Like many others, I was pleased when Liesl Gibson announced that she was going to rework her popular but out of print Simplicity 2245 Lisette Portfolio dress pattern into a new one.  The Cappuccino dress and tunic has the same cut on sleeves and groovy in-seam pockets, as well as some gentle gathers from the centre front of the neckline, but the neckline is v-shaped and the overall shaping is slightly different to the original pattern (you can see my version of the original pattern here).  The pattern description from the website: Our favorite look for any season, this easy-going pullover can be made in two lengths—as a tunic or dress. Both styles feature a flattering V-neck and crossover neckband with a softly gathered front detail and options for either a kimono-style short sleeve or a three-quarter-length sleeve with contrast cuff. The dress includes unique on-seam pockets in a flattering curved seam.

This pattern would be perfect in summer fabrics, but I had just bought some wool remnants from Rathdowne Fabrics and the weather here in Melbourne was getting decidedly cooler, so I made the tunic length from the wool to wear as a layering piece.

This was a tiny remnant and I didn’t even have enough for the neck band. Tessuti came to the rescue for that part! There are no pockets in the tunic, and as we have come to expect from Liesl the instructions were excellent and the drafting impeccable. The tunic came together very quickly.

I really like the fabric; those little flecks of white and maroon are beautiful in the green. It was just lightweight enough to gather satisfactorily, and was straightforward to work with overall.

The centre back seam also helps with shaping. I’m looking forward to making the dress version in a more appropriate fabric once spring arrives. The pattern comes with instructions on making a FBA, but I decided not to bother in my wearable muslin, and it looks as though I don’t need it.

All in all quite a satisfying experiment – and it’s lovely and warm!