Lisa of Crafty Mamas has a great eye for a flattering pattern.  I made the Cherish dress four times over the course of summer, and now that I’ve made the Lovely Layers tunic once, I know it will happen again.

I made the size Large, with the scoop neckline option. Mine is a couple of inches shorter than the tunic length pattern piece, because of fabric width restrictions. This pattern certainly does take a lot of fabric – the hemlines are the full width! I chose the long sleeved option. There were no other alterations.

This is another pattern that fits closely around the shoulders, upper chest and bust, then flares out to skim over the tummy, hips, bum and thighs. I rather like the long draped sides. And can you tell that I did a pretty good job of matching up the stripes? I even impressed myself. It would have been good if I’d snipped off those long threads before the above photo was taken too. I’ve done it now.

The neckband worked out rather better than anticipated. I wanted a narrow black stripe right on the fold, which was easy to press, but didn’t realise until I’d sewn it up that there would also be a narrow back stripe encircling the neckband seamline. Hooray – I couldn’t have done it better if I’d tried. The fabric was from the Darn Cheap Fabrics $2 per metre table; a slight crumpled/creased viscose/lycra blend (I think). It was lovely to sew with and to wear – and if you’re quick I think that there are still a few bolts left!

And did you notice my beautiful hand-crafted necklace? Made by my Stella for Mother’s Day. There’s also a hand-beaded bracelet made by my Clare on one wrist.  So sweet. I’ve also got the Crafty Mamas Frida pattern ready to sew soon. And another Lovely Layers tunic all cut out…when you’re onto a good thing, stick to it!