Three Tunics

10 Jul Three Tunics

Holy Moley ~ is this fabric ever ____________!

IMG_0024 2I believe the Medium who told me I needed more yellow in my life would be very, very pleased 😉

Julie and I are making tunics for a traveling trunk show once The Tunic Bible is released. My thought was to make a fitted eyelet tunic dress to contrast the recently made black eyelet tunic in the classic relaxed fit illustrating the versatility of the pattern.

I went ahead with my plan and made the fitted tunic with an underlined bodice, but this color…………………..

IMG_0007

I feel like I could be plucked from an Easter Basket.

The fabric was ordered online which I’ll tell you more about in my next post all about Online Fabric Shopping.

But getting back to tunics, I’m including two of Julie’s recent tunics. Speaking of contrasts ~ her flowing beach tunic is stunning sewn in a lightweight knit with an appliqué placket! Isn’t it gorgeous?

www.goodbyevalentino.com

as is the ruffle neck knit tunic inspired by Gretchen Scott and Devon Baer designs.

7

4

Planning our marketing campaign has been great fun, and we can’t wait to share all of the details with you. The traveling trunk show will give you an upclose look at the tunic construction and fabric selections. I’m not sure if the yellow one will make the cut, but we are planning a show with variety.

We’d love to share the tunics with as many people as possible! If you have a favorite fabric store that might be a good fit feel free to share it by leaving a comment or sending an email to goodbyevalentino@gmail.com.

Best wishes  and Happy Sunday to all!

 

goodbyevalentino
goodbyevalentino@gmail.com
76 Comments
  • Starla Lester
    Posted at 11:25h, 10 July Reply

    I look forward to your post on online fabric shopping. Online shopping is…an adventure. One can’t always tell thickness, or drape, or body very well from pictures. If I play cautious and order a swatch, the luscious fabric is sold out once I find it is exactly what I wanted. And colors, oh my! I’m really looking forward to your thoughts on the whole process!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:24h, 11 July Reply

      Starla ~ It is an adventure indeed, and not always a pleasant one! The post should be published this week 🙂

  • Carrie diamont
    Posted at 12:06h, 10 July Reply

    Come to the Bay Area and enjoy our beautiful fall weather! Stone Mountain and Daughter in Berkeley has a small but sophisticated assortment of silks, knits, and cotton voile – which would be great for tunics! You can also stop into Britex In San Francisco and shop their floor to ceiling shelves of designer and imported fabrics!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:29h, 11 July Reply

      Thank you, Carrie! The tunics will be traveling to some locations without us, and I’ll let you know what we get worked out 😉

  • Lynn Rubin
    Posted at 12:31h, 10 July Reply

    Looking forward to your book! Finch Sewing Studio in Leesburg, VA would be a great stop on your tour.f

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:30h, 11 July Reply

      Thank you, Lynn! Julie is familiar with this store and I hope it will work out 😉

  • Caroline Lazzara
    Posted at 12:39h, 10 July Reply

    I love tunics and have several RTW as well as 10 i’very made using the Devon pattern by Sis Boom. I ordered your book and cannot wait! Even the yellow dress is gorgeous!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:31h, 11 July Reply

      LOL ~ Thank you, Caroline! You made my day 😉

  • Yvonne Mullins
    Posted at 12:51h, 10 July Reply

    Come to Soutache in Chicago. It isn’t a fabric store but is has the best buttons, trims, ribbons, etc. to make the tunic one of a kind. Check out their website.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:32h, 11 July Reply

      Many thanks, Yvonne! We’ll definitely check Soutache out 😉

  • chris johnson
    Posted at 12:53h, 10 July Reply

    Lovely tunics – each and every one! Your trunk tour sounds fabulous. We have a small but awesome fabric store on Bainbridge Island. Esther’s Fabrics is the oldest fabric shop in the state that is still in operation. Not sure if they organize presentations, but our very inspiring bookstore, Eagle Harbor Books, does have regular speaker presentations by authors. The two shops are literally right across from each other, so perhaps they could coordinate a program through Eagle Harbor at the fabric shop. Just brainstorming here. Anyway, Bainbridge is a 30 minute ferry ride from Seattle. If you do find venues in the Seattle area and need a place to stay, we have a guest room with a double bed and private bath, We would be happy to host you.

    Fabric Depot in Portland, Oregon might be another option. Palmer Pletsch teaches fitting and sewing classes at this location, and seems to me that a joint workshop/presentation on tunic styles, options, and fabric selection, along with how to fit them would be appealing to many in the Portland area. Between California, Oregon, and Washington, you could do a west coast tour.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:34h, 11 July Reply

      Chris ~ Thank you for all of these wonderful suggestions! I’ve been to Bainbridge once and found it captivating. The tunics will be traveling to some locations without us, and I’ll let you know what we get worked out 😉

  • Joan
    Posted at 13:06h, 10 July Reply

    I love the acid yellow eyelet dress! By all means, include it in your trunk show!

