Today I’m introducing our second new pattern for Spring-Summer 2013. The Pinwheel Tunic + Slip Dress will be available on our website by March 5 and at retailers around the globe shortly thereafter.
Here’s an funny little story for you. Back when I was mining my sketchbook and designing the prints for our Cape Ann fabric collection, I found a drawing that I had always liked but had never produced as a sewing pattern. I included the sketch in the print, and we received all sorts of queries about that design. Would we produce it as a sewing pattern?
Well, twist my arm! That sketch eventually made its way toward the top of my list. But one of the things I love about our process is that things don’t always end up as they started. Yes, we produced the sketch. But I think we’ve improved it and added some fun options that I didn’t anticipate when we started.
This design began life as a tunic, but the first muslin was too long and I didn’t like the proportions. When we remade it shorter, Giulia threw it onto the mannequin over the original muslin, and we loved the result of the two pieces together! It was so cute with two layers of flounces overlapping each other that we decided to make both a dress and a tunic, designed to be worn separately or together. And I love the the combination of the two pieces.
The tunic, which can be worn by itself with leggings or jeans, has short sleeves and a cute little keyhole opening at the back, with ribbons to tie it closed. The flounce crosses at center front, and that gives the tunic that high-low hem that’s been really popular lately. For a little extra fun and a nice finish, we’ve used bias binding to finish the neck, sleeves, and hem. I think it highlights the lines really nicely and give you a fun way to bring another color or fabric into the tunic. This piece feels a just a tiny bit like a peplum, but it’s a child-friendly non-fussy peplum. Just cute, that’s all.
The sleeveless dress has the same fun flounce as the tunic. The dress can be worn by itself or layered over a T-shirt or blouse. I think it would be a darling summer nightgown, too. This is a simple pattern that’s easy and quick to sew, and I think you’ll like the way the bodice and straps are constructed. Simple and interesting at the same time. And this is a pull-on style, so there are no closures!
Both pieces are great on their own, but I think the real magic happens when you combine them! It’s flouncy without being saccharine. Which is about as frilly as I can do. (You know I’m not really a frilly designer, right?) And I think it’s cute on kids of all ages.
I’d totally wear the tunic, myself. And apparently I’m not alone. I nearly fell over when I saw this Narciso Rodriquez tunic during Fashion Week. I love it!