21 Mar Sail to Sable or Goodbye Valentino?
Will the real Sail to Sable please come forward?
Seriously, this is what keeps me sewing. I cannot spend $200 on a tunic that I can make for $50.
It’s true the Sail to Sable tunic is dress length, but I wanted the shorter length.
I’ve been on a quest to sew the perfect tunic for months. I love tunics.They are the perfect garments to toss on for casual occasions, or make one in silk and you’re set for the evening.
My attempts to sew the perfect tunic have resulted in a collection of tunic patterns. Through mixing pattern pieces, tracing RTW garments and an enormous amount of tweaking, I’ve arrived at my own pattern.
My pattern is not the result of Patternmaking Basics: The Bodice Sloper with Suzy Furrer , (which I am in the midst of) but the continuation of a failed project from last fall which I vowed to redeem.
I thought I was finished until I looked at the photo below which spoke volumes to me.
1) The mid-weight linen needed some shaping for a more flattering fit.
2) A lower edge border would give the tunic a finished appearance and prevent wrinkling.
To give the tunic a closer fit I took in the seam allowance at the sides and added back darts.
A little excess fabric remains in the upper back which I am hoping to correct in my next tunic with the help of the bodice sloper class.
The trim was applied with steam-a-seam then stitched with all purpose thread – white on the top and blue on the bottom. I stitched the trim to the collar before attaching the under collar. The trim was stitched to the sleeves before sewing the sleeve seam. Since the bottom trim was an afterthought, I stitched it after the side seams were sewn.
The linen and trim were purchased from NY Fashion Center Fabrics.
I continue to read and participate in discussions regarding the economy of sewing. My belief that one saves money sewing clothes endures, but as in any situation restraint is necessary!
Think about it……… does one save money by eating at home or dining out? The answer lies in what you eat of course, and it’s no different in sewing.
So for now I stick by my motto – Sew Your Own Clothes, Save Thousands of Dollars and Look Like a Million Bucks!
H A P P Y S P R I N G T I M E E V E R Y O N E ! !
Sarah Jo Harris
Posted at 17:42h, 21 MarchFabulous tunic!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:59h, 21 MarchThank you, Sarah Jo!
Kath Fryia
Posted at 17:52h, 21 MarchCan you pull this on over your head, or do you have a side zip? I love tunics too, but if I can get it over my head and shoulders, it looks like a sack.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:00h, 21 MarchYes, I pull this over my head. If it was anymore fitted I would need a zipper 🙂
Danielle
Posted at 06:58h, 22 MarchKath. I am so with you. Tunic appear so simple but are so difficult to get right.
Beth Ward
Posted at 18:02h, 21 MarchHave you considered a pattern line? I quilt, make bags and sew home dec, but am considering making something to wear for myself. I found Vogue retro pattern and some Liberty of London fabric to make a pretty summer dress with a full skirt. I’m disappointed in so many clothes I see at stores. Lily Pulitzer and Vineyard Vines used to make fun clothes, but now it designed for a 20 year old? Dresses, skirts and shorts are all very short; not the best look for. 54 yr old 5’9″.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:07h, 22 MarchMany thanks for your comment, Beth! I absolutely agree with you about the Lilly and V Vine clothes. I once loved both lines, but not only are they designed for 20 year olds, the Lilly clothes have fewer details and are sewn from cheaper fabrics. Yes, I would love to start a pattern line.
Nancy
Posted at 08:35h, 27 MarchIf you created this tunic pattern, I’d buy it for sure. I love it!
Patti Hall
Posted at 18:08h, 21 MarchYou addressed your problems perfectly! That bottom trim makes a huge difference… One I probably would not have tried. Good job!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:09h, 22 MarchThank you, Patti! I was shocked when I pinned the border around the lower edge. I originally thought it would be too much on a 5’2″ person. Not true 🙂
ReneeAnn
Posted at 18:41h, 21 MarchTo me its about making clothes that fit in colors and patterns that look good on me with fabrics that I will enjoy wearing. Are they less expensive than RTW? Often not, but I can guarantee that the fabrics are better, things are lined (and even the more expensive RTW aren’t anymore), and they fit me,.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:10h, 22 MarchHi Reneeann! I so agree with you – in your case it sounds like you are getting more for you money 🙂
Cynthia
Posted at 19:11h, 21 MarchYour back darts & trim addition make such an enormous difference to the tunic & it really looks great!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:12h, 22 MarchThank you, Cynthia! The final adjustments were so worth the extra trouble and expense ( I had to order more trim 😉 )
Carolyn
Posted at 19:34h, 21 MarchLove how the additional trim and changes to fit made the tunic fit you better! I think this is the one! Do you? And will you use it going forward?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:12h, 22 MarchThank you, Carolyn! I do believe I will stick with this pattern, but it needs just a little more tweaking 😉
Alice Elliot
Posted at 19:52h, 21 MarchMiraculous that you found the same color and trim.. It looks great on you! You are really close to perfection.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:13h, 22 MarchThank you, Alice! I couldn’t resist 🙂
Jackie Shepherd
Posted at 19:54h, 21 MarchWow! I love that tunic!!!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:13h, 22 MarchMany thanks, Jackie!!
