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Sewing is therapy for me. I hoard fabric, patterns, notions, and spend more time shopping for fabric than I care to admit...

Saturday, December 20, 2014

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 

10 comments:

  1. I think we must have the same taste! I've made this pattern once and loved it, but I tried putting the sleeves in flat and had a lot of issues with ease. Perhaps I should set them in according to the directions. That problem alone has prevented me from making this a second time, even though I'd love to do so. I also used a band at the neckline and was pleased with the result. Yay for sparkly fun!

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    1. Thanks Beth! Yes, for some reason this pattern seems to call for set in sleeves. I don't think you'd get the same *tailored* look as you would with the sewn in flat sleeves.

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  2. Gorgeous! It's a perfect amount of sparkle! I like the fit of this very much and the length is absolutely spot-on.

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    1. Well thank you Nakisha! You are always so nice! 😄

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  3. This is lovely. The fabric, style and length are great. Too much inspiration for me too close to Christmas, though!! Maybe next time. Merry Christmas.

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    1. Thank you Anne! If you do have some time, this only took about 2.5 hours! Merry Christmas to you!

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  4. I love this, Sue! Looks beautiful on you. And what a plus, no FBA!

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    1. Thank you Coco! I know no fba and no pulling or drag lines! Bonus!

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  5. Not sure, but I don't think my last post/comment was taken, so, here we go, again!
    Love the tunic, right amount of sparkle and the fit and length are perfect! TFS, Annette from PR.com

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    1. Thank you Annette! I appreciate your kind words!

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