    As a recent arrival to the upper Midwest, I encourage you to contact Treadle Yard Goods in St. Paul, MN. It is a fantastic fabric shop with lots of classes and I think it would be a great fit for your trunk show.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:35h, 11 July Reply

      Fantastic! We’ll check out Treadle Yard Goods, Joan ~ many thanks for the suggestion 🙂

      • Catherine Fowler
        Posted at 18:10h, 12 July Reply

        I agree about Treadle- I have traveled to St. Paul for work and it is one of my standard stops. Benefits of work travel.

  • Marie Z. Johansen
    Posted at 13:25h, 10 July Reply

    Although the electric yellow may not appeal to some (me) I think that it would look stunning on some folks…so consider keeping it in the show!

    Looking forward to seeing your book!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:36h, 11 July Reply

      LOL ~ I consider it, Marie. You’re right, we all have different tastes.

  • Carol
    Posted at 14:27h, 10 July Reply

    I’m not a person that can wear yellow, especially close to my face, but I really like it on you. Would love to see your tunics up close! Come on down to New Orleans at Promenade Fabrics.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:37h, 11 July Reply

      Thank you so much, Carol! We’ll touch bast with Promenade Fabrics. The tunics will be traveling to some locations without us, so I’ll let you know what we get worked out 😉

  • Becky Bagwell
    Posted at 15:23h, 10 July Reply

    All so pretty! Love the beach cover-up!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:37h, 11 July Reply

      Thank you, Becky! I love, Julies beach tunic too 🙂

  • Deborah Penner
    Posted at 16:22h, 10 July Reply

    Would love to see you at our local fabric store, a rarity in a small town nowadays. The store is named Kessler’s Kreations, located In Hillsboro, KS. Would love to inspire our local folks to return to sewing garments. We used to have two thriving fabric stores 40 years ago with a custom bridal shop associated with one of them. We recently lost our only dress shop after 47 years when the proprietress retired. What an incentive to inspire making our own clothing again.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:45h, 11 July Reply

      Thank you so much for the suggestions, Deborah! The tunics will be traveling to some locations without us, so I’ll let you know what we get worked out 😉 Since the tunics can be as simple or as elaborate as one chooses, we hope they will be incentive to those who choose to return to sewing.

  • Irene
    Posted at 16:51h, 10 July Reply

    All the tunics are lovely. If you’re sewing for a trunk show, there are quite a variety of tastes to accommodate for.
    Are you planning your travels only in the US? or are you considering the possibility of heading north of the border?

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:46h, 11 July Reply

      Thank you so much, Irene! The tunics will be traveling to some locations without us, and I’m not sure at this point. I’ll stay in touch 😉

  • Creative Hormone Rush
    Posted at 17:47h, 10 July Reply

    No doubt about it, you’ve created a versatile pattern! I love all these looks. But one question: how come you’re not wearing the ruffled version? I would have put big money on you showing that version yourself, since you look so fabulous with ruffles at the neck. Or are you craftily (no pun intended) waiting to wow us with that later?

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:48h, 11 July Reply

      Ha – ha – ha! I’ve made some ruffled tunics, but Julies is hot off the machine and I love her choice of swimsuit fabric for this one. Lots of ruffles to come 🙂 🙂

  • Darcy
    Posted at 18:15h, 10 July Reply

    Not sure how far you’ll be ranging, but the Portsmouth Fabric Co. (Portsmouth, NH) is a lovely little shop that might be interested. They do mostly quilting fabrics, but carry some high end apparel fabrics (mostly silks, voiles, and linens) that would work and would likely be lovely in tunics. Plus, Portsmouth is gorgeous–great old New England harbor town!!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:49h, 11 July Reply

      Darcy ~ Many thanks for your suggestion. and we will touch base with Portsmouth Fabric Co. The tunics will be traveling to some locations without us, so I’ll let you know what we get worked out 😉

  • Mary Lynn
    Posted at 21:23h, 10 July Reply

    Love the tunics! Don’t forget Mulberry Silks In Carrboro (really right next to Chapel Hill) The gals there are the greatest! You’ll
    love their fabrics!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:50h, 11 July Reply

      Thank you for the reminder, Mary Lynn. I’ve never been to Mulberry Silks and will definitely touch base!

  • MaryEllen
    Posted at 21:38h, 10 July Reply

    The Bernina Connection in Phoenix w oils make a great stop – tell them I recommended you !!!!

    • MaryEllen
      Posted at 21:39h, 10 July Reply

      Hate auto correct – should say would make a great stop

      • goodbyevalentino
        Posted at 21:51h, 11 July Reply

        LOL ~ I knew what you meant. I almost made a visit there this last trip but time was short. Many thanks, Mary Ellen!

