It's Been Awhile

Hi Sewing Friends,

It has been awhile since I posted any sewing projects.  A lot has happened in the past month and a half.  Here are some highlights.

Me and one of my sewing students made a trek up to Vogue Fabrics in Evanston to see what we could see and buy.  Lol  

I had an eye procedure to remove a cyst from my right eye.  It had been there for over a year but didn't hurt. What brought me to the ophthalmologist in the first place was I had started seeing floaters in that same eye.  To my surprise, I learned that floaters are a common condition that happens with age.  The eye becomes more fluid over time.  Anyway, the cyst was removed mid March, and it took some time for my eye to heal.  

Other news, my nephew, Christopher wanted to make a turkey dinner, but didn't know how.  I volunteered to teach  him how to roast a turkey, cook collar greens, corn, and make some buttery potatoes.  His meal turned out very well.  We sat down with my daughter and had a lovely dinner.

We had two book club meetings: March and April.  Both books were good, but I like the second the most.

I didn't take any photos of my garments until a month after my eye procedure.  Now, I'm just starting to post me wearing them.  

I'm showcasing Vogue V1937 view A, worn with Vogue V1929 pants. 

Tunic Delight - Vogue V1937 - Sandra Betzina

 

Pattern Description:  Misses' Dress and Tunic:  Pleat front A-line dress or tunic with back yoke.  View A has side seam pockets, contrast collar, cuffs and hem facings.  View B has lantern sleeves, contrast upper sleeves, yoke lining and hem facings, stitched to outside.  Purchased trim.

Pattern Sizing:  A - J corresponding measurements included.  I made view B (tunic), and I used sizes E and F.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Yes, it did.  The sleeves were slightly longer on me than on the model.  It could be related to the sizing.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Yes, the instructions were easy to follow.  Sandra Betzina also included some tips for making bust and back adjustments along with some construction tips.  Note:  I still need to tack down the front pleat.  

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I have a few likes:  The lantern sleeves are beautiful; the trim around the neckline and below the yoke, and the contrast at the hem.

No real dislikes.

Fabric Used:  I used an Ankara fabric that I purchased at Djenne Collection on 95th Street.  The contrasting fabric is a basic cotton from JoAnn's. All fabrics pre-washed and dried.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I made a few small changes:

• I made bias tape for the trim instead a purchasing a fancy trim.  This first tunic was to test the pattern and the design for me.
• The sizing - I tweaked the fit between sizes E and F.
• I added 1/2" across the shoulder blades for prominent shoulder blades.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I think I will make the tunic again in one of the recommended fabrics.  I used a crisper fabric because I was going for more of a dashiki look.  With a crepe or silky fabric the tunic will hang closer to the body and have more drape than my version of it. I also want to make the dress.  And yes, I do recommend it to others.  I do suggest that you should transfer all markings especially on the front of the top.

Conclusion: I enjoyed making this tunic.  It was not difficult to sew and the instructions were good.  The finished top really looks great.  I hope to post pictures of me wearing it soon.

Thanks and Happy Sewing,

Cennetta