I’m time-hopping again – this tunic was sewn and photographed in February.

Vogue 9171 is a Marcy Tilton pattern, and like most Marcy Tilton patterns it has a number of unusual elements, like the pockets hidden deep inside the side/front drapes. They’re more sticky-outy than softly-drapey in this woven remnant from Rathdowne Fabrics.

From the pattern website: Loose-fitting, pullover tunic has bias neck and sleeve binding, forward shoulder seams, side-back seams, pockets, shaped hemline, and no shoulder or lower side seams.

This pattern has been out for a few years, so I was able to read a number of online reviews for hints on sizing and construction.  I sewed size Medium (12-14) despite my measurements putting me into a larger size, and I think that was a good decision.  I shortened the body an inch and a quarter at both of the shorten/lengthen lines, removing around two and a half inches of length in total.

I added topstitching a few millimetres away from many of the seamlines. I enjoy the process of topstitching and really like the finished effect.

This fabric is quite tightly woven and doesn’t have any give. It’s possibly a shirting or similar. In the photos it appears to have some pulling around the upper chest area, but I can’t feel any restriction when I wear it. I really love the colour, and the fabric gives the interesting shape of this tunic some dramatic structure. That said, this version was really intended more as a fit test than anything, and next time that I sew it – there will be a next time – I’ll choose a fabric with more drape; maybe even a knit. This is a perfect ‘unflattering’ style for me!