I chose size 8 after comparing my measurements to those in the book. The amount of pages printed out was huge! At least 50. It turns out that there are full front and back pattern pieces for the main fabric and lining which i find incredibly wasteful. The front and back could be cut on the fold and the lining is only slightly shorter than the main pattern pieces therefore could use the main pattern pieces with markings for cutting the hem shorter. I made a part muslin (body and sleeve) first because the pattern pieces seemed big and luckily it fit perfectly.
I was lucky enough to be able to choose some fabric for my birthday at work and decided on the Zin Ash as my main fabric and Pink Hyou for a contrasting lining. The pattern takes up a fair amount of fabric, i ended up making a seam down the centre back of the lining to use the fabric efficiently.
The only unpicking i did was to reapply the pocket, i’d managed to sew it on slightly wonky the first time and it’s far from perfect the second time but it’s staying put!
My favourite detail? The cowl neck of course (perfect for robbing banks) with the kangaroo pocket being a close second. I used elastic in the cowl with linen ties attached to the ends and sewed the elastic in place at the back seam to stop it from being pulled out.
I used toggles from Tessuti on the ends of the ties, they really finish the tunic off and were a mere $1.40 each. I added rivets to the pocket which i had in my stash. The lining is hemmed separately from the main fabric so it hangs nicely.
The only downside…creasing of the linen but i’m not fussed about that so much.
I love this tunic, i’ve been needing more casual (out of work) clothes and this fits the bill. It’s incredibly comfortable and the cowl acts as a scarf. I think made slightly longer it would be perfect as a dress. I also wonder how it would look with longer sleeves, my arms are a little chilly but i’m thinking of fixing this problem by making a long sleeve black tee for underneath.
There are a number of other patterns in this book i’m interested in sewing and some i’m not keen on at all, overall it’s a great book and i highly recommend it…
linen, cotton
Intermediate
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Denise's Desk
Share stories of the sewing machines in your life.
Jul 10, 2011, 03.47 AMby Emma Jeffery
I love this!
Jul 6, 2011, 10.54 AMby Peachykeen89
This is awesome! I have this book too and love it, only problem is the patterns printing- I solve this by adjusting them to go on the fold, and arrange them in a more paper-friendly way using adobe illustrator before I print them out.
Jul 5, 2011, 08.35 PMby JuliaBobbin
This is absolutely fantastic! Spot on.
Jul 5, 2011, 08.35 PMby madebymeg
nice! and i love the collar lining.
Jul 5, 2011, 08.20 PMby Samoha
wow this very nice.. where did you get this pattern ??
1 Reply
Jul 5, 2011, 11.44 PMby nikkishell
From the book Twinkle Sews. you ca see an image of the cover in my pictures.
Jul 5, 2011, 03.26 PMby ginasophia
love it! especially the lining!!
1 Reply
Jul 5, 2011, 08.21 PMby Samoha
I agree with you the lining is a nice touch :)