HANDMADE STYLE : TUNIC

Handmade Style by Anna Graham (aka Noodlehead)
Tunic pattern
Cotton + Steel rayon from the Honeymoon collection by Sarah Watts
buttons from the button dept.

First. Do you have a copy of this book? You need it. Anna has compiled a collection of projects that are all really exciting and I want to make practically everything in this book. For real!

I’ve admired Anna for such a long time. She is well known for her beautifully designed bag patterns like the 241 Tote, the Trail Tote, Cargo Duffle and Super Tote. Even though we haven’t met in person (yet!) I also know that she is just the sweetest lady.

I knew right away which project I wanted to make first. I just loved the look of the tunic. We had just received the newest Cotton + Steel rayons which I think have the perfect drape for this top. The Honeymoon collection Ziplines print is a favourite of mine and I’m tempted to get all the colours in this print. I also want to use this swirly design idea on the workroom’s longarm, I think it would look cute on a quilt.

I had fun sewing this tunic. I wasn’t too sure what to expect from the rayon and while it’s slippery to cut, it didn’t give me any trouble with the sewing. I used a rotary cutter and ruler for the rectangular pieces and that definitely helped. I matched the zipline pattern from the front piece to the back piece which was pretty simple to do since the repeat is pretty clear.

My buttonholes are a bit wobbly. Next time I need to do buttonholes on rayon, I’ll use a better interfacing or stabilizer so that they hold their shape better. Other than that, everything came together very smoothly. I especially love how the bias finished hem looks. It was really easy to sew and looks super professional. I’ll definitely use that technique for future curved hems.

My next project to tackle from Handmade Style will be the wallet. I desperately need a new one and this one looks perfect.