Pleated Tunic

What a fun, busy and blessed holiday it has been!  Yesterday was filled with joy, food, laughs and family while the kids were going crazy with their new toys.  As the year is coming to an end, I know we're finding time to rest and still spending more time celebrating.  This Very Easy Vogue (V8977) pattern is a great piece to add to your colder weather wardrobe as well as being a bit more dressy.  I love these loose tunics because they can be styled all sorts of ways.  But first I want to talk more about the construction of this top.  First, the fabric I choose was from a local fabric store called TexStyles Fabric.  It's a very thin and drapey rayon knit.  What drew me to it was the color, and second was the drape.  I was a little concerned about the stretchiness of it with this type of pattern, but I decided I would give it a whirl.  The pleats, back strap and button band were all easy to sew.  The part that gave me the most trouble was the neck facing.  Because my fabric had a lot of drape and stretch I really had to fiddle with making sure the neck facing was lining up correctly as I sewed.  There are spots along the back where the fabric bunched up (nothing a little ironing out couldn't fix).  I also didn't change the length of the the sleeve pattern before cutting and the sleeves turned out way too long.  So I had to shorten them after they were already attached to the bodice.  I think they still turned out fine.  My favorite feature of this top are the gathers of the sleeves near the shoulder and the sleeve band, I think they add a fun and elegant touch.  I love this pattern and would definitely sew it again but probably with some type of challis fabric with no stretch.

I styled my pleated tunic with leather leggings, open toe booties and gold accessories.  I think this top would also look great with skinny jeans and leggings.  This would be a great look to celebrate the New Year with my family.