The Tunic Bible Blog Tour and Giveaway!

I have been a long time admirer of the work of the authors Julie Starr and Sarah Gunn. When they invited me to make a tunic from their, not then released book, I was thrilled! I initially thought I was to be a pattern tester, but learned my make would be included in the book gallery alongside other sewists I admire. I did not attend American high school, but I felt like I was invited to eat lunch at the "cool kids table"! 

When you call something a "Bible", you set the bar pretty high for meeting all your needs. This book claims to be "the only tunic pattern you'll every need! It includes a graded bodice pattern with alternate neck plackets, collars, and sleeves that allow you to tailor tunics to suit any style, length and fabric. After reading and sewing from this book, I think it lives up to its' name.

I have mentioned before that I loathe tracing patterns. I am also lazy when it comes to learning a new pattern writers process. It doesn't stop me from making them, but it does slow me down. These usual prohibitions become irrelevant with the limitless options available here. The book is visually appealing and loaded with inspiration and mixing formulas to customize your tunic.

With so many possibilities, I happily contemplated which of the many versions I would make. The beauty of this book is that even if you are not  tunic wearer, you can find a style that works for you. In the end, I chose the short tunic with the shorty placket and the ruffle sleeve.

I made my tunic in an Ankara Wax print based on my measurements with no adjustments. I love the silhouette and the way it skims my body without being to snug. I did not add a zipper when I made it last Fall. I am recovering from 2 knee surgeries since then and suffering from a lack of cardio. I may add a zipper now to help ease getting it on and off.

I was drawn to this tunic option because of this ruffle sleeve. It's construction is like none I have done before and I love the structure it has. It is poofy and stable at the same time! 

I considered a contrast placket, but decided I wanted to showcase all of the wax fabric. This would be fun with contrasts on the ruffle and placket don't you think?

When Julie asked me to make a tunic, I immediately thought of the possibilities of a jersey hand-stitched version. The time-frame was too tight to make the book gallery deadline, but I knew I had time for the book release.

                  

I made this hand-embellished, hand-sewn tunic using the V-neck placket and slim sleeves tapered to the wide width. I stenciled and airbrushed the front fabric using my flower stencil before sewing around the shapes to secure the red layer to the black. I then removed the middle of the shapes to complete the reverse applique technique.

I stitched red and silver sequins at the ends of the pointed stars for some sparkle. To guild the lily, I added an exposed bias neckline secured with random beaded parallel stitches along the neckline.

I added a 1/2 inch fabric strip along the wrists and secured them with more random beading to mimic that of the neckline.

The wrist and dress hems are left raw and unhemmed. They will curl in time adding more texture. 

    

These tunics are unbelievably comfortable and easy to wear. Now that the pattern is traced, I am sure to try the other variations. I have my eye on a maxi length version next.

Ever generous, Sarah and Julie are giving away a copy of  The Tunic Bible to one lucky reader. The contest is open everyone nationally (hard copy) and internationally (digital copy). I will also give the winner an stenciled image felt version of this flower stencil. The 18in. x 12in. firm felt is painted with the design and just needs to be cut so you can get started. 

Enter here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

To continue the blog tour be sure to visit the other bloggers.

October 3

C&T www.ctpub.com/blog

Pattern Review www.patternreview.com/blog

October 4

Cloning Couture www.cloningcouture.com

Generation Q Magazine www.generationqmagazine.com

October 5

Oonaballoona www.oonaballoona.com

Featherstitch Avenue www.featherstitchavenue.com

October 6

Allie J www.alliemjackson.com

Thanks I Made Them www.thanksimadethem.blogspot.com

October 7

Sew Busy Lizzy www.sewbusylizzy.com

Jennuine Design www.jennuinedesign.com

October 8

Inside The Hem www.insidethehem.com

Girls in the Garden www.girlsinthegarden.net

October 9

Sew Manju www.sewmanju.wordpress.com

My Love Affair with Sewing www.myloveaffairwithsewing.com

October 10

Evolution of a Sewing Goddess www.evolutionofasewinggoddess.blogspot.com

Creating in the Gap www.creatinginthegap.ca

October 11

House of Pinheiro www.houseofpinheiro.com

The Tunic Bible www.thetunicbible.com

Happy Sewing and read your Bible,

Bianca

If I Sew for Fall Will That Usher It In?

It is so hot it feels like the height of Summer. The official start of Fall is in a few days and I am hoping  the climate gets the news! Fall is my favorite season to enjoy and for sewing projects. I love the cozy pieces, fun fabrics and layers.  

                               

At a recent pattern sale, I picked up Butterick 6388 and was waiting for a change in the weather to get sewing. The change has not come, but I could wait no longer.
                 
After much deliberation, I decided to use retro double knits from my stash. I made a black/brow version first. After getting rave reviews from my family, I made another in a cream knit of a slightly lighter weight. 

The seam lines, multiple pattern pieces, and many marks to transfer imply a level of difficulty that may be off putting, but need not be. This pattern came together very fast and with great ease. If you make it, be sure to do your stay stitching and carefully clip your curves. This will make the tricky parts go smoothly.

