Are you wondering what I’m wearing or what I’m sewing?  Wonder no longer, I’m here to dish all of the details.

After my failure on McCalls 6702 I decided to set the commercial patterns aside for a while and go for another indie pattern.  I don’t know if it’s me or not, but I’m loving the Indie patterns.  Not only are they graded for a better fit, the instructions are straight forward.  Patterns that say “easy” should assume I know nothing!  I don’t have a sewing gene in my body that is just waiting to blossom when I open a pattern envelope.  It’s all learned!  What I don’t understand is why the larger commercialized companies do not take the opportunity to use “easy” patterns as teaching tools.  Talk about a crazy business model.  If people can sew your patterns, they will more likely purchase more as their skill set grows.  It’s not rocket science!  It’s just good business practice.

Who’s testing these patterns anyway?  I haven’t been in this sewing world long enough to know how patterns are tested etc… but if a pattern is considered easy, it should be tested by someone who has the same skill set that pattern is being marketed to.  Someone that has been sewing their whole life shouldn’t be judging what’s easy and what isn’t.  Mainly because what is easy to them, sure as heck isn’t easy for me!  Is it so hard to look at your customers and add that extra level of quality?  We just want to be successful when using their patterns.  It’s not hard.  Just stop taking the easy way out and step up your game commercial pattern companies!

This rant has officially ended, and yes I feel better.

When I was at the Ft Worth Sewing and Quilt Expo, I came across Sew Liberated patterns.  This was one of my best finds at the expo because I think this is a shirt I will make over and over again. I purchased two patterns and for my first round with Sew Liberated, I’ve made the Schoolhouse Tunic. 

I have to say I love this pattern, it’s definitely for beginner sewers (Yay Sew Liberated!).  I like to wear tunics.  They are in a single word.  Flexible.  You can dress them up with slacks, boots and jewelry.  Or on the days I’m flying out of the door … I can throw on jeans and still look pulled together at the office.  This particular tunic is very flattering for my body type.  I was on the way to Sunday brunch when I took these photos, but I’ve also paired it with jeans for the office. 

First a bit about Sew Liberated patterns.  The pattern instructions are clear and straight forward. So are the illustrations.  I was a little hesitant to take on this pattern because it was so similar to McCalls 6702, but guess what?  I CAN sew facings when the pattern instructions are clear.   I didn’t make any pattern adjustments and the sizing is pretty straight forward.  However, I do recommend measuring the pattern pieces against your personal measurements to determine if you need to go down a size.  There is plenty of room in this tunic. 

By the way some pictures are inside and some our outside because I live in Texas and it was 90 degrees at 9am when I was taking them.  And yes, it was November.  Sidebar:  This weekend we’re expecting an ice storm.  Gotta love Texas.

This pattern did not require using interfacing, but as you can see from the photo above, I used it.  With such a deep V neck I wanted structure and I’m happy with the result.  No floppy fronts on this girl! 

I also elected to use a contrast fabric for the facing and neckband for visual interest.

Though this pattern is simple, there were several sewing skills that were new to me.  Top stiching.  Scary concept because any stitching mistake is out there for the world to see.  But it wasn’t so bad.  You just have to focus on what you’re doing and stitch carefully.  Box pleats are my new favorite design feature.  The are easy to make.  This pattern has two on the front and one on the back.  And I have finally conquered facings.

I will sew this again.  I”ll probably crank out another version over the holiday.  I think this could also be super cool in corduroy as a dress.  Stay tuned for what’s next on Blue Sunday!

The Not So Dirty Details

Pattern:  Sew Liberated, Schoolhouse Tunic

Sizing and Pattern Alterations:  Sewed straight size, no pattern adjustments

Fabric:  Lovely gray cotton from Golden D’Or, Dallas – in my stash!

New Skills:  Box pleats, facings, top stitching