  • barbara
    Posted at 22:54h, 10 July Reply

    can someone tell me the difference (as you see it) between a tunic and a dress? while i do think that everything here is attractive, i don’t think that everything here is a tunic.. i would classify at least two of the items as dresses.

    can someone explain he difference?

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:59h, 11 July Reply

      Hi Barbara! Check out Wikipedia’s tunic definition, a portion of which is attached.
      A tunic is any of several types of garment for the body, usually simple in style, reaching from the shoulders to a length somewhere between the hips and the ankles………

      Today, fashion designers have taken the tunic and run with it. All are simple in design with varied necklines, sleeve details and fit. Check out the difference between the Tory Burch tunics and Sail to Sable tunic dresses which are often fitted.

  • Sharon kane
    Posted at 06:26h, 11 July Reply

    Come to Michigan! Any time of the year is great as our weather is versatile and changes on a whim (kind of like a tunic). Winter? Wear a light weight wool tunic over leggings with boots; January we have the International Auto Show – wear a glammed tunic with tons of sparkles to the charity preview; February – is the Boat Show and whether you’re on a 14 footer or 40 footer, a tunic will fit right in. A tunic for every month. You’ll find all your fabric needs at Haberman Fabrics in Royal Oak.

    Sharon

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 22:01h, 11 July Reply

      You get it, Sharon!! We will check out Haberman Fabrics. I’ve been t0 the website many times ~ thanks so much 🙂

  • Maggie edger
    Posted at 10:14h, 11 July Reply

    You gals are amazing! Your outfits should sell tons of books. Good Luck!
    AMaggie

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 22:02h, 11 July Reply

      Fingers, crossed, Maggie! Thank you 🙂 🙂

  • Virginia
    Posted at 11:10h, 11 July Reply

    Would you consider bringing the trunk show to Mood in New York? The transportation available would make it accessable to fans in NY, NJ, Pa, Conn and much more. That would be great.
    Virginia

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 22:03h, 11 July Reply

      Oh how I would love to bring the tunics with Mood, Virginia! I’ll keep you posted 😉

  • Gail Foglietta
    Posted at 11:17h, 11 July Reply

    The Fabrique Favric store in Dallas, Texas would be a “perfect fit” for y’all and your new book!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 22:04h, 11 July Reply

      LOL ~~ thanks so much, Gail! We’ll certainly touch base with The Fabrique Fabric store 😉

  • Carol
    Posted at 11:22h, 11 July Reply

    Will you be giving information on where to purchase appliques such as she has used on her tunic?

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 22:05h, 11 July Reply

      We will, Carol. Julie’s tunic was purchased through an Etsy vendor.

  • Nique
    Posted at 13:09h, 11 July Reply

    Holy moley is this fabric ever gorgeous!!!

    Can’t wait to know where you got it from.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 22:06h, 11 July Reply

      LOL ~ you made my day, Nique! The fabric came from BandJ Fabrics (online). Many thanks for your great comment 🙂

  • Alice Elliot
    Posted at 15:38h, 11 July Reply

    Not sure what the fiber content of your yellow tunic might be, but you could dip it into a dye pot and tone it down. It is quite bright!!! It’s not unflattering, just kind of startling!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 22:07h, 11 July Reply

      What an excellent suggestion, Alice. Startling is the word, indeed 😉

  • Myra
    Posted at 16:36h, 11 July Reply

    Very pretty Sarah!! You both did awesome work!!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 22:08h, 11 July Reply

      Thank you so much, Myra! Julie is becoming an expert at appliquéd necklines 😉

  • Jeanie Joe
    Posted at 16:49h, 11 July Reply

    Yes on the yellow dress in the book!! I love color, and wish more people would not always “play safe” when it comes to wardrobe!

    As far as fabulous on-line fabric sources–I am in Los Angeles very close the the fabric district downtown.
    Michael Levine: http://www.lowpricefabric.com/
    I moved here in 1979 and found them, and they are still the biggest store with a huge selection of high quality textiles. Prices are great, and it’s the ‘go-to’ store for designers, filmmakers, theatrical costume etc. Michael Levine is a household word here in Los Angeles, the hub of the fashion and fabric districts. (and the flower district is right next to it!)

    Also for a specialty fabric source, you should definitely consider Islands Fabric: http://www.islandsfabric.com/
    They have a vast collection of Hawaiian and other island textiles; I love their cotton and rayon bright Hawaiian prints. They also carry Oilcloth, which is fun to make totes and zipper pouches with. They are also located downtown L.A., and I can personally vouch for their great selection and high quality fabrics.

