Sewing flannel

Every once in a while, I have to pull this pattern out and play with it.  It's such a great basic. 




I love how this fits me with minimal alterations. 

My fashion photographer was making me laugh.  Such a goof sometimes, but in a good way!

As you can see, I lengthened the sleeves by 2.5 inches.  I cut the collar, stand, and cuffs on the bias.  I also added bias pockets.

I eliminated the side slits as I am hoping to wear this with leggings and I don't want any extra flesh poking out of those slits.

Here are my alterations: 

1.  I lengthened from mid-shoulder to the apex by 1 inch.

2.  I lengthened the bust curve by 1 inch.

3.  I lengthed between the shoulder blades and waistband.

That's it!

This isn't my most precise plaid matching I've ever done, but it is certainly passable and wearable.

I can't even describe to you how luscious this fabric is on your skin!  It's warm, weighty, and so very soft!  I purchased it from a quilt shop when I was in North Dakota for a business trip.

Playing with which pieces were cut on the bias was great fun!  It added a bit of creativity to a simple pattern.  

I used my Kam snaps and pliers to attach my plastic snaps.  I love these.  I promise, the snaps are lined up precisely.  They look uneven here, but aren't.  

Thanks for reading and I hope you are making some weather appropriate garments!

Sue 

Comfy, cozy flannel

I love flannel!  Do you?  It is warm, soft, and comes in wonderful colors and patterns.  I found this plaid fabric when a local quilt shop decided to sell off all their fabric.  I wish I would have purchased more colors and patterns! It is truly lovely to work with.  And oh yes, this post is LATE!!!  Better late than never, right?

I couldn't decide what to make with it or what exactly I would do with it but knew I loved the gray and muted red together.

For inspiration, I turn to the web and a lot of times Pinterest.  Instead of a typical button up the front and collared shirt, I thought this tunic from StyleArc might be fun.  The pattern isn't designed for flannel but with the looser fit and blouson top, I thought it would work so I'll let you decide if the final execution was worth it or not.  I will say however that I wore it today and received many compliments!

This tunic is called the Ginnie.  It has a front band, drawstring at the hip level, envelope pockets that are lower than the bust, roll sleeves and a shaped hemline.  I made just a few modifications.

As you can see, I cut the front band and pocket flaps on the bias to give it a little visual interest.  I interfaced the areas that called for interfacing as suggested by the pattern.  For StyleArc, the directions were actually pretty good!  The only head-scratching moment I had was in regards to the envelope pockets.

This is the first time I've ever made them and while they aren't complicated, I was confused!  If you look at the diagram of the pocket and think about it, they go together fairly easily.  Don't be like me and over think it.

I lengthened the sleeves so they are full-length and also the hemline so it covers my backside more thoroughly.  There is nothing worse that tugging on a top that is too short.  I didn't initially add the sleeve tabs but might now that I have worn it.

I will make this tunic again in a lighterweight fabric that is more flowy as that is how it was designed. I love breaking the sewing rules now and then, don't you?

Thanks for reading, I love this top and felt warm, cozy, and if it is okay to say, confident in my new top.  As you can see, I included some 'action' shots of my favorite little buddy (my grandson Simon). He was 'helping' me decorate the Christmas tree!  

Sue :)