Tuesday 30 September 2014

FO: Simplicity 2246/ Traveller tunic for autumn

Dress #1 - thrifted duvet cover used as fabric
Hah hah...regular readers may fall of their chair at this ...an actual completed sewn garment.  Whatever next eh?
It is the Sew Lisette/ Simplicity Traveller pattern 2246.
I made it as a dress (View A) twice.
Dress #2 in dark blue cotton

   This time I opted for view B, more of a long shirt or do you call it a tunic?  What ever it is an ideal length to go over jeans or leggings.
Fabric:
 I used some cotton fabric I bought on sale at the start of the year.  I think it is Robert Kaufman chambray but I cannot quite remember. A lot has happened since I bought it.  I am not even sure where I bought it from or why. This is weird as I rarely buy fabric.  It was some kind of impulse purchase.   But it was hanging around in my stash, taking up too much space. I am glad to have used it up.  It looks brownish but in fact is orange and purple threads woven together.  This gives it an iridescent quality in some lights.
Pattern:
I cut a straight size 12.  I didn't do any adjustments except shorten the sleeve length.
View B has a shorter length and a curved hem, it has a standup collar and button plackets.  It is really straightforward to sew.  Just two bust darts and then seams, a tiny bit of gathering to ease in the sleeve.  I think it could be a good pattern if you wanted to conquer a button hole making fear as you have to sew eight but there is nothing else in the pattern that is tricky.

That's not a tail, just a cardigan hanging up behind me
For buttons I used these painted wooden ones given to me by Katy in last year's Spring Sewing Swap.   I hesitated over using them as I wasn't sure if novelty buttons scream HANDMADE.  But then I decided they gave the shirt a bit of a lift.

 I also made the matching tie belt.  I have been wearing the tunic a lot as I have found it to be a great transitional autumnal top.  It has a bit of ease throughout but I like that as I am so uncomfortable in anything clingy.  Plus it covers up a multitude of chocolate eating.   I am thinking about making another one. I 'd quite like a plaid one for winter.

I have seen other similar styles of pattern out there and was tempted by a few, but I just don't have spare money now to buy patterns so I am determined to sew with what I have.  I am still, as ever, fascinated by how much mileage and variation I can get from one pattern.

12 comments:

  1. It looks great as a tunic. I love the different colours in the weave of the fabric - and the buttons are really cute!

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    1. Thank you. I am a newly converted fan tto the two colour weave in this fabric! x

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  2. Looks to me to be the perfect autumn piece. I like fabrics woven from two colours, they are lovely and subtle. I could also envisage this made up in plaid Brushed cotton - so cosy for winter!

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    1. You are on my wavelength. Brushed cotton plaid would be perfect for winter. x

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  3. They all look great - I particularly like the blue one.

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  4. Oh your travellers always push my inspiration buttons!!! I do love the dresses so thanks for the reminders of those. Your tunic though looks really great as a practical piece that you'll get lots of enjoyment from. Lovely fabric and buttons - I've just used some 'crafters' buttons on a cardigan and think they can give a real lift and enable admiration so that you can say, 'why thank you, I made it myself!'

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  5. Looks great and the fabric looks very comfortable. The lenght is just perfect, really hard to find in shops.

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  6. It looks lovely! I love the fabric and the buttons. It's a perfect colour for autumn!

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  7. Love that color! that's a style I can relate to. ;) plus I like multi-purpose patterns too

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  8. This looks so great on you and it's perfect for this time of year!

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  9. I'm all for getting the most out of a pattern! The chambray looks lovely, the perfect colour for autumn. :)

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