    AND–if you ever come to Los Angeles, look me up and I’ll take you to downtown L.A. for blocks and blocks of fabulous fabric! I teach sewing in college, and each semester we take the students on a DTLA field trip–lotsa fun!!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 22:10h, 11 July Reply

      Jeanie ~ Wow, your comment is loaded with great suggestions. Yes, I’m familiar with Michael Levine and will make contact with Islands Fabric. I’ll take you up on your offer the next time I’m in LA. Many thanks!!!!

  • Jan
    Posted at 20:20h, 11 July Reply

    Another suggestion for Promenade Fabrics in New Orleans.. Great store with wonderful fabrics and a really fun place to visit!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 22:11h, 11 July Reply

      Thank you, Jan! We plan to contact Promenade 😉

  • Cheryl Lemmons
    Posted at 07:44h, 12 July Reply

    Fabrique in Plano, TX. !!! Lovely store.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 12:30h, 12 July Reply

      Thank you, Cheryl!!

  • peggy leah
    Posted at 13:40h, 12 July Reply

    The yellow IS bright but only because it isn’t broken up with details
    or another color (piping?) but the biggest reason probably is that
    you aren’t used to it yet!
    peggy

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 16:44h, 12 July Reply

      Many thanks for your comment, Peggy! I’m not sure if I’ll ever get used to it 😉

  • Nancy S.
    Posted at 00:22h, 13 July Reply

    How I wish there were still fabric stores in my immediate area (20 miles north of Philadelphia). There are some in Philly proper and one in Germantown (Gaffneys on Germantown Avenue). In Philly, there would be Fabric on 4th but I am not sure I can still manage driving into the city. I could get to Germantown. I am definitely not a bright yellow fan but the style is lovely on you.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 11:51h, 15 July Reply

      Nancy,
      Thank you so much for your recommendations – We will check them out. I’m not this much of a bright yellow fan myself. It’s a little too much of a good thing 😉

  • Sharon Killian
    Posted at 11:37h, 13 July Reply

    Please come visit New Orleans and stop by Promenade Fine Fabrics on St. Charles Ave!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 11:52h, 15 July Reply

      Most likely, the tunics will be traveling to many locations without us, Sharon! Promenade must be a fine store as we have received many recommendations to connect with it. Many thanks 🙂

  • Barbara Speer
    Posted at 15:01h, 13 July Reply

    I second the recommendation of Stone Mountain and Daughter in Berkeley. it is a wonderful store – one of the best in the area – great selection. There is also a very active MeetUp Sewists group in the area with 250 members, 30-50 at each monthly event. Come to San Fransisco – we will greet you with open arms.

    Barbara

    • Alice Elliot
      Posted at 22:03h, 13 July Reply

      I live in the bay area. Know stonemountain well. Where can i find out about this sewist meetup you refer to?

      • Barbara Speer
        Posted at 18:55h, 18 July Reply

        Hi Alice, It is called Bay Area Sewists and can be found on the Meetup.com website. How to see you there.

        Barbara

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 11:54h, 15 July Reply

      To Barbara and Alice ~
      I’ve seen various posts from bloggers in the area about this wonderful group. You are so lucky!!!!!
      I’ll certainly touch base if a trip to the Bay Area comes about 😉

  • Virginia
    Posted at 20:23h, 15 July Reply

    I am looking forward to your post on “Online Fabric Shopping”. That is a situation I am quite uncomfortable embarking upon. Some guidance would be very helpful.

  • Shams
    Posted at 10:50h, 17 July Reply

    Beautiful tunics, Sarah! That is a very flattering silhouette that even I can wear! I particularly love Julie’s beach coverup with the deep side slits.

    • Shams
      Posted at 10:51h, 17 July Reply

      Also, many congratulations on the imminent publication of your book!

  • Heather Myers
    Posted at 12:09h, 17 July Reply

    Elfriede’s Fine fabrics in Boulder, Colorado is a wonderful store! Let them know I suggested them. Good luck!, I’m getting tunic motivated,especially the longer dress like examples.

  • CHERYL RIVENBARK
    Posted at 23:33h, 17 July Reply

    Please start your tour at 5/8’s Seams here in Charleston. They have a great classroom and wonderful fabric. Plus they are close to you and you know the area.

  • Julie Tebay
    Posted at 10:27h, 19 July Reply

    Ginny’s Fine Fabrics in Rochester, MN, would be a fabulous fit…pun intended! Wide array of fabrics and the button selection is incredible. http://www.ginnysfinefabrics.com

  • Laurie Heeren
    Posted at 09:01h, 01 February Reply

    I purchased and received the Tunic Bible . We are going on vacation this April and I love Julie’s flowing beach tunic did she just put slits in the side and angled the hem?

    Thank you
    Laurie

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 07:02h, 02 February Reply

      Hi Laurie! Yes- that’s exactly what I did. The slits end about 6″ above my knee and I also curved the hem a bit. Have a great vacation!

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