                            

I  made the size Medium based on my measurements.  When I pinned it to my dress form, I found the bodice a bit loose. I stitched the arm seams at 1 inch and graded back to 5/8 at the hips. I am on the fence about the fit now that I have seen the photos. It feels good, but is that too much ease?

If you have been here before, you know I have a thing for a good collar! I love the lapped collar here; it is what drew me to this pattern. The print fabric was firm enough to hold it up with no problem. I should have probably used a lightweight knit interfacing on the cream one as it falls a bit in back.

I knew going in, that the seam details of this dress would probably be lost in this print fabric choice. Luck thing I like the print, so I don't mind.

They are clearly more visible on the plain canvas of the cream knit fabric.

I usually prefer side seam pockets as a rule. I find I can put more in them without the changing the look and flow of the item. These will keep my hands warm, but they will not hold much. Additionally, a pet peeve of mine is seeing the outline of pockets against my skin in light colored garments. To avoid this problem, I used fabric in a brown that matches my skin tone.This color choice camouflages the pockets without distracting from the look of the dress front.

This is the pocket outline if I used white. Above it, is the indistinguishable outline of the brown pocket.

 In addition to this change, I also added more top stitching than the pattern suggested. I carried it down the angled seam

I am 5’8” and like my legs, (it only took a few decades). This is “just” the right length for me. It is borderline too short. If you are uncertain of the length, cut it longer and make a deeper hem. 

I am pleased with these dresses. I think they will transition well into Fall and Winter with some added tights and a coat. The vest and the shirt patterns will be good options as well. If this is on your list, I say grab it and make it.

Happy Sewing,

Bianca

Jeanius Refashioned Coat Using Simplicity 1254

It is 90 degrees in Texas and I have made my Winter coat! I am so ahead of the game this year! Yay me! Okay, that is not completely accurate. I have finished my Winter coat from last year! 

I began this refashioned, pieced denim coat last Winter using Simplicity 1254 by Leanne Marshall. After spending many hours piecing the coat exterior, I lost my sewjo. All the improvising and auditioning placement of pieces, took it out of me. That coupled with the rapid change in weather, relegated the shell of this coat to my W.I.P. pile.  

I picked this project up again when Lisa over at Pattern and Branch alerted me to the #Refashioners2016 #Jeanius challenge. The Refashioners is a challenge created by Portia Lawrie of Makery that showcases ways to refashion a selected garment. This years challenge is denim from jeans.

To make my coat I pieced 9 pair of men's and women's jeans. After "making" my fabric base, I cut the pieces and sewed per instructions.

The cowl is large and can be used as a hood if you prefer. My choice of denim makes it too heavy for that to be practical. 

  

The only change I made to the instructions was to add two snaps to the underside of the front facing. This part is made using the waistband from one of the jeans. It it does not lay flat because of its' thickness. The snaps keep it together. 

The inside of the coat is lined with Dutch Wax fabric. As is normal with me and linings, I had some troubles with sewing it. Nothing about the pattern just me and the way my brain works. It required a little more concentration, but I go the job done.

Lining Front

Lining back

It is funny, when I pulled this from the W.I.P pile, I couldn't remember why I lost my sewjo. I expected to see glaring problems to resolve. There were none. It serves as a reminder to walk away from stressful situations and projects if you can. Time away gives new perspectives and can reignite excitement after the love is gone.

How about you think about making a project? The challenge goes until September 30th so you have time. 

Happy Sewing,
Bianca

A New Embroidery Machine For Me!

Thank you to those who voted for my hand-sewn dress! I won second place in the Allbrands Sewing Contest! I won a Brother sewing-embroidery machine. Here are the details of my new toy. I cannot wait to begin playing with it!  

                              
An inspiration to modish mavens and fashionistas, the Project Runway Limited Edition LB6770 PRW sewing and embroidery combination machine brings new creative potential to a designer’s palette. With 70 built-in embroidery designs, five monogramming fonts and 120 frame pattern combinations, the LB6770 PRW imparts style and panache to designer creations. Using the 67 built-in stitches, 98 stitch functions and 10 styles of one-step automatic buttonholes, this limited edition machine brings added dimension, color, texture, imagery and sophistication to apparel. The built-in embroidery card slot allows the use of thousands of optional Brother embroidery designs for greater differentiation tailored to a designer’s unique vision.

