Day: 31 March 2018

adult's clothing, sewing

Style Arc Maude tunic

The Style Arc Maude tunic pattern as a freebie some months ago.  It’s probably not a pattern that I would have bought.  I generally don’t sew or wear collared shirts much.  But as it turns out I really like this one!

Style Arc Maude tunic in synthetic something

The fabric came from the ‘donations’ bin at Sewjourn. There’s a big cardboard box there that has evolved into a collection of fabric that people are willing to share with others. It really comes in handy – quite often it will have the perfect scrap to cut out a facing or pockets or similar when you’ve forgotten to do it before leaving home. And other times it contains full lengths of fabric that someone else no longer wants. That’s where this came from, thank you to the donor!

Style Arc Maude tunic in synthetic something

I love the print, but as you can see the fabric is clearly very synthetic and has developed static and is sticking to me quite a bit. It was a good choice in terms of print and drape, but was also difficult to cut exactly on grain. That centre back seam is twisting a bit – it’s on the bias, but doesn’t look to be correctly on the bias.

Style Arc Maude tunic in synthetic something

There are actually only three pattern pieces for this tunic. The front and back are cut in one without shoulder seams, just that centre back seam. There is a collar stand and collar piece, and that’s it. The centre fronts have self faced button bands, and there is stitching to form armholes. From the Style Arc website: For a new season update to your wardrobe you can’t go past this gorgeous tunic. This cleverly drafted pattern has no shoulder seams and the outside top-stitched side seams allow this tunic to flow with ease. FABRIC SUGGESTION Silk, crepe, rayon or any soft woven fabric with drape.

maude-tunic

I just realised that the centre back seam is missing from the line drawing!  Depending on fabric width you could cut this top with the back ‘seam’ on the fold, which would eliminate the seam, but then you’d be left with the front facings on the bias.  Turning them neatly would then be super tricky!  I strongly suggest keeping the centre front on the straight grain.

Style Arc Maude tunic in synthetic something

I like this much more than anticipated, and would give it another go in a less staticy (I know, that’s not a word) fabric and pay more attention when cutting. This is size 12, no alterations. I was surprised to get a request for the same style from the teen, so it must be okay!

children's clothing, kids clothing, sewing

Burda 9839

This little dress is all thanks to Restash.  That’s where I picked up Burda 9839, and the fabric!

Burda 9839 with added shoulder strap in printed cotton lycra

This little Burda pattern appears to be out of print. It includes some singlet style tops, both regular length and cropped, and a one shouldered dress or cropped top. As is obvious, Stella chose the dress.

Burda 9839 with added shoulder strap in printed cotton lycra

The pattern included the ruffled neckline option, which Stella was very keen on, so I scrabbled through my stash and found a soft lightweight knit in a coordinating colour. The pattern suggested organza for the ruffle, and using the knit did create some problems in supporting the neckline. Hence the addition of a shoulder strap!

Burda 9839 with added shoulder strap in printed cotton lycra

There was no way that the dress was going to stay up comfortably without the strap. Actually, I think that even without the weight of the ruffle, a single shouldered dress is not going to sit in the right place on a pre-pubescent body. We also brought in the bodice side seams quite a bit in an attempt to improve the fit there.

Burda 9839 with added shoulder strap in printed cotton lycra

Anyway, this dress was really made just as a bit of fun. The main fabric is fabulous – cotton/spandex knit with a cactus print! Hooray! There was just enough to sew the dress. It was very straightforward, as you’d expect from looking at it. Front and back and shoulder seam joined on overlocker, turn and stitch hems, add the ruffle. Then the additional shoulder strap. Sorted.

Burda 9839 with added shoulder strap in printed cotton lycra

It’s rather fun taking blog photos of Stella. She puts on all sorts of poses! Anyway, with the weather cooling down now she’s not likely to get much more wear from this dress until the end of the year. I wonder if it will still fit her!

Burda 9839 with added shoulder strap in printed cotton lycra