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.