Design it with Sewing

• 67 Built-in Stitches
• 98 Stitch Functions
• 10 One-stop Automatic Buttonholes
• Advanced Needle Threader Saves Wear and Tear on Eyes/Fingers
• Built-in Variety of Utility and Decorative Stitches
• Automatic Push-Button Thread Cutter
• Super Bright, LED-Lit Work Area
• Super-Easy Bobbin Winding System

Embellish It With Embroidery

• 70 Built-in Embroidery Designs
• 5 Alphanumeric Fonts
• 120 Frame Pattern Combinations
• Embroidery Rotation in 90˚, 10˚ and 1˚ Increments
• Embroider Designs up to 4” x 4”
• Built-in Memory Allows User to Save up to 12 Embroidery Designs
• On-Screen Editing to Create the Perfect Embroidery Patterns
• Built-in Card Slot Enables Use of 1000s of Optional Brother Embroidery Designs

Sewing Stitches

• Stitch Attributes: Mirror, twin, multi-directional, side cutter, satin stitch regulator
• Stitch Width: up to 7.0 mm
• Stitch Length: up to 5.0 mm
• Utility stitch functions: Yes
• Reinforcement Function: Yes
• Quilting stitch functions: Yes
• Heirloom stitch functions: Yes
• Built-in Decorative Stitches: Yes

Embroidery Pattern

• Monogramming Fonts: 5
• Frame Patterns: 10 frames, 12 patterns
• Decorative Patterns: Yes
• Media Recognition: Memory Cards
• Embroidery File Formats: .PES and .DST embroidery data files are compatible with this machine. 

Needle/Thread Features

• Needle Threading System: Advanced
• Upper Thread Tension System for perfect stitches on any fabric: Manual
• Needle Positions: 15
• # of needles: Single needle machine
• Bobbin: Top (horizontal)/Drop-in Quick Set™
• Thread Sensors: Upper Thread and Bobbin Sensors
• Thread Cutter Button: Push-Button Automatic
• Bobbin winding system: Super Easy Bobbin Winding System

Machine Features

• Maximum Sewing Speed (stitch per minute): 710
• Free Arm: Yes
• Presser Foot Attachment: Snap-on
• Drop Feed Function: Yes
• LCD Touch Control Panel: Backlit, Touch Screen 380 mm x 710 mm
• Presser Foot Pressure: Auto
• Maximum Embroidery Field: 4” x 4”

Screen/Software

• On-Screen Editing: Yes
• Display Control Panel: Backlit, Touch Screen 380 mm x 710 mm
• Compatible with PE-Design/PED Basic: Yes
• Design Memory: Yes (sewing/embroidery)

Carton Contents

• Accessory Storage: Yes
• In the box: 7 feet (buttonhole, overcasting, monogramming, zipper, zigzag, blind hem, and button fitting), seam ripper, 4 bobbins including clips, needle set, twin needle, cleaning brush, eyelet punch, screwdriver, touch pen, 3 spool caps, spool pin, spool net, foot controller, scissors, disc-shaped screwdriver, embroidery hoop, accessory case, and manual.

I feel like a college Freshman on day one of school. I have no experience with embroidery machines and everything I read is like a new language. There is so much to learn and I am so excited to see what I can do with this machine. If you have any tips, or resources you can share, I would really appreciate it. 

Happy Sewing,

Bianca

Summer is for Maxi Dresses

                              

I love an airy maxi dress for hot summer days. I recently made Mccalls 7121 in a rayon jersey from Fabric Mart. This dress was fast to sew and feels fantastic to wear. 

                          

I love this easy pattern and fun fabric options on the pattern cover. When making my dress, I opted to skip the instructions and sew the dress to include an all-in-one facing for the shoulder and neck edges. I wanted to have a clean finish on all the edges and not fiddle with hemming them. To do this, I sewed the front bodice to the front skirt, leaving the center seam unsewn. I then sewed the front to back at the shoulders.

   

                    

Dress back at the bottom of the frame and the separate front pieces are at the top. 

I made the facing by copying the bodice front and back pattern pieces so the top is a double layer. My fabric is very light so it is not bulky. I then sewed the shoulder seams together. I pinned them right sides together to the dress and sewed the neckline and armholes leaving the lower portions open for turning. My Afro Diva Pincushion is supervising every step of the way.

                              

After turning, I opened out the seams and sewed them right sides together, end to end closing all the seams. I tacked the facing to the dress at the side seams and a few places along the waist seam to prevent rolling.

At this point, I tried it on and liked the fit without the elastic casing so I left it out. I liked the slight nip at the waist without the feel of the bunching there.

                                                                 

I have littles who love leg hugs and cuddles. a center front slit is not a good idea. I shifted it to the right side and hemmed it with a twin needle.

                         

I love a racerback and this one is defined, yet provides great bra coverage.

                       

This fabric is luscious and feels wonderful! Thank you to those of you who voted for my bias strip skirt in the PR contest. I used my prize gift certificate to purchase this and 17 pounds of wonderful fabric from Fabric Mart.

                               

It is my first purchase from the site and I am pretty pleased. The fabric quality, shipping and customer service was all great. With the end of Hancock Fabrics, this is a welcome find.

                            

While I have your ear, I have entered a Facebook contest that is based on "likes". Why as an introvert I would enter a popularity contest is still nuts to me, but I am stretching myself. Anyway, I would really appreciate it if you would risk the political and racial posts of friends and acquaintances and vote for my dress by "liking" it. 

This is the link to make my day :) by voting for my Alabama Chanin Handsewn dress.

Thanks and Happy Sewing,
Bianca