Lisa Laree
Posted at 20:16h, 21 MarchWowza! You nailed it! Lovely!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:13h, 22 MarchThank you so much, Lisa 🙂
Gail G.
Posted at 20:22h, 21 MarchCute Top. The collar treatment looks nice on you and adds an up scale element to this traditional style. I have been thinking a lot about traditional Indian tunics lately . So, it is a pleasure seeing your creation for inspiration.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:16h, 22 MarchThank you so much, Gail! I don’t know if you are familiar with this website but it is loaded with Indian inspired tunics 🙂
http://www.styleinheaven.com/ready-to-wear-winter-casual-dress-designs-2015-16-by-taana-baana/
Mary Funt
Posted at 21:37h, 21 MarchYour revisions make such a difference. The back darts and hem trim make this much more flattering. Enjoy your sloper class..
I just finished reading “Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion.” Explores the world of inferior quality clothing and how much we spend on absolute junk. Much better to have fewer high quality garments that you love. That’s certainly a reason for sewing your own.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:18h, 22 MarchThank you, Mary! I’m glad I took the time to make the finally adjustments. “Overdressed” makes one excellent point after another. Here’s to sewing!
Eleanor Schreyer
Posted at 21:42h, 21 MarchOh I agree! And your final tweaking made all the difference! Beautiful! A tunic that gives you a beautiful femine shape…very flattering. That’s what sewing your own gives you…personal fit to make “you” look your best.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:19h, 22 MarchAmen, Eleanor! A personal fit is achieved by sewing your own clothes or having your own tailor. 🙂
Many thanks for the comment!
Deb D
Posted at 21:51h, 21 MarchI love the way your darts change the look. So cute!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:20h, 22 MarchThank you, Deb! I need to incorporate them into the paper pattern 🙂
Lorrie
Posted at 22:13h, 21 MarchIt’s a great looking tunic. The changes you’ve made really add to the look.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:20h, 22 MarchThank you, Lorrie! The final adjustments were well worth the extra time and expense.
robin
Posted at 22:21h, 21 MarchLove this tunic. I remember seeing one you made last year and I was so impressed. First, that some women still wear tunics (it’s not just me yes!). Second that tunics are fashionable–by changing the fabric and style options, they can be dressy or casual. How clever to add the back darts. Gotta keep that in mind.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:21h, 22 MarchThank you, Robin! Tunics are everywhere these days 🙂
Barbara
Posted at 22:22h, 21 MarchYou’ve got the fit and the fabric, both beautiful, As Reneeann says i sew because i can buy better fabrics than in much RTW and the fit, with a side that I just love to sew.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:22h, 22 MarchThank you, Barbara! I just love to sew too 🙂 🙂
Sharon Jester
Posted at 22:56h, 21 MarchYour tunic looks fabulous on you, nice fit. I love it!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:22h, 22 MarchMany thanks, Sharon!!
Rose Britton
Posted at 22:57h, 21 MarchGorgeous! and you gave me the tips to improve fit on a RTW top that’s never quite pleased me! Many thanks!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:23h, 22 MarchThank you so much, Rose! Good luck improving your RTW top 🙂
Heather Myers
Posted at 23:22h, 21 MarchSuccess! Looks fabulous, thanks for posting your trials to get there, it is inspiring.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:24h, 22 MarchMany thanks, Heather! I certainly had my share of trial & error along the way 😉
Aracellis Lopez
Posted at 23:40h, 21 MarchWOW, it is sew beautiful. I love the color and the trim matches it perfect.
