Making A Tunic With New Look 6105

When I received this viscose challis from Minerva, I know right away the type of project I wanted to make. That’s how I decided that making a tunic with New Look 6105 would be the perfect patten/fabric combo. The pattern calls for some type of flowy fabric that can move.

The Pattern

This particular pattern is from 2012, and I honestly don’t know if it is still available. There are four variations with the pattern (sleeves, length, hem). I made View A. It features a high/low hem short sleeves that roll up and a one-button front placket.

The Fabric

This ia a non-stretch, 100% Viscose fabric in “Amber” that was gifted to me by Minerva Fabrics. It is super soft and flowy. I also love fabric that washes and dries well (without shrinkage). And because it is a natural fabric, it is breathable so it’s great for summer.

Viscose challis is a versatile fabric that can be used for many different garments. Here is another Minerva make I completed last year.

Making a tunic with New Look 6105

The only change I made to the pattern was to add a snap about 2″ above the button. Otherwise, the shirt was just WAY to open for my tastes.

If I was to make this again, I would shorten the length. In the photo on the pattern envelope, the tunic doesn’t look as long as mine turned out. Now, this isn’t a problem for this one, but in the future, I would make that change.

Conclusion

Overall, this is a pretty easy pattern to make. Here is the post I wrote that’s over on their site. This was something fun to make that is easy to wear with jeans or even some linen pants.

Because of the length on this one, I would be careful to style this with slimmer pants or jeans.

The Style Arc Avery Tunic

The Style Arc Avery tunic was part of a pattern haul I did last year. I chose this because it is for both woven and knit fabrics. It’s an interesting (and unusual) combination to have in one pattern, so I wanted to give it a try. The top also features an exposed zipper which is something else I’ve never done. So, here are my thoughts on the Style Arc Avery tunic.

Pattern Features

As mentioned, the Avery features an exposed zipper. It also has a high-low hem with hem facings, and can be made using a combination of woven and knit fabrics. Or, it can be made using all knit fabric without the zipper.

The Process

Because I hadn’t done the exposed zipper before, that was what I was most looking forward to. It’s also what gave me the most trouble. I actually wasn’t even sure what it was supposed to look like when done. Once I figured that out, it was still a process to install. The instructions for this task I felt were not clear. After some research, I was able to get some ideas on how to install it. It wasn’t perfect, but it was done.

As far as the rest of the top, It came together easily. The facings for the hem is a nice touch because it gives a neat, clean finish.

The pattern I used for this is multi-sized, so I traced off the one I needed. You can purchase one size or multi-sized PDF patterns, or a paper pattern.

My fabrics are black cotton interlock knit and cotton blend lemon print. Both of these are really easy to work with. This patten would be great for color-blocking with solid fabrics as well. There are also different pattern pieces for the back, if you choose not to insert the zipper. In that case, you are making this from all knit fabric.

The Results

With all the challenges putting this together, I’m very happy with the results. Once I got the zipper installed, It took hardly any time to put the rest of the Style Arc Avery tunic together. I really do like their patterns and have made other tops and pants from Style Arc and haven’t had any issues.

I might try one from all knit fabric next time with some color-blocking. That could be something really cute (and much easier to make)!

Until next time…

8 Ways To Inflation Proof Your Sewing

I decided to write this because it’s been something that’s been on my mind for quite some time. I’m always looking for ways to save some money. But I also want to be able to continue to do what I love. So in this article, I’m going to give you 8 ways to inflation proof your sewing. In this article I’m expanding on my video in which I give you 5 ways to inflation proof your sewing (the video will be uploaded over the weekend).

Tip #1

Sew your wardrobe essentials.

In this way, you can see what you already have and fill in those wardrobe gaps you might have. Whatever those essentials are is up to you. After all, it’s your wardrobe.

Tip #2

Use what you’ve got.

By using what you already have, nothing should go to waste.

plan projects based on the fabric you have
use those notions you have, which we sometimes forget about (zippers, buttons, elastic, etc)

Tip #3

What can you make with the patterns you have?

I have bought a few patterns lately, but not many. I have been more determined to use the vast collection of sewing patterns I currently own. And as we all know, many older patterns aren’t out of style. In fact, so many patterns have been repackaged and renumbered lately!

Tip #4

Sew wardrobe-builder pieces

It’s possible to focus your sewing on those pieces that you can get the most use out of. That can be things like:

T shirts/tops
Jeans/dress pants
Dresses/skirts
Jackets/blazers

I don’t think you can have too many basics because those are the pieces that can go from day to night or casual to dressy.

Tip #5

Think outside the box

Think of what you want to wear and create a unique wardrobe for yourself. Since you are already creative, use that to cultivate your own style. Remember, you don’t have to be like anyone else. Just be you!

Tip #6

Thrift stores

While a lot of people think of thrift stores for sewing patterns, I have shopped them a little differently. These are great places to get large sheets that can be used as fabric for making a muslin or mock-up. I have also bought men’s shirts for a few dollars that I used strictly for the buttons.

Tip #7

Organize

One of the ways many of us waste money is that we are buying things we already have because we can’t find something. If you can organize your supplies, that can save you from repurchasing those notions, etc that you need for a project.

Hanging jewelry organizer

And the last tip in my list of 8 ways to inflation proof your sewing is…

Tip #8

Make a list

Personally, I use a whiteboard on the wall of my sewing room to jot down things like thread colors (by manufacturer and color number) I’m running out of. Or if you don’t have that, a simple piece of paper will do just as well. It’s also a good idea to keep that list on your phone as well. If you find ourself at the store and want to get those list items, having it on your phone is a great idea.

Small white board

So those are my ways to save some money while still doing the thing I love to do. Many of these tips will also work for other types of crafting, or just life in general. Let me know in the comments if you have other ways of saving.

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