Tessuti Colette Tunic
Here I am again with another Tessuti pattern! Thanks for your comments on the Judy top in my last post and your suggestions for potentially “saving” it – nah, it’s not going to happen, it’s been in the give-away wardrobe for months now. I really enjoy making things from scratch, but alterations are not really my thing. So, onto the Tessuti Colette Tunic.
I’ll be honest with you from the start – this isn’t a hit either. However, this time I think it’s due more to the fabric choice. My fault, rather than the pattern. The fabric is a fairly sheer printed voile that I bought in Chiang Mai, and it’s just not quite right for this pattern. It’s a little too crisp, yet has stretched out a bit in the bias neckband application. And I really haven’t worked out how to style it yet.
I sewed the tunic length, and have considered shortening it to shirt length. However, I might try playing around more with the styling first – or I might try using it as a pool coverup (but let’s be honest – I spend very little time at the pool or the beach). Or it might end up in that give-away wardrobe….it’s a shame, because I love the print and the colourway.
The Tessuti website describes this pattern as follows: Colette Tunic Top – This comfortable, loose tunic top is the perfect beach cover-up or, in a shorter length, a light and cool summer top. The design features a yoke with button closure, gathered centre front panel, panelled back and three quarter length raglan sleeves that are gathered onto a sleeve band. Suitable fabrics for this tunic top include lightweight cotton voiles, lightweight eyelet cottons, silk/cotton voiles, rayon and viscose.
Katherine has sewn beautiful versions of this top here and here. Looking at hers and then typing up this blog post has made me decide that I will add buttons, and I will shorten it. I’m not ready to give up on this fabric just yet!
Maybe if it was shorter and possibly a cap sleeve length it would look less granny beach top , and more summer sunshine. . The button idea sounds good.
Good luck with what you decide.
It’s such a great fabric – I would definitely give shortening a go.
I agree, love the fabric but a bit shorter.
I have just made this up and I love it
Thanks for the shout-out!
I think it looks great the way you have styled it here. You always have the perfect necklace and shoes for every garment!
Yes definitely shorten it I reckon! Great colour on you. Xx
I would shorten the hem, but not by a lot. Also make it a shaped hem – longer at the back and tipping up at the sides ( not explained well, but like a shirt). Also, In my opinion, I wouldn’t add buttons. The open neck suits you. Hope you manage to save it.
Merry Christmas! I have to say I like the top on you, with no embellishments. If it’s about the feel, would washing it a lot make it softer? Thanks for your blog and many makes. I love reading about them all!
Are the gathers at the bust a bit low? I feel like bust gathers ought to add volume to enhance the bust, but they look like they’re cutting across at an angle that’s not working.
Just needs shortening and teaming with white pants – lovely and crisp for our newly arrived Melbourne summer 😉
Great fabric (again!) so do try to find a solution that will make you happy.