You look great in it. I would love to make one for the shore and two others ones for going out casually and formal. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
-Aracellis
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:25h, 22 MarchMany thanks for your nice comment Aracellis! Good luck with your sewing 🙂
Linda
Posted at 01:57h, 22 MarchThat blue is one of my favourite colours. Just lovely! It looks so much better with the trim at the hem too! Good idea!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:26h, 22 MarchThank you, Linda! I thought I was too short for the bottom trim – not true 🙂
Sew, Jean Margaret
Posted at 02:03h, 22 MarchThis tunic looks pretty perfect to me. I love those colours…so fresh and the fit looks very flattering. Adding the trim along the bottom made a huge difference. You must be so pleased that you have now got the perfect tunic pattern.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:26h, 22 MarchMany thanks, Jean! I’m pleased indeed 🙂
Louella B_L_o_m_q_v_i_s_t
Posted at 03:04h, 22 MarchExquisitely classy and gorgeous!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:39h, 22 MarchThank you so much, Louella!
Joyce
Posted at 04:13h, 22 MarchI love your tunic and it looks like it cost $200! I got back into sewing after a period of being thoroughly disappointed with RTW clothing on offer in the shops. It seemed to me that fabrics got cheaper and thinner and designs became shorter as costs were cut but prices stayed the same. I’ve not got a problem with businesses needing to make a profit, ultimately it keeps people in jobs. I just found myself constantly trying on clothing that was too short and at 5’9″ I’m tall but not that tall! So it was out with my old sewing machine and back to making my own clothes and I can say that I’ve never been happier!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:41h, 22 MarchThank you Joyce for your nice comment. I agree with you – too want to see businesses succeed, but something needs to change in the clothing industry 😉
Cat
Posted at 04:34h, 22 MarchUnfortunately I am still at that phase where I spend more sewing, by learning and making mistakes. But it is still cheaper that therapy, so it all is worth while!
Anne
Posted at 05:44h, 22 MarchUnfortunately, I might need therapy after some of my mistakes!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:42h, 22 MarchHA HA HA!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:41h, 22 MarchLOL! I have those days too, Cat 🙂 🙂
Judie Loveday
Posted at 05:07h, 22 MarchI think you nailed it this time. Great colour, great trim, great fit.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:42h, 22 MarchMany thanks, Judie! I’m very pleased 🙂
Anne
Posted at 05:44h, 22 MarchLooks good! Your tweaks make all the difference.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:43h, 22 MarchThank you so much, Anne 🙂
Becry bagwell
Posted at 07:58h, 22 MarchLove the colors and the fit is perfect!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:43h, 22 MarchThank you, Becky!
Jan
Posted at 08:09h, 22 MarchBeautiful blue and white contrast! Great job! Jan
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:43h, 22 MarchThank you, Jan 🙂 It’s a gorgeous shade of blue!
Fiona
Posted at 08:11h, 22 MarchLooking at the close up pictures I would say that your interpretation is better sewn and finished than the original and such a beautiful fit. You have inspired me to make my first item of clothing from a pattern. In the past I have made items up as I have cone along or copied much loved items of clothing. I have always been terrified to tackle a paper pattern but seeing your fabulous wardrobe of designer inspired clothes has convinced me to persevere! Thank you for going to the trouble of creating your lovely blog.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:46h, 22 MarchFiona,
Thank you for your lovely comment! I think you’ll find paper patterns helpful in your sewing. If you have been sewing clothes without patterns you should have no problem adjusting them to suit your style.
Good luck 😉
Fiona
Posted at 05:14h, 26 MarchThanks! I’ll let you know how I get on!
Cissie Wellons
Posted at 08:15h, 22 MarchAll of your tweaking has really paid off, Sarah. Love your colors and the final product! What pattern did you use for the neck?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:47h, 22 MarchThank you, Cissie! I traced the neckline of a friend’s Sail to Sable tunic. However, after many adjustments it took on a life of its own 😉
Karen
Posted at 09:00h, 22 MarchThis tunic is perfect! Besides the absolute dead on fit and exection the color is gorgeous! Unlike some of the other tunics you’ve made in muted colors this one sings! Wearing colors that flatter our complexions is key to looking our best. You have mastered this with this fabulous tunic!!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:50h, 22 MarchMany thanks, Karen! Compatible colors make such a difference. This is my one beef with online fabric shopping. The colors are not always what you expect 😉
Leslie Rutland
Posted at 09:17h, 22 MarchLove your tunic. I have been tweaking the Wiksten Tova for a couple of years and love my variations. I have made it sleeveless and collarless, I’ve added a back yoke and sleeves from a Ottobre pattern. It’s been made from cotton, rayon, and batik. Everytime I make it it’s different. My next version will be a dress-length tunic to wear with leggings. I’m thinking of revamping the collar and adding pockets. All from one pattern.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:52h, 22 MarchThank you Leslie for your comment and for intro ducting me to the Wiksten Tova pattern! Very cute 🙂
Elaine
Posted at 09:58h, 22 MarchSuccess! I’ve followed your quest for the perfect tunic from the beginning. Congratulations!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:52h, 22 MarchIt’s definitely been a journey, Elaine! Thank you so much for following 🙂
Toni Morse
Posted at 10:13h, 22 MarchFabulous!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:52h, 22 MarchThank you, Toni!
