the portfolio tunic

 I recently took a little stroll in the local shops. Just to look. I spotted a very pretty, sheer top. Probably the only thing in the store to catch my eye. But the hefty price tag and country of origin prevented me from trying it on. I love clothes, but I could see that my only real option here was to start making some things on my own. Besides, the breastfeeding wardrobe was getting frustratingly limiting, with most pre-baby tops displaying a gaping button.

It has been a long, long time between sewing projects of the adult clothing sort around here. In fact, I've only ever made two things for myself in my whole sewing life.

I'd had the Portfolio Lisette pattern for some time. I chose the tunic length in the size 10, but in the end needed to take the upper sides in 1-2cm. This project was really a test run, to try and get the sizing right before cutting into bought fabric. And if I could wear it in the end - well, that would be a bonus.

The fabric was an op shopped rayon that I had sitting around. Though the tunic was detailed and with interesting features to the blouse, I found the pattern instructions very thorough. Though I wouldn't say it was easy,  re-reading and re-reading made it a do-able project for someone like me who is not what you would call "experienced". 

I didn't have any iron-on interfacing, so I used some scrap cotton, which did create a little more work and probably bulked up those seams a little bit more.

Please don't look to closely at the wonky stitching. But I made it and actually wore it which is an achievement in itself.

 It had it's first outing to our school concert last night. So here it is in a disheveled, wrinkled state, post concert. You can tell I've been sitting most of the night. Definitely not the greatest photo in the world, but I thought you might like to see it on.

I'm quite excited at the prospect of making some more items for a summer wardrobe. Does any one have any suggestions for good patterns?