Wednesday, September 19, 2012

schoolhouse tunics



For the past decade I've dreamed of being able to sew up an entire wardrobe season. For the longest time my entire sewing skills consisted of being able to sew a simple cushion or basic curtains. Four years ago I pushed myself to learn to sew simple girl's clothes. The past few years I've sewn quite a bit for the kids. But I've only occasionally dabbled in sewing for myself, and none that I would say I was absolutely happy with, though I do wear them from time to time.

But a few late nights and patience, lot's of patience, has meant that I'm just that little bit closer to a season of homemade outfits. Spurred on, I admit, by the lack of quality in the shops these days, as well as poor fit and exorbitant prices, not to mention the ethical side, or lack of, in the clothing world. Which in turn tends to make it more difficult to find good clothing in the op shops.

So sewing out of necessity I am.

My dress is still awaiting it's zipper (two zippers inserted didn't work properly (frustrating!), so I have on order a better quality zipper), but meanwhile I'd been busy with the Schoolhouse Tunic.





The first, in the beige, was made from a soft voile I found at the op shop. I cut a size 10, but had to do some altering, so with the blue Amy Butler voile I cut an 8, but used a smaller seam allowance in the arm area. I think I got it just right in the end.

I'm enjoying the freedom in being able to match a design that will suit me, paired with a print that I know I will love. I thoroughly enjoy that part of the creative process.





It was a great, easy pattern, with no zippers or buttons to worry about. I would highly recommend it. The blue one was sewn within a day. Which is a good thing when you're going on holidays the very next day. Even if your husband thinks you are a little crazy and should be packing.






They were so comfy and light to wear that I virtually lived in them the entire week I was away. Mostly teamed with a pair of leggings, but I was game to wear them on their own (despite the pale legs!)  down at the beach.

Now all I need is a little tunic friendly weather to make an appearance back home. I'm still waiting on that.



Hoping that your Wednesday is lovely one wherever you are.

28 comments:

  1. very impressive, from someone who is still at the cushion stage LOL.

    I think they would look good over jeans too, with a long sleeved t underneath you could wear them all year round.

    cheers Kate

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  2. You have inspired me! I love tunics - I used to buy them from Boden in the UK but now I'm back in NZ and with the exchange rate I would love to make my own. I now have my sisters old sewing machine and am going to give it a go!

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  3. gorgeous lady. how are you? looks like you had a nice time away. i love this sort of wear. pretty fabrics and style. hope all is well. xo

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  4. Oh the tunics turned out so lovely. I'm having the same issues with the clothing (NOT) available in the stores. I have a bunch of fabric and patterns just need to buckle down and get some things made for myself.

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  5. Lovely pic of you! Those tunics are great ~ bring on the warm weather!

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  6. You did a fabulous job, the tops look just beautiful!
    I have always wanted to learn to sew clothes, but so far cloth napkins are the extent of my sewing skills. Thanks for the pattern recommendation, I will have to give it a try!
    Have fun on holiday.

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  7. I adore your blog. I enjoy reading it each day. Love your tunics you made. The colour really suits you in the beach shot. I just love your simplified approach to life. Wishing you a wonderful week. Hayley

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  8. Love it! I really need to start sewing again.

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  9. wow these look fab! I'm going to have to get that patern too - love the design!! thanks so much for sharing x

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  10. The blue one suits you to a 't'..the colouring is perfectly beautiful! I think you're going to get so much wear out of them this summer.

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  11. The dresses look great. I think I am going to have to learn to sew :)

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  12. I've got the Schoolhouse Tunic on my sewing agenda too. I've not yet found the time to sit down and get to work but you are inspiring me to get going with it.

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  13. Well done! You're so right about clothing quality and the follow through in the op shop. you've inspired me to sew more than just costumes for myself :)

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  14. Not sure I even qualify for the cushion stage yet :) so I am very impressed! Looks sensational on you!

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  15. Fabulous work, and very important pre-travelling work too. :) A whole wardrobe of handmade clothes sounds awesome. Looking forward to seeing more! :)

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  16. These are both really beautiful. You did a great job!

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  17. Hi Tania,
    Nice job with the sewing! And lovely fabric too, the blue suits you. I agree with you about the fashions at the moment, now I just wish I had more time to sew. Cheers, Liz near Wollongong

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  18. They are gorgeous! Such beautiful prints and what looks like a fantastic pattern. I've signed up for Meg McElwee's (Sew Liberated) sewing with knits online course through craftsy.com (?) (can email you the link if you're interested). I've only just started watching the tutorials but it looks great. I'm really looking forward to making some relaxde tees and singlets and mastering sewing with knit fabric. I would so love to sew an entire wardrobe. I'm off to order this pattern...ad then turn off the computer and do some sewing. You've inspired me...again! Thanks lovely Tania :) x

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  19. You look totally awesome in that tunic! I like them both a lot and they look very comfy!

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  20. I have to admit that I don't like the fabric, BUT it looks fantastic made up and totally suits the tunic pattern and really looks great on you. Well done on the sewing, you have done a really good job with it and made it look very professional.

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  21. The tunics are gorgeous Tania :)

    xx

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  22. I love the look. I wish I had the money to buy the pattern! But, perhaps my stash will have something that is like it. I love seeing you what are making, its inspiring!

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  23. You are so clever! That blue tunic suits you so well.

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  24. Wow, they are stunning on you! Such a beautiful job you did.
    -Jaime

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  25. I love these! So simple and cute! I really must pull out my sewing machine...

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  26. I especiallly love the blue tunic. It would also look great over jeans in the cooler weather.
    Great work!

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  27. I am a completely tunics and kurti person I don't remember when I have brought salwar kameej…Kurtis are my all time favorite I wear them on regular basis either with jeans, leggings or patiyalas.Even one legging can go with many Designer Tunics and Kurtis.

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