Hello everyone! I want to thank you all for your lovely sentiments and prayers last week after the loss of my dear friend, CeCe! Her “Celebration of Life” service was absolutely beautiful and my heart is at peace after spending time with her family.
I’m an event sewer, most of the time. I plan a lot of my sewing projects around upcoming events, big and small. Of course, I sew lots of “just-because” projects, but the majority is planned around something for which I need (or WANT) an outfit to wear. This outfit is one of my planned outfits for the next date night with my husband. We’ve been so busy with our kitchen remodel that we haven’t made time for a date in a long time. We were recently discussing how long it’s been and when he said we need to go soon, my first thought was, I need to make an outfit.” Of course I already have something to wear out with him, but when you can sew for yourself, why not make a new outfit for a date with your honey? I have lots of fabric in my stash, as well as patterns, so a new outfit is always at my fingertips, literally. Hahaha!
I made this lovely, long tunic using Vogue 8670, View D, which is a top pattern. I extended the length to just above the ankle. Unfortunately, this pattern is Out of Print, but you can use any top pattern to achieve this look. You may see how I extended the length below. Here’s the pattern envelope illustration.
Here’s the finished look.
Here’s how I lengthened the top (just in case anyone is interested).
Step #1: Using my yard stick and chalk roller, I measured 25″ down from the bottom edge of the pattern fronts and back pieces.
Step #2: Using a tape measure, I measured from my underarm down the side of my waist to where I wanted my tunic split to begin. Next I sewed front to back together at sides, using a 5/8″ seam allowance, backstitching at the point where my split begins. Using a seam gauge, I measured 1″ up from the split opening and marked the seam allowance with my chalk roller.
Step #3: Next I closed up the slit using a basting stitch. Then I clipped up to the seam allowance (being careful not to clip the stitching) that was marked in the previous step.
Step #4: Next I pressed the seam open from top to bottom. Then I folded the raw edge of the seam allowance under, meeting the seam, and pressed again.
Step #5: (Not pictured) Next I sewed the folded seam from the bottom of one side, up to the clip, pivoted, sewed across the seam allowance, pivoted again, then sewed down to the bottom on the other side.
Repeat Steps 1 – 5 on other side of tunic.
Step #6: (Not pictured) Using a seam ripper, I opened the side splits from bottom edge to top of split
Step #7: (Not pictured) Because the fabric I used is very lightweight I needed to reinforce the hem to prevent ripples and stretching. I ironed on fusible interfacing to the hem allowance. This step should take place before sewing the side hems of the splits.
Step #8: (Not pictured) The final step is to hem the bottom edge of the tunic.
Now let’s talk about the slouchy hat! This was so NOT my style, but honey it is WORKING with this tunic. I LOVE my slouchy hat and will definitely be making more! I have written a review on this hat pattern on patternreview.com, so check it out if you plan on making one for yourself. There are a few things I would change about the construction. You’ll find me on patternreview.com under Anita by Design.
Create the Look!
Create the Look!- Tunic Pattern: Vogue 8670 (View D) – OOP (Can be made using any top pattern.)
- Hat Pattern: Simplicity 8036 (View B)
- Fabric: Variegated Knit (Michael Levine Loft)
I’m very pleased with the outcome of the tunic and slouchy hat. Looking forward to date night with my hubby!
Thank you for stopping by!
Remember: When you live in your DESIGN, it is from there that God SHINES!
Anita
All Photos Courtesy of CEMO!
WOW WOW WOW! That is beautiful-you look stunning!
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Hello Anita, I really like your outfit. I admire your workmanship on your outfits. I have been reviewing your sewing lessons to sharpen my skills. Thank you so much.
Hi Carol! Thank you so much.
Very nice and creative. You are sooo cute Anita. Keep up the good work.
OMGoodness! Thank you LaToria!
Nice!! Love the outfit
Thank you Liz!
Would love to see you do a lesson on how to make this hat and also the pink hat you maid on Feb. 5, 2016
Love both of, you did a beautiful job.
Thanks Gale! I will certainly consider a slouchy hat tutorial.
So beautiful! I LOVE IT! You have the shape for this. The beauty of God really shines in you!
Oh thank you so much! I want to shine for Him. May it be so.
What a stunner you are !!!!!!! Can I just tell you, I made two of the tops from that Vogue pattern within a week it has become a favorite of mines and now here you come with that funky slouch hat, I just love it!!!!!! that is definitely on my list to grab from the next pattern sale. Thank you enabler, LOL!!!!
Hahaha! Jennifer, you are gonna LOVE this hat pattern. Super easy! I’ve made a top from this pattern too. You must make slouchy hats to go with your tops.
Loving it 🙂
Thank you!
You always rock your looks! Great slouchy hat too, love the construction of the top and the alterations to make it your own. Very inspiring, you fit your body really well, great job as per usual!
Thank you, Aisha!
Hello Ms. Anita, I am inspired by your creations and love for sewing. Because I am a plus size woman, would you know of an artist on your level that sews fashions for the plus size woman.
Hi Gayland! Carolyn, who blogs at http://sewingfantaticdiary.blogspot.com/ is very skilled and sews plus size. She should be able to help you. She’s been sewing for most of her life and is very knowledgeable and good at what she does. Or maybe you can google “Plus Size Bloggers” or “Curvy Girl Bloggers.” I’m sorry I can’t be or more help, but I’m sure there are lots of plus size sewers in our community.
Hey Gayland! Check out Tammy Wilson! She’s a plus size sewer/blogger. Here’s the link: http://dopeonadime.blogspot.com/
I’m so in love with this look. I’m a slouchy hat girl, since my short hair do. I so want to sew just looking at all the amazing outfits you put together. I have to find some me time. :0)
Thanks Michelle! I’m so glad I tried this hat because I’m a slouchy hat convert now. I will have them in all colors eventually. LOL! Yes, make that time to do what you love.
Love this Anita. Butterick 4232 is similar to this but I like this a lot, especially the fabric and that hat!!!
Correction B4342
Thank you Shai’ma! Yes B4342 is very similar to the tunic I made. If you will be using that pattern to create this look, make sure you remove the flair below the hip and below, unless of course you want the flair.
Love it!!!!….
Thanks Paulette!
I just read that the Vogue pattern is out of stock per your comment above, could you please recommend an alternate pattern to use? Thank you in advance.
Lashawnda, there is one on Amazon size BB for 19.99 – 4.99 shipping.
Thank you Shai’ma!
Hi Lashawnda! As Shai’ma mentioned, there are a few on Amazon, but a bit pricey. You could also use M6886 and add the collar. Of course the sleeve construction is different, and you could just omit the buttons. I’m sorry but I couldn’t find a similar pattern that is still in print.
Thank you!
Hi Anita! What a fun casual outfit to wear for you date night with your husband. I hope you two have a wonderful time together. God Bless!
Thank you Sandra!
I absolutely love it!! Super Cute. Definitely going to get these patterns today. Thank you
Thank you, Lashawnda!
I love it! Great casual/cute outfit to step out with hubby! And being short hair chic, living in the cold mid west, I love my slouchy hats! Off to check out your pattern review…..I have this pattern in my stash! It’s on my to do list for this upcoming cold weather!
Thank you Mye! Have fun sewing!
This is soooooo cute. I love the matching slouchy hat also. You did a wonderful job.
Thanks Vanda!