Saturday 31 March 2018

My First 'Tunic Bible' Dress


My dear son gave me a copy of The Tunic Bible for Christmas 2016. It's a beautiful book filled with all sorts of ideas for making a tunic style top or dress, based on the one multi-sized pattern (which is provided in the book). There are loads of gorgeous photos and a gallery of garments made by some of my favourite sewing bloggers.


It has taken me an awful long time to finally try out this pattern, but I am so glad that I did. I cut a size Medium, based on my measurements, but I did have to run the side seams in to get the fit I wanted. The book does suggest to go down a size if using a knit, so I will do that next time.


The fabric is a poly/spandex knit from Knitwit which I purchased back in their summer sale. It must have sold out as I can't see it on the website today. I was immediately drawn to the fresh and vibrant colours of the print.


I used the front pattern piece with the scoop neckline, finished off with a knit binding, as instructed on page 84. I was a little disappointed that the back pattern piece only had one neckline option, which did not match up with the front scoop neckline, so I had to draw that in myself. The suggested length of the knit band worked out perfectly in this fabric, although it wanted to curl along the edges and made applying it to the neckline a little tedious. But it all worked out well in the end.


I sewed the optional vertical darts in the back which gave a lovely shape to the dress. The front has bust darts which were too high for my bust line, but it's not too noticeable in this busy print thankfully. I plan to lower the bust darts by about 2cm for my next version. I cut the sleeves off at the 'ruffle cuff line' on the pattern, but instead of adding the ruffle cuffs, I drafted my own half circle cuffs using the circle skirt app from By Hand London based on the sleeves from Vogue 8945 which I made last year. The sleeves are self lined which gives them a lovely weight and neat finish. There are no hems or raw edges visible.


Wishing you all a very happy and blessed Easter, and hopefully a little sewing time too.

Happy sewing

Jean

25 comments:

  1. This is a great dress . The color & Style look great on you . I love the Tunic Bible but I’ve only made 2 dresses with placketa . This front is next on my list & I may copy your sleeve idea. Great job

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    1. Thanks so much MaryEllen. It is a great basic pattern that can be easily customised. There is so much inspiration in the book.

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  2. I have this book too but have yet to work with it - thank you for that heads up re the back neckline because I'm more likely to do the scoop neckline too. Love your sleeves and that fabric is gorgeous!

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    1. Thank you Kathleen. I'm sure you will enjoy working with the book when you get a chance.

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  3. Such a beautiful fabric and dress. Love tunics and the tunic look. I started my first 'tunic bible' tunic about six months ago but it was folded and stashed--feeling inspired now to revisit the process.

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    1. Thanks Robin. So glad I have inspired you to finish your tunic.

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  4. very pretty and great fit, and the sleeves look good!

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  5. So pretty and summery. I've heard and seen lots of good things about the Tunic Bible, I must investigate making an investment!
    And happy Easter to you, too.

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    1. This fabric certainly has a warm weather vibe. Lucky we are enjoying an extended summer and I have been able to wear it a few times.

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  6. Gorgeous fabric and you did a fantastic job, as usual. You look perfect for Easter!

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    1. Thanks so much Nursebennett. I did wear it on Easter Sunday.

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  7. Love your version of this pattern.The sleeves are wonderful.

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    1. Thanks so much Lucy. It was great to see your tunic featured in the book.

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  8. Such a beautiful dress! These colors look so good on you. And those sleeves are perfect! Love the fit. :)

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    1. Thanks Lisa. I am pleased with how this dress turned out, but I have a few adjustments planned for the next one. Fitting is so easy with knits.

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  9. I instantly recognised the fabric! It looks so nice on you and this is the perfect dress to showcase it. Love the sleeves, and the fit is perfection.

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    1. Thanks so much Sue. I envy you Perth sewers having Knitwit so close.

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  10. That's exactly what I thought when I first saw the fabric. Such a pretty print.

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  11. Jean, this is just gorgeous! I love your version so much!

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  12. Love the color, design and style of this patterned tunic dress. You are great at sewing patterns

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  15. Gorgeous Color, pattern and style - beautiful hairstyle to cap if off

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