I finished the tunic on Friday, and this post shows the process. I am proud of myself for making my own base pattern from scratch, and I am happy with the fit of my new tunic. It is nice to have something that fits so perfectly. I will be making a longer tunic from this new pattern as well. I have always admired how Indian women look in their beautiful tunics with pants and scarves, so that was my inspiration for this project.
One of the things I learned about making my own patterns which I didn't really believe when I read it, was to make the pattern with no seam allowance, mark the seam line on the fabric and cut out including a seam allowance. This way when I stitch on the marked lines I know I've got it just right and I am not relying on my ability to make a perfect 1/2 seam allowance. I think I will keep doing that.
I made the facing pattern by tracing the front edge of the front pattern and eyeballing how I wanted the facing to look. That turned out to be 3" wide, not including seam allowance. For the back, I measured 3" down the shoulder seam and followed the neck curve.
For the slit in the sleeve, I cut 3" from the bottom along the marked center line. I finished the sleeves with bias binding that I made.
The right side of the neck facing was sewn onto the wrong side of the tunic and turned to the outside. I finished the outer edge of the neck facing with 3/8" wide twill tape. The lower portion of the facing was lined and left free to swing, like a built-in scarf or unruffled ruffle. I really like that part because it makes the top different from anything I have ever seen.
This back view was the final motivation I needed to start my diet. Look for a slimmer version of this pattern in the Fall!
5 comments:
Congratulations! It looks fantastic.
Cherie,
I love it! Nice design and use of fabric. Pattern making is not an easy thing to do, but you did a wonderful job!
Valerie
LOVE IT!! Pattern making is a skill I truly want to learn! I alter patterns all the time. peice together different patterns for a new look, etc. But to start from scratch... I'm impressed!!
Blessings, KimO
very chic and I totally agree about how wonderful Indian women look with their tunics and pants I think the trick there is the fabric - I don't know what kind they use but up close it looks impossibly light way and flowy without adding volume - it is obviously an art to creat a flattering tunic - congrats, love yours!
Elsie, I hear what you are saying. I am on the look out right now for some elegant light fabric for it. I said when I posted this photo on flickr that honestly it is a little loud for me and next time I will make it longer, solid and with ruffles at the elbows and instead of the dangling parts. I will post it here if I do get it made.
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