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Thursday, 5 March 2015

Style Arc Lani Woven Tunic

I was immediately smitten with the recently released Style Arc Lani Woven Tunic.
Style Arc Lani Woven Tunic
The interesting design lines and the flattering shape was the draw card. I made up a straight size 12 (which is my usual Style Arc size) without any alterations.  I am wearing them with my Style Arc Barb's Stretch Pants made in Style Arc's stretch bengaline in midnight, which I have yet to blog.






In reality, this is not the figure flattering shape I was expecting. My tunic turned out a bit boxy, but to be fair, this may be due to my fabric choice. I used a lovely soft 100% cotton shirting, in a super fine check called sage, purchased from my new favourite local fabric shop...Patchwork on the Bay. Style Arc recommend linen, silk or any soft woven. I'm pretty sure the fabric I used would be classed as a soft woven, but it may have been a bit lightweight. I think this pattern would be best suited to a fabric with a bit more weight and drape so that it doesn't stand away from the body.

The interesting design lines can be seen a bit clearer in the photo above. I top stitched all the decorative seams to highlight them. There is a pocket inserted into the angled seam on the right hand side. The asymmetrical hemline at the front is a nice feature. It is a little tricky to get those corners mitred neatly but after taking my time I am happy with how they turned out. 

There is an armhole dart on the left hand side to add some shaping. Although the instructions are very brief there were several diagrams that were of great assistance in working out how all the pieces were to be joined together. I did deviate from the instructions, and sewed the sleeves in flat. They fitted the armscye perfectly without having to use any gathering stitches.

A lot of the decorative seams are cut on the bias so I took extra care not to stretch these edges before sewing. Sorry about the wrinkles, but I took these photos this afternoon after I had worn it to work all day.

The neckline is finished with a facing and it sits beautifully. My only gripe is that it is much higher than the illustration leads you to believe.

There are no closures required on this tunic. It slips on easily over your head.


Although I am a little disappointed in the overall look of my tunic, I am really pleased with the level of finish that I achieved. This pattern is a little challenging and was quite satisfying to sew. I might try this one again in fabric with more drape one day.

 Happy Sewing
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25 comments:

  1. SewCraftyChemist6 March 2015 at 00:59

    It looks SO well done and the neckline looks perfect. Love it when they get that part right.

    It certainly looks a bit roomy through the very upper part of front/back but I still think it looks fantastic on you. Especially with a slim pant.

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    Replies
    1. Sew, Jean Margaret13 March 2015 at 20:52

      Thanks for your lovely comment Nakisha. This pattern has a lot of potential.

      Delete
  2. Amy6 March 2015 at 01:32

    Love the uniqueness of this top and it looks easy to wear. Hard not to add this to my growing collection after seeing your top. Thanks for the review!

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    1. Sew, Jean Margaret13 March 2015 at 20:53

      Thanks Amy. It is quite a unique design and with a few fitting tweaks and a more suitable fabric, I'm sure it could be a great top.

      Delete
  3. Angela6 March 2015 at 02:08

    You did a great job! I love the interesting lines. I'm like you, I would prefer the neckline to be scooped out a little more, but I still think this is a very nice top on you:)

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    1. Sew, Jean Margaret13 March 2015 at 20:56

      Thanks Angela. I did take my time with this one, paying attention to the unique details and getting a good finish. It's a bit of a shame that the drawing on the pattern envelope is not completely accurate.

      Delete
  4. Robin6 March 2015 at 04:51

    I've admired this pattern since it's release. This is the first post I've seen where it was made. I had no idea fabric suggestions would be woven. I automatically assumed it would work for knits. It looks great as a woven and I see how fabric drapability can affect the look. I will keep that in mind should I choose to make this one. Thanks for posting this.

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    1. Sew, Jean Margaret13 March 2015 at 20:57

      Thanks Robin. I think this would work in a knit as well. You may have to size down to compensate for the stretch of the fabric.

      Delete
  5. Megan O6 March 2015 at 12:18

    You have made this beautifully and it looks super stylish, chic and expensive! You are being too hard on yourself and should definitely make another. It looks so easy to wear too.

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    1. Sew, Jean Margaret13 March 2015 at 20:58

      Thanks so much Megan. I will give this one another go, for sure.

      Delete
  6. Sharon6 March 2015 at 13:34

    Very interesting top and you have managed all those seams perfectly. I agree that it does look a bit too boxy but I'm sure you will sort that out for your next version.

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    1. Sew, Jean Margaret13 March 2015 at 20:59

      Thanks Sharon. It was a bit tricky handling all those seams cut on the bias. I will be trying this one again with a few alterations.

      Delete
  7. Paola6 March 2015 at 15:34

    Style Arc has released some very interesting patterns lately, it's great to see this one made up. I've also found SA's illustrations to be a bit misleading at times.Looks good!

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    1. Sew, Jean Margaret13 March 2015 at 21:05

      Thanks Paola. It's hard to keep up with Style Arc's patterns as they are releasing them so quickly now. I couldn't find any info about this pattern other than on the Style Arc website so I was winging it a bit. At least I worked out what fabric not to use.

      Delete
  8. fabric epiphanies7 March 2015 at 09:54

    I really like the lines in the pattern as well. It made up really nicely. I see what you mean about the neck depth though, it is quite different. The higher neck works though.

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    Replies
    1. Sew, Jean Margaret13 March 2015 at 21:06

      Thanks Andrea. I don't think I have finished with this pattern yet.

      Delete
  9. Nursebennett7 March 2015 at 14:30

    I like this a lot! I'm wondering if a lightweight linen or a linen knit would work? I've a thing about asymmetrical hemlines and loved this immediately.

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    1. Sew, Jean Margaret13 March 2015 at 21:08

      Thanks very much Nursebennett. I think this pattern would work in a knit, or a woven with a good drape. As soon as I find some suitable fabric, I would like to try this one again.

      Delete
  10. Carolyn10 March 2015 at 14:27

    I like your tunic a lot! the asymmetry with diagonal seaming is very chic. I would wear this a tonne :)

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    1. Sew, Jean Margaret13 March 2015 at 21:09

      Thank you so much Carolyn. I love the design too and I could definitely see you wearing this, (except you would have the fit so much better).

      Delete
  11. Diana17 March 2015 at 00:00

    Oh my goodness! I absoluyely love this top. You sewed it to perfection. I love all the style lines that provide top stitching opportunities!

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  12. Sew, Jean Margaret18 March 2015 at 07:31

    Thanks so much Diana for your lovely comment.

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  13. Goodbye Valentino8 July 2015 at 21:18

    I think this is lovely, Style Arc was so proud your make that they advertised it on their FB page :)

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    1. Sew, Jean Margaret9 July 2015 at 21:23

      Thanks for your comment Sarah and for alerting me to Style Arc's Facebook page. That's just made my day!

      Delete
  14. Miki31 January 2016 at 01:33

    I saw this tunic then immediately thought of the costuming potential. I play as a Wizard/Monk character in a Tolkenian style Live Action Roleplay, so this pattern just screamed "Your character... She needs this."

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