Sara @ Sew Sweetness
Posted at 10:29h, 22 MarchWow, this does look expensive, great job! 🙂
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:53h, 22 MarchOoh…… I’m really glad you think it has the RTW look, Sara! Thanks so much for your comment 🙂
Mary Fioretti
Posted at 12:22h, 22 MarchJust love the color. Not kidding. BAck in the 70’s my mom made me one or two of those tops and the trim was very popular. I remember making a dress with daisies as a trim.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 16:23h, 22 MarchThank you, Mary! Tunics made a comeback in the 60s and have been in style ever since 🙂
Vernelle Nelson
Posted at 14:39h, 22 MarchIt’s why we sew. You did an absolutely beautiful job… as always.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 16:26h, 22 MarchMany thanks for your nice comment, Vernelle 🙂
Ruth Lutz
Posted at 14:44h, 22 MarchReally loving how the bold trim pops off the blue! You truly have achieved a ready-to-wear look with your sewing – an enviable skill which we all seek! Thanks for inspiring me to be a better sewist!
Warm regards,
Ruth Lutz
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 16:25h, 22 MarchThank you so much, Ruth! Some garments are getting close but I’m not quite there yet 😉
Laura Casey
Posted at 14:49h, 22 MarchCONGR,ATULATIONS…YOU’VE ACHIEVED THE PERFECT TUNIC….this piece is gorgeous, and the trim really elevates the look-which is expensive looking. All the trim pays dividends, if you hadn’t added the trim on the bottom, it would not be as good. Like I said PERFECT….Laura
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 16:26h, 22 MarchAhhh………. thank you so much for this nice comment, Laura! I agree with you – trim can be everything 🙂 🙂
Alethia Hudson
Posted at 15:45h, 22 MarchGreat looking tunic! I will take your tunic, anyday, over Sail to Sable’s version! The modifications are great as well.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 16:27h, 22 MarchThank you, Alethia! The STS tunic is a nice one but mine fits me better and it’s hard to beat a good fit when you can get it 🙂
Barbara B
Posted at 17:08h, 22 Marchi am always looking for clothes that “sing to me.” This tunic is clearly singing to you. It is exquisite.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:26h, 22 MarchWhat a lovely comment, Barbara! Thank you so much 🙂
Nancy
Posted at 19:53h, 22 MarchWell you’ve finally hit it Sarah – this is definitely your perfect tunic. Beautiful colour for you and I love the white trim. The blue and white is such a fresh combination. Well done!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 21:12h, 22 MarchMany thanks, Nancy! I’m getting close, but I too love this blue linen fabric and the b/w combo has been a long time favorite of mine 🙂
Brenda Wetli
Posted at 20:30h, 22 MarchAwesome!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 21:12h, 22 MarchThank you, Brenda!
Cindy C.
Posted at 21:06h, 22 MarchWOW! That shade of blue looks absolutely stunning on you! And I love, love, love the big, bold white trim — it hits the perfect balance between conservative and eye-catchingly unusual. As far as the lines of this top go, that particular shape and length of the “v” is very flattering on you,. This is a super win even if little fitting tweaks remain. Twenty thumbs up!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 21:14h, 22 MarchCindy – Thank you so much for your comment! I experimented with the front trim placement until it felt right. Two thumbs up would suffice nicely, but 20 is quite the compliment! Many thanks 🙂
Sarah C
Posted at 22:41h, 22 MarchPerfection! You really hit the nail on the head with this one. I had to do a double take before I realized which pictures were of the inspiration piece! Great job.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:21h, 23 MarchThank you, Sarah! Finding the same fabric and trim was serendipitous 🙂 🙂
Sue Fishbein
Posted at 00:19h, 23 MarchLovely tunic. So YOU! Classy and sophisticated.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:22h, 23 MarchAhh…. many thanks for your nice comment, Sue!! 🙂
Diana Deap
Posted at 08:03h, 23 MarchSuch a great colour for you and a lovely tunic!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:24h, 23 MarchThank you so much, Diana!
