It's Holiday Sparkle Time!

Oh the holidays--they sneak up, you have some events to attend, you need some sparkle, what's a girl to do?
Well...you find a pattern and fabric, that's what you do!

So, along comes Vogue 8950 a simple tunic with tons of style and color blocking options!  How adorable is the version above?  I thought about color blocking but the word sparkle kept popping into my head so...

I found a lovely fabric at-hold onto your shorts here-Joann.  I know, I know, Joann and I don't speak much these days and Hancock didn't have what I was hoping for so along came this lovely sparkly fabric that was so soft and had just enough heft to it that I decided to go for it.  And, you know what?  I wasn't disappointed!  That doesn't mean I am going to be a regular-except for patterns, thread, zippers, etc.  It just means that if I do find a fabric that looks and feels awesome, I will at least consider using it.  :)

It's pretty, right?  I think so!

Ok, so where was I?  Back to the tunic....

I chose the Very Easy Vogue pattern which is described as semi-fitted.  I think it is a little roomier than that, but that's okay.  I made view C which is longer and a solid or no color blocking.  This pattern does call for a fabric with quite a bit of stretch, no?   

I made only a few tweaks to this pattern.  I made a straight 14 based on my high bust measurements.  Even though it is semi-fitted, I still feel like it is roomy and for next time, I'll make at least one size smaller.  I took in the shoulder seam at the neckline a good inch as it seemed to hang on me and I make my usual 1/2" swayback adjustment.  Since I don't like folding over the neckline and stitching in place, I added a narrow band and topstitched it on the right side.  In fact, I topstitched all the seams on the right side just to keep the seam in place.  Sorry about this picture being upside down!

I did sew the sleeves into the armhole instead of flat which was incredibly easy and no, I didn't need to ease stitch.  I just pinned the crap out of the sleeve cap and it worked beautifully.    

Alright, enough!  Here it is on me and I am ready for the party with some dear friends!
I wore this with some striped leggings which are tone on tone and I love my black boots.  I have worn the crap out of them but they still have quite a bit of life in them.

See, no FBA needed with this top!
I do however recommend a muslin which I did make.  That is where I discovered the need to take in the shoulders at the neckline.

The sleeves were a little long and I just took them up a bit at the hemline.  Length is great for a tunic as I don't want any wardrobe mishaps!

Other reviewers have mentioned there are not finished measurements on the pattern tissue or envelope but that isn't such a big deal to me, especially since I am a recent convert to making a muslin.

I do like to stabilize the shoulders with clear elastic and did so.

  

I think I am ready for the holidays, how about you?  I think I have a new TNT...more versions to come before I decide for sure!

Thanks for reading!

Sue