This is the third piece of the Style Arc Parker outfit – you’ve already seen the pants and the coat.  Although they were designed and released as an ensemble, that’s not the way that I’ve sewn them (although the pants and coat do work together).  I sewed up the Parker tunic in voile from stash – it’s a lovely fabric, but I don’t think it’s the right choice for this top.

The Style Arc website describes this top as follows:  Instantly update your wardrobe with this versatile tunic. You will love this beautiful V-neck top with a cap sleeve and shaped hem. A great piece to wear on any occasion. FABRIC SUGGESTION silk, rayon, crepe or washed linen. I sewed size 12, which is the size that I usually sew in Style Arc tops and dresses.  That generally fits me best across the shoulders and upper chest, and I choose styles that have loads of waist ease.  However, this top looks a little tight across the bust, and the self-faced cap sleeves stick out more than I’d like. There is adequate room elsewhere.

I expressed my reservations about this top when Clare was taking the photos – she thought that the length was awkward, and the proportions probably not right for my height. I didn’t make any alterations to the pattern before sewing, and this may have been better shortened. I don’t shorten tunics routinely – after all, they’re meant to be long tops – but this one may have benefitted. Given the faced, curved hemline, I’m not going to try altering this after the fact. It has gone into the spare room wardrobe for someone else to enjoy.

I really like the V neckline, which was successfully sewn by just taking things slowly and using plenty of pins. I will give this pattern another go, but I think that I’ll try sewing it in a knit. Not a super stretchy one, but one that drapes a little more and feels less snug across the boobs. And I’ll shorten the pattern pieces a bit too.