The new Late Lunch Tunic sewing pattern was inspired more by lifestyle than anything else. If you’re like me, you want to live in comfortable pieces that make you look and feel good. I like tunics because they’re relaxed and still look pulled together. You can wear them with skinny jeans and flats or with leggings and boots. I’ll sometimes even pair a tunic with a narrow skirt when it’s too hot for pants. It works. Also, I feel like I still give off a creative vibe when I wear a tunic; it’s got a little more style to it than a basic shirt or blouse, doesn’t it?
With this pattern, I was sort of obsessed over getting the construction for the three-quarter-length kimono-style sleeve and the collar just right. It’s a ridiculously easy collar–probably the simplest you’ll ever sew. But it looks so polished with that fancy-looking front placket, doesn’t it? Trust me. It’s really easy to make.
I also obsessed over chevron stripes at the shoulders and sleeves. Like this:
I mean, isn’t that fun? Obviously it’s a little detail that only shows if you use a striped fabric, but there’s something about it that I just love. And from this angle you can also see very clearly that the hem is longer in the back than the front, just for a little extra coverage in back. It’s subtle, but it’s also interesting and flattering.
We limited the gathering to the center front and back on this pattern so you’re not getting extra fullness at the sides. Are you sensing a theme here? Smooth silhouettes are the name of the game with these patterns. I’d also love to turn those gathers into pleats. It would be an easy change and could be really cute. Anyone want to try it?
As far as fabrics go, this pattern has a wide variety of options. Try a stable knit like the navy and white stripe we used. (I found both of the fabrics in our photos at Mood, if you’re curious.) The key with knits is to look for something that doesn’t have too much drape or stretch. Interlock probably wouldn’t be your best choice here, so use your best judgement.
It also works great with a variety of woven fabrics. Ideal fabrics would be lawn, voile, any quilting cottons, chambray (obviously), and even some heavier fabrics like a fine-wale cord could be cute. I made two early drafts, one in twill and one in a men’s checked shirting. They both turned out really well. Twill or fine cord for winter? Cozy. I’ve also been toying with the idea of sewing it in a very sheer white organza to be worn over bright tanks or camisoles next spring, playing on that whole sheer/layered thing that’s happening in fashion right now.
And here we go with the styling ideas. I tried to show a little restraint this time, but give me a little extra free time on Polyvore and I can’t make any promises.
Late lunch (thus the pattern name):
Farmer’s market:
Oh, and Wanett of Sown Brooklyn has already made this darling version of the tunic in a silk/cotton. She blogged about it and included lots more photos, so don’t miss her post!
What do you plan to do with this pattern? You can get your copy from us now so you can get down to business!