StyleARC Rowe’s Tunic
You would not believe how many StyleARC garments I have cut out at the moment. All in stretch fabric (either knits or stretch wovens). I have come to the conclusion that although I love to sew wovens, I love to wear stretch. During the week I managed to squeeze in enough dribs and drabs of sewing time to construct Rowe’s Tunic.
I’d seen a few tops on Pinterest lately with lace fronts, and wanted to give it a try. This piece of stretch lace was originally from someone else’s stash, and the blue is a Spotlight cotton/lycra picked up on sale last year. I am pleased with the combination.
I just overlaid the stretch lace on the cotton/lycra, and cut out the front and the back insert as one. I stabilised the back piece by sewing the lace to the cotton/lycra with a simple straight stitch inside the seam line, and did the same around the front neckline. Otherwise I just treated the lace as one piece with its backing and followed the instructions.
Most of the construction was on the overlocker, but I basted the neck bands on with the machine before overlocking them in place. All the pieces went together very nicely – perfect drafting. I made this in StyleARC size 12. The hem is secured in place with fusible tape, then stitched with the twin needle.
I’d quite like to make this with a slim long sleeve for winter. As it is, the weather in Melbourne has turned quite cold very rapidly, and I wore this tunic dress with leggings, a long cardi, boots and a scarf. I did receive a number of compliments on it, hooray! I was very much wearing me-made that day.
And have you been watching The Great British Sewing Bee? Oh, it is wonderful! We have been watching it on our TV via Youtube – one of the great things about a “smart” TV – and I have to say that Ann Rowley is my hero. Such exquisite stitching – and the scarf that she was wearing in episode 3 is divine! Not only can she sew and tailor beautifully, but she crochets! The scarf/wrap is called Bohemian Rhapsody – it’s had a huge number of hits on Ravelry since that episode aired on Tuesday night. Wonderful! I want to be just like Ann when I grow up…
Great! Suits you. Did you make the fawn jacket/cardi too? I loved Ann’s scarf as well. Want! Am thoroughly enjoying th GBSB, though I’d like each episode to be longer so we can see more of what the sewers are doing,and hear more of the judges’ comments. But to see sewing on TV is wonderful!!
Hi Jenny! I did make the jacket/cardi too – it is another StyleARC pattern, the Laura jacket. And the leggings are the StyleARC Laura leggings. Goodness me!
I love that show too!! Eagerly await for it to come onto YouTube each week…in fact I don’t want it to end! Thanks for the link re Anne’s scarf. Will check it out. You look so ready for a Melbourne winter in that outfit!!
PS Sackville and Lane have a pattern (and you can buy the wool from them) for a throw rug using the same principle. I’ve made it in bold colours – it’s wonderful, if I say so myself. Lot of scope for choosing your own colours too. http://www.sackvilleandlane.com.au/ Wangaratta
Thanks Jenny! I know the Sackville and Lane pattern that you are talking about. Would love to see your bold coloured throw!
Love the whole ensemble
I’ve always been wary of the StyleArc patterns (due to the sizing), but you’re making me want to try one….
You are onto a good thing with StyleArc!
What a super outfit for winter! StyleArc obviously suits you. Wouldn’t it be great if they did an Aussie Sewing Bee show one day …J
The colour is very pretty and I really like what you have done with the lace. I am also on the hunt for another knit dress pattern.
Lara I think your tunic looks fantastic. That pattern is on my wish list so I’m glad to hear you’re happy with it.