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Friday, April 26, 2013

the Liverpool Tunic

It's finished and looks exactly as I'd hoped!


I ended up cutting the entire garment on the XS lines, and though there are a few things I will tweak the next time I make it (yes - I'm going to do it again!) it fits very well for a first-time-through go at a commercial pattern. How's that for luck?


Things I will tweak next time:
  • Amy's not big on trimming seams, and that is a must-do with this pattern - especially the collar stand.  I've made a note to trim the collar, shoulder/arm, side and sleeve seams.  She tells you to zigzag stitch or serge the edges, but not trim.  Go figure...
  • The bust darts need to be moved up about 1/2" - 3/4".
  • Leave the belt off.  The torso is fitted enough that it's not necessary, and it only adds a big knot in the middle of my back when I sit.
  • Maybe forget about the cuff buttons for the 3/4 sleeve length option.  I don't think they are a really noticeable feature for all the extra work required, and the cuffs aren't that big around to begin with.
  • I'm going to find some decorative buttons for the front.  The self-covered ones are okay, but I can still see a hint of their metallic shine through the fabric.  I thought of interfacing the button fabric first, but I think that would be too bulky.  Anyone else ever tried that or have a better solution?
  • The buttonholes and buttons need to be moved up (toward the collar) about an inch.  They're right on the line of acceptable now without wearing a cami underneath.  I should have tested that before I sewed and cut the buttonholes... live and learn.

I'm planning to use this fabric for my next Liverpool Tunic: Sketchbook in Spring from Amy Butler's Alchemy line.  Very spring-like, huh?



This pattern would also be very cute made up into a long-sleeved fall season tunic of fine wale corduroy or a velvet to pair with leggings. It comes with markings for short, 3/4 and long sleeves, as well as overall length options for shirt, tunic, short dress, and long dress.

An update on Miss Scarlett - sadly, she can never be my exact body double. Her neck and shoulders are a bit too thick and are not adjustable. But the rest of her is adjusted properly and works just fine for skirts :)

3 comments:

  1. Yay! It looks fabulous -- and OMG you are TINY!
    That blue floral AB will be lovely, too.

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  2. I have that pattern and fabric all cut out (for about a year or so now!) but haven't got any further. This may be the push I need, although I'm most definitely an M and not an XS!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Like LIQ (above), I've had this pattern cut out (in corduroy...so won't be sewing it up till fall, now). Thanks for the tips...believe me when I say I won't be using size XS, though. HA! I've actually considered the AB sketchbook for a spring/summer version as well. I love that fabric! You look adorable in the tunic, btw!

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Thanks so much for stopping by and reading a little bit about me and taking the time to comment! Have a wonderful day!

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