Although I generally buy my Style Arc patterns in hard copy, I am a sucker for a Style Arc pdf pattern sale.  It’s when I buy the patterns that were in my mental ‘maybe’ list, as long as they don’t take too many A4 pages.  The Elani tunic fitted in to that category.

I sewed this in a printed linen remnant from Darn Cheap Fabrics. I am really focusing this year on sewing down my stash. We’re in mid-March, and I’ve only bought two pieces of fabric. Some green linen that I bought in NZ – so really, that’s a souvenir – and yesterday a piece of embroidered denim that will become a dress for Clare. So I’m doing pretty well! (Let’s not mention the restash fabric that entered my house and other fabric gifts from a generous friend…)

The pattern description from the website is as follows:  Versatile style with all the features you would want in a tunic. Easy to make and wear with its dropped shoulder, turned back cuff, inseam pockets and a dropped back hemline. How could you not love it? FABRIC SUGGESTION Linen, Crepe, or any suitable woven.

I think that there are some similarities between this tunic and the Adeline dress.  The faced V neckline, the cocoon shaping, the high-low hemline.  But there are enough differences for me to justify buying the Elani pattern rather than trying to modify the Adeline.  The inseam pockets, for one!

The sleeve bands/cuffs are also cut separately and sewn on. I topstitched the facings into place, but most of the construction was on the overlocker. I sewed a straight size 12. In these photos I’m wearing the tunic with the Style Arc Sage pants, sewn in Style Arc bengaline.

I especially like the shape of these pants – a narrow leg, without being skin tight. I cut the front yoke piece double, which adds a bit of tummy support. I find that the waistband width and the rise of this pants pattern is super comfortable.  They’re constructed on the overlocker, with the hems twin needled.

As with all Style Arc pants patterns, I remove length from the pattern piece both above and below the knee before I cut them out. I’m about 158 cm tall. From the Style Arc website:  Designed to sit on the waist this is our new Bengaline pant block. Shaped front yoke and side panels along with its fashionable slim leg is ideal for all shapes and sizes. FABRIC SUGGESTION & DESCRIPTION Stretch Bengaline is perfect! Or any stretch woven with approx. 5% spandex.

When sewing bengaline pants I choose the pattern size according to my hip size.  Remember, my waist is two to three sizes larger than my hips.  The stretch in the bengaline accommodates the difference very nicely.  I cut the waistband elastic to the same length as the waistband pattern piece.  This means that there is negative ease around my waist and mid-section – which is also what keeps my pants up.  A completely different fitting situation to those with a ‘pear’ shaped body!  I’ve tried grading patterns to fit my waist measurement, but when I do that the differential between my hips and waist isn’t enough for them to stay on properly!  I need that negative ease (therefore elastic) around the waist.

All in all, this is another pleasing Style Arc combination!