The sewing blog and indie sewing pattern worlds have been abuzz with tons of new tunic patterns lately (see Hey June Cheyenne, Itch to Stitch Mila, etc). While I have been tempted by and have even succumbed to that new pattern buzz, before I jumped into sewing those newer patterns, I wanted sew up a tunic pattern that's been in my stash for a bit longer.
This is the Liesl + Co. Gallery Tunic, a simple and casual but still elegant tunic with a curved hem, front and back pleats and cuffed sleeves.
I was so happy with how this tunic turned out that I put my final stitch in it at 8:30 am and immediately wore it to a meeting at 10 am that day!
Now I am imagining the Gallery Tunic in all the fabrics: plaids and checks and solids and florals, rayon challis and double gauze and linen... Maybe the dress version, too, which I imagine would be delightfully flowy and airy in Bangkok's heat.
Here are my construction details:
Based on the final bust measurement provided, as well as the final hip measurements I took from the pattern itself, I decided to go down a size to 14, although my measurements put me at a 16 for the bust and in between 16 and 18 for my hips.
The pattern is pretty loose fitting and forgiving. For those in need of an FBA (I might consider a smallish one for myself next time), the pattern instructions provide detailed steps on how to do this, which is helpful. Next time I might also let out the seam slightly at the biceps for a quicky/cheater full bicep adjustment, as they are a teeny bit tight, although totally wearable.
I love the interesting one-piece collar and stand combination, which was super easy to put together and resulted in a nice, crisp collar.
While taking this photo below I thought to myself, "This pose will certainly show off the lovely collar! Great thinking, Meg!" Hence the smug face. Clearly, however, this pose does no such thing. In fact, it does the opposite.:
The front placket method is foolproof. It forms the little front pleat as you pull the placket together. A very neat and professional finish.
The fabric I used is a black and white lace print cotton lawn from my favorite local supplier, Belleboo. I cut the tunic on the cross-grain because the "stripes" in the lace ran parallel to the selvage. It seems weird to have them run vertically on the tunic, so I threw caution to the wind and cut in the other direction.
I like the floaty lawn with this pattern, although I bet something with more drape, like rayon challis, would be even better.
Have you made the Gallery Tunic? Are you a tunic person or do you eschew those garments that are neither top nor dress, but something in between? Have you bought or made any of the other recently released tunic patterns?