Stop Zagging My Heart Around

I can fly like an eagle with these sleeves!





Am I chanelling the Queen of Boho Chic, Stevie Nicks?




Or could it be Galadriel from the lord of the rings? It must be those butterfly sleeves!



My pattern envelope, purchased from le Wal Marche has the human model wearing the tunic.
My New Look envelope




Tory Burch's Stephanie style tunic with those flare sleeves

The tunic shirts are in for spring!
Come on, $395 for a tunic you can easily create? I can understand $39.50, but $395?



Tory Burch's V-necked Ksenia



Tory Burch's Embroidered Stephanie


You just have to see this one! :
Mary Kate's and Ashley's missing sister in a pullover from Nordy's



Pattern Description
There was no actual description, except "misses 7 sizes in one."
My description is long-sleeved or sleeveless tunic with optional front trim and a sleeveless dress. The neckline is finished with a front and back facing.

Sizes
Misses' 10-22. I sewed a "12" at the shoulders tapering to a "14" at the bust and hips.

Fabric
Printed rayon from Fashionista Fabrics. Another nice fabric to work with! Melody has the coolest fabrics!

Favorite Features
* 70's tunic style. Since I was going for this style, I did not shorten it.
* Flattering silhouette
* Bust darts
* Pattern pieces consited of the front, back, sleeve, front facing, and back facing.
* Very easy to sew

Less Favorite Features
* Long sleeves that resembled big butterfly wings! I found them overpowering!

* The front split tended to droop and possibly called for a heavier interfacing for more stability.

* The front facing needed to be shortened to reduce bulk.

* Side zipper would be needed due to the tunic really being form fitted, not loose and billowy.

* I could have omitted the front center seam by cutting the front piece as one single piece at the center fold. With the center seam, I sewed up to the marked dot (or in my case, above the dot to modify the length of the front center split or the "V"). If I had omitted the center seam, I could have snipped from the top center of the front neckine to the desired length of the split or opening and reinforce stitch the vertex.

* Boo hoo....I was not able to match the chevron pattern at the front center seams. I could have worked with a solid fabric to simplify things!


Directions
Although I glanced at them, they seemed sufficiently clear with good illustrations with no surprises.

Summary of steps:
* Used fusible interfacing for the the front and back facing
* Staystiched the front and back necklines
* Sewed the bust darts. I omitted the back vertical darts.
* Sewed the front center seam up to a point designating the vertex of the "V" or the start of the center split.
* Sewed the front to the back at the shoulders.
* Sewed the side seams
* Sewed the front and back facing at the shoulders and finished the edges.
* Sewed the entire facing over the neckline, right sides together while matching the edges of the "V" to front facing.
* Tacked the facing to the shoulder seams.
* Set-in the sleeves
* Finished the lower hem.


Modifications
*Omitted the back darts and the side zipper. I was able to pull the top over my head.

*Since the neckline split ran low, I raised it about 1 1/2" by stitching the front center seam beyond the dot.


Conclusion
This is really an easy-to-sew basic top that has a lot of potential. If you do intend to sew the tops or the dress, be wary of the depth of the center front split or "V" and the flare of the sleeves. I could have added elastic to cinch the lower edges of the sleeves.

Since I found that this top was fitted on me, I easily could envision this top in a knit.

I plan not to sew this top again because it is quite distinctive. I have more patterns to try!

I found out that Fleetwood Mac is on their "Unleashed" tour this year. At least I have something to wear for their May concert....