Skip to main content

Made by a Fabricista: Tunics with ITY Knits

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!

Ann 

Comments

  1. Great Tunics! have to give this pattern a try.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I 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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Lynne! The vest is using Butterick 4989. It's now out of print, but a nice pattern if you can locate a copy!

      Delete
  3. All of the outfits are very becoming! May have to give that pattern a second look.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Kathie! That's my concern about the vest too.

      Delete
  5. Love 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Patsijean. I will need to experiment with some solids.

      Delete
  6. I love the tunics, but without the vest. They look great on you. I may have to give that pattern a try.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Nakisha. That's a great observation. It kind of makes you wonder more about the fabric underneath it.

      Delete
  8. Definitely yay for the white lace over the tunics! Your tunic collection looks great!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Ann, I love them all and the lace vest is adorable! Well done!

    ReplyDelete
  10. The lace vest looks great over the black/white print. I agree with a previous poster, it adds depth but is not too busy.

    Thanks 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! Yes, I really think it's a great pattern. I've already got a couple more pieces planned!

      Delete
  11. Love 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, MJ! I like it with the leggings as well. The flares are a little dressier, but with a legging it goes casual.

      Delete
  12. I'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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I like your analysis! I think you are right- a solid scarf would be better- just need to find the right shade of teal.

      Delete

Post a Comment

Thanks for leaving a comment! All comments are reviewed before posting to help us eliminate spam. Your comment will be posted within 24 hours.

Popular Posts You Might Like

Made by a Fabricista: Milo + Citrine

Hello sewing friends! It’s Andrea - @happy.things.here on IG and today I’m on the blog to share some sew inspo on one of my favorite kinds of garments to make – cardigans! I absolutely love making them and wearing them year-round, whether it’s an extra layer for around my house in the winter, as my outermost layer in Spring and Fall, or paired with a dress on a cooler summer evening. I love love love cardigans! And there are so many great cardigan patterns out there – chances are that each of your favorite pattern companies offers multiple cardigan patterns. Button-less cardigans are great beginner patterns, and a handmade cardigan is a lovely personalized gift since it’s more forgiving for fit and you don’t have to know someone’s exact measurements to make one. And you can make them in all sorts of knit fabrics too.  Today I chose two cardigan patterns to share with you that I think bring a little something extra to the table. They are the Seamwork Milo and the Made by Rae Citrine.

Week 4: Jeansmaking- What They Made

This is it, the final round! And we certainly did not go easy on our three remaining contestants this time. This round they had to make their own pair of well fitting jeans. I think they all did an absolutely outstanding job! Take a look what these ladies accomplished & be sure to vote for your favorite! (Link at bottom of post.) And, don't forget to show us your me-made jeans on Facebook or Instagram. Details at the bottom of this post. Danesha from  Classyfied Life So first I must say that this entire challenge has been just that...a challenge! Two weeks ago there was hurricane Irma and I was blessed enough to not lose power and then I went out into the aftermath to capture some photos of my submission. Then two weeks ago I had a big trip planned so I had to do EVERYTHING  in two days . Then the BIGGEST challenge of all...THIS week! I got the challenge and I was super excited to have an extra few days and then before I could even get started I ended up in the eme

Made by a Fabricista: Revving up your style in the Dana Marie Moto Jacket

Hey friends - I am so excited to have been invited to participate as a Fabric Mart Fabricista this month!  This year is the year I challenge my sewing skills.   I have wanted a moto jacket for some time.  Not just any moto jacket but one that has a classic and timeless style. I saw the Dana Marie Moto Jacket pattern on the Fabric Mart website and knew that was the one.  The fabric I used was a beautiful porcelain white/black/silver 100% polyester plaid weave boucle suiting.    Remember when I said I wanted to challenge my sewing skills?  😉 This fabric was beautiful but fragile to work with.  It was a great mental challenge that had me problem solving before sewing to avoid any potential problems.  I first traced out the pattern onto tissue paper to determine the fit.   I used scrap cotton fabric to sew up a “practice run” of the jacket.    I was pleasantly surprised at how easily the jacket comes together.   I sewed up the muslin in one evening.  It was time to cut into the beautifu