined with these prints, so I"m not totally sure that I'll wear them together. Although I'm sure that I could wear it with a solid tunic.
I'd be interested in your opinions: yay or nay on this lace vest with these tunics???
But with or without the vest, I'm in love with my new tunics. With just five pattern pieces, they were super quick to sew! I think I may have found my new "uniform" for Spring. I feel "dressed" without feeling too dressy, which can be a tricky balance to achieve.
Thanks for reading, and I hope that you have an extra special Leap Day!
I always have to test out a pattern from an inexpensive fabric to make sure I like the fit, so my first version was with an ITY knit that I got from the $1.99 section at Fabric Mart. I loved the colors and wanted to show off as much as the extra large paisley print as possible, so I made the longer version.
What I learned from making the test version was that the neckline was pretty wide, and that even though I staystitched the neck facing, that the facing was going to roll out- just the nature of the beast. To remedy this, I used a double needle and topstitched 2" from the neckline edge as you can see in this close-up. I like the extra stitching detail, and used it on the other versions as well.
So, for my second version, I wanted to try the shorter length tunic and I brought in the neckline about 1/2" all the way round. I used a black and white graphic ITY knit and some ivory ponte knit for the pants. The pants are really comfortable, by the way. Even though they aren't the focal point of the pattern, I think they are a gem of a pattern. The cut is just right to taper in at the knee and flare out just enough to give a nice curve.
I saved my favorite fabric for last- this teal, black and white graphic stripe. I decided that I really liked the longer version on me, so I made this version longer as well. I used a black ponte knit for the pants, and an ombre silk chiffon for the scarf.
When I ordered these two knits, I had also ordered this white lace with circles, planning on making a scarf with it. However, when I got it, the lace had far too much body for a scarf, so I had to come up with a plan B. I made this waterfall vest instead! It's definitely a lot of pattern combined with these prints, so I"m not totally sure that I'll wear them together. Although I'm sure that I could wear it with a solid tunic.
But with or without the vest, I'm in love with my new tunics. With just five pattern pieces, they were super quick to sew! I think I may have found my new "uniform" for Spring. I feel "dressed" without feeling too dressy, which can be a tricky balance to achieve.
Thanks for reading, and I hope that you have an extra special Leap Day!
Ann
Great Tunics! have to give this pattern a try.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Joen!
DeleteI like the vest with the black and white tunic. Dresses it up a bit if you are out on the town. What is the pattern for the vest? Thanks
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lynne! The vest is using Butterick 4989. It's now out of print, but a nice pattern if you can locate a copy!
DeleteAll of the outfits are very becoming! May have to give that pattern a second look.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda!
DeleteI instantly added this pattern to my list for next time they're on sale! You did a great job on these, I like your fabric choices very much. The lace chest is beautiful, but perhaps it competes (dilutes?) the prints tunics.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kathie! That's my concern about the vest too.
DeleteLove the tunics and pants, and scarves. The waterfall vest is cool, but to my eyes, worn over the printed tunics is a bit too much going on. I think it would be best over solid color matching pants and tunic. That way the waterfall vest will shine.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Patsijean. I will need to experiment with some solids.
DeleteI love the tunics, but without the vest. They look great on you. I may have to give that pattern a try.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Karen!
DeleteOh Ann!! I love all of these!! And the simple print and sheerness of the vest combined with the tunics creates a nice depth. I love it over both tunics!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nakisha. That's a great observation. It kind of makes you wonder more about the fabric underneath it.
DeleteDefinitely yay for the white lace over the tunics! Your tunic collection looks great!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Patricia!
DeleteAnn, I love them all and the lace vest is adorable! Well done!
ReplyDeleteThe lace vest looks great over the black/white print. I agree with a previous poster, it adds depth but is not too busy.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review, especially commenting on the neckline adjustments. When I saw the pattern, I thought yikes, that is a deep and wide neckline, and then I saw your adjustments - perfect! I would look for this pattern now, all three pieces look like they have real TNT potential.
Thank you! Yes, I really think it's a great pattern. I've already got a couple more pieces planned!
DeleteLove your test garment best! I've been doing narrow pants with a long tunic a lot lately. Hadn't thought to combine it with a deep slit, though. Thanks for the idea!
ReplyDeleteThanks, MJ! I like it with the leggings as well. The flares are a little dressier, but with a legging it goes casual.
DeleteI'm a big fan of mixing prints and textures, so I vote "Yay" for the vest with the tunics. The reason why I think it works is because the circular shapes in the vest fabric echo the circles in the print of the long tunic. I would go with a solid teal necklace or scarf with the long tunic and vest. The circles in the vest contrast nicely with the graphics of the short tunic - round vs. angular. I love the red necklace with this outfit! I think I'm going to have to dig out some of my ITY's and make some tunics for spring!
ReplyDeleteI like your analysis! I think you are right- a solid scarf would be better- just need to find the right shade of teal.
Delete