Even though my sewing list for the children is pretty full, I wanted to sneak a little something for myself in there as well. I recently ditched a lot of my clothes using the KonMari method and whilst I now have a very streamline wardrobe, it has some huge gaps. Namely something tunic length to wear with jeans.
The seasons are turning now. Glimpses of red leaves and a bite in the morning air means that autumn is on its way. My criteria was simple. Tunic length, with sleeves and pockets. Cue the Lisette Portfolio!
Apologies if you don't have this pattern. You won't be able to get hold of it now unless you are willing to part with good money. I don't mean to taunt. Liesl & Co came up with the Cappuccino Dress and Tunic pattern to fill the gap left by the Portfolio so go take a look...
I made View B with no alterations. This is the first time I have made the longer view and I really regret not making it before. It is perfect! I am already planning another because this will fit right in to my everyday wardrobe. Over the next few months those pockets will hold a lot of tissues, club monies, keys, hair bobbles etc. The perfect mum uniform!
I wanted something that could blend in with other items so I chose this speckled fabric from my stash. The fibres are unknown but if I had to guess, it is suiting weight with a possible linen/poly mix. It certainly frayed a lot when I was making it so all those edges are overlocked.
It has a really lovely slub linen effect with the black flecks and I am glad I found a use for it.
When using button loops, I prefer to choose shank buttons because they are already raised off the fabric and it is easier to fix the loops over properly. These are a misty grey-black colour and the perfect size. Thank you Nan for the big box of mystery buttons!
This is quite a quick sew because you don't have to set in any sleeves. The kimono style sleeve drops nicely over the shoulder and is finished off with either cuffs or a longer sleeve piece. I was tempted to add the longer sleeves and think I will on my next one.
The cuffs add a great finish though and are roomy enough for layering underneath with a long sleeved tee if desired.
One thing I did on this tunic that I should have done when I made the top version is to sew down on the top of the cuff. I stitched in the ditch of the under arm cuff seam to secure it down but because my stitches sank down into the fabric and were near invisible, I did the same on the top at the centre. The cuffs on my other one always flip open when I am wearing it even though the top of the cuff is tacked down. Stitching it down should make that more permanent and less likely to flip.