A top for me, The diplomat tunic
I got the idea a few weeks ago to make a top for myself. I saw the Lisette Diplomat Dress and that did it. I haven’t made a piece of clothing for myself since I was in high school. Back then I was stick thin and much easier to fit. I fell in love with this Amy Butler fabric and thought it might be a good time to dive back into sewing for myself.
I feel like I should subtitle this post, “Melissa does not know how to pose for photos”. Last week when we were in Florida I wanted to take full advantage of the beach for some project photo shoots. Right before we were headed out for the day I had my 17 yr old daughter snap some photos of me on the beach. I would not say I’m camera shy, but I do think “well what am I supposed to do now?”, when in front of a camera.
We had a good laugh and did manage to get a few photos.
Now for the tunic. It’s the Diplomat Tunic from Lisette patterns (Lisette patterns are by Liesel Gibson who also makes the Oliver +S patterns). I went by my measurements on the package and made a size 16, I could have gone up to an 18 but that seemed way too big. I wanted to make the 14 but went with the 16 because I have broad shoulders. I hate that sewing pattern sizes are not the same as ready made clothing.
I wear a size medium shirt and am about a size 8-10 overall. The size 16 tunic ended up being too big. I had to take it in about 3/4″ on each side seam and an extra 1/2″ on each side of the zipper. (I put it in twice because I had to take the back center seam in). Next time I think I’d make a size 14. I also ended up with a 4″ hem because I decided I wanted it to be tunic length, not dress length. I may go back and let it down a couple of more inches now that I look at the photos… suggestions?
The pattern was very easy to sew and I’d make one again in a heartbeat. I wore it with cropped jeans for Spring Break but think it would be really cute with white cropped capris in the summer time. I’ve also been looking for a fun necklace to wear with it. I figured out I need a pretty long one, I have a mid length kelly green one but it was just a hair too short for the neckline.
I also didn’t pay close enough attention to the way the fabric lined up in the center front seam. Like I said it’s been a while since I’ve sewn adult clothing. Next time I’ll be sure to match that better.
I love that top! The fabric is wonderful.
Totally cute. It looks great on you.
I think you did a great job on your tunic. The color is beautiful on you. I think the length is great as is, not too long but not too short either.
Beautiful! I just made my daughter the Geranium top (from madebyrae) in the same fabric but matched it with a navy with tiny white polka dots for the yoke. The two look great together. Think you have inspired me to sew for myself now. I think the length is perfect on you, no need to change it.
Oh cute! I thought about adding a contrast band to the bottom, a navy dot would have been cute. I’m not familiar with that pattern, I’m going to go look it up!
Great looking top! I would leave the length as is. Never noticed the front seam either. 🙂
Thanks, after I noticed it, it bothered me a lot, I’m glad to hear it’s not as noticeable to others.
First of all, you certainly do not look like a size 16 or a 14.. I about fell out in the floor. The top is BEAUTIFUL. I just ordered some fabric that I want to make a top out of and I just have no idea where to start. I like this pattern though. Also, don’t hem it or let it out, it is perfect… you could put some what summer pants and heels on with it and be ready for date night!
I wish that sewing pattern sizes were the same as ready made clothing sizes. It’s a bit unnerving to cut out a size that’s so much larger that what I normally wear!
Love the top and I don’t think it needs to be any longer, good length.
It looks really great:) Any longer and it would have looked slouchy… stupid sewing size patterns… goodness me, can’t believe that you’d have to cut out a 16 for your petite figure!
I LOVE this pattern! To be honest, I’d use it for both tunics and dresses! Love it!
I think it looks great! I wouldn’t change the length at all if it were mine.
I laughed at your comments at not knowing how to pose for photos — can totally relate! I took Caro Sheridan’s “Shoot It” class on Craftsy, and one of the most useful parts for me was when she talked about interacting with your model. A lot of those tips she gives are things that are useful when having your own photo taken too. Now I always think “turtle head” when I’m having my photo taken, which was her code for pulling your chin forward a little bit — flattering for everyone, apparently.
I think the length is perfect. If it was made longer and you wore pants it might look like you are trying to wear a dress but are afraid to show your legs.
I wouldn’t change the length. Looks really nice. How hard was putting in the sleeves?
Did not notice the seam with that pattern happening. Looks great. I love the length….don’t make it any longer!! 🙂
Did not notice the seam with that pattern happening. Looks great. I love the length….don’t make it any longer!! 🙂
Very nice top ! It looks great on you, I would’nt touch the length if I were you; sewing for oneself is not easy, I think, but you really did a great job !
Thanks! I think I might try it again with another fabric`
You look fabulous in your tunic!
So, I loved it s much I went out an bought the pattern. I sew a multitude of other items but not clothing. So, my standard clothing size is a 2 or 4 depending upon how they are cut. I am small but not petite and have broad shoulders. Any suggestions on what size to go with? How accurate do you feel the sizes are on he pattern measuremnts? THANK YOU SO MUCH for your help.
Smiles,
Lori
You look fabulous in your tunic!
So, I loved it s much I went out and bought the pattern. I sew a multitude of other items but not clothing. So, my standard clothing size is a 2 or 4 depending upon how they are cut. I am small but not petite and have broad shoulders. Any suggestions on what size to go with? How accurate do you feel the sizes are on he pattern measuremnts? THANK YOU SO MUCH for your help.
Smiles,
Lori
Pattern sizes are totally different than clothing sizes that’s the first thing to remember. Also, you can always take something in but you can’t always take it out.
For this pattern I think the most important measurement was the bust measurement. Take your bust measurement then on the pattern see what size it corresponds to. If you’re in between sizes round down, I do think that it runs big.
I hope this helps!
Thank you very much! I am glad I didn’t start cutting until I asked. I was lightly embarassed. 🙂 Very true on taking it in if necessary.
Have a great evenng 🙂
You did a great job.
stephanie