Celeste Yanisch
Posted at 09:59h, 23 MarchThis is just perfection on you. Is it lined or interlined? It really doesn’t look wrinkly at all for linen. Wonderful job!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:40h, 23 MarchThank you, Celeste! The tunic is not lined or interlined……. and I ironed it before taking photos 😉 I’d say the wrinkle factor is medium.
Rita Holladay
Posted at 12:09h, 23 MarchIndeed a great tunic. I just perused the pattern companies’ tunics. U have really developed a winner. Didn’t see anything close. Thanks for mentioning your fabric source. – a new site for me.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:45h, 23 MarchThank you, Rita! It was indeed an evolution 🙂
Gayle
Posted at 15:07h, 23 MarchI love it! would you mind sharing what color linen you used?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:44h, 23 MarchThank you, Gayle. I think it was royal blue from the mid weight linen collection. It looks nothing like the sample and I was shocked to find it the same color as the Sail to Sable linen! I highly recommend ordering a sample first 🙂
holly
Posted at 18:28h, 23 MarchHi Sarah,
I was interested in your comments regarding saving money by sewing one’s own clothes. Other things to consider are that home sewn garments are generally better finished than factory made, shop bought garments, unless you are buying high end couture. Also, you can always ensure that pieces are cut on the grain of the fabric (this doesn’t happen in mass produced garments, which are cut in multiples) and you can match stripes, center pattern motifs etc.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:30h, 24 MarchYou are so right, Holly 🙂
Sue Powers
Posted at 19:11h, 23 MarchAdding the bottom trim was the perfect addition. Don’t you just love it when a project comes together after the ‘aha!’ idea.
.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:29h, 24 MarchOh, I do love it when the moment of enlightenment appears! Many thanks for your comment, Sue 🙂
Margo
Posted at 19:24h, 23 MarchAbsolutely gorgeous Sarah! You certainly have arrived at a perfect tunic.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:27h, 24 MarchThank you, Margo! Btw – I LOVE your blog 🙂
Sharon kane
Posted at 08:33h, 24 MarchLove the tunic-color, trim. When reviewing your past tunics, it’s amazing how different each one looks, even though the pattern is the same. Thanks for tips on tweaking, styling, and modifications regarding fit for current garment and future ones. Always a pleasure reading your posts. I learn something every time!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:45h, 24 MarchSharon,
I hope my post wasn’t misleading. The previous tunic patterns are different patterns and a mix of pattern pieces. The pattern in this post is new! Many thanks for your comment 🙂
MaryEllen
Posted at 09:40h, 24 MarchI also always learn so much from you Sarah . The color & fabric on this tunic are so beautiful . I also think sewing saves money & is much cheaper than therapy –
Goodbye Valentino
Posted at 14:52h, 27 MarchThank you so much MaryEllen! The color looked completely different online, but I must say that I was very pleasantly suprised 😉
Debbie Findlay
Posted at 08:41h, 25 MarchLove the blue tunic on you and the changes you made. Feel exactly the same way…why buy when you can sew! But I am stuck in the same boat, although we are not alike in size, the problems seem to be the same. I am 5’9″ , so tunics are too short in the arms, way too loose. So thanks for all your investigation into tunic making!
Goodbye Valentino
Posted at 14:54h, 27 MarchMany thanks for your comment, Debbie! So you know,……. I just wonder who the ideal RTW customer is……
Ginger
Posted at 17:17h, 25 MarchWow, this looks so great! The trim on the bottom really does complete the look and make it more balanced. I’m glad you revisited this tunic- it’s really improved by your efforts!
Goodbye Valentino
Posted at 14:54h, 27 MarchThanks so much, Ginger!
Jan
Posted at 22:52h, 28 MarchJust when I have faced the fact that I am not as young as you, not as slim as you, or as tall as you (I am 1 inch shorter) and I CANNOT wear the clothes that you do… You come up with another garment that I am sure I NEED!
This one is the BEST! I was not familiar with this brand, but I am from Florida and LOVE this style! I too am looking for the perfect tunic,, and this may just be IT. Thanks for another inspiration..
Beverly
Posted at 18:16h, 29 MarchI’ve been reading your blog for quite some now. I am also tunic obsessed with sewing the perfect tunic. Only, unfortunately, I have just begun my journey, I fear that it will be a long one, especially considering that I would probably be considered a novice sewer at best. However, I can think of no other silhouette so easily changed into many an option, whether it blouses or dresses in linens and even wool. I also have an obsession with tartan, but I digress.
I have a simple mini tunic with one shoulder that I adore. It is a tad on the short side, and that along with my love affair of Lilly tunics of old had me hooked on ‘sew a perfect tunic’ endeavor.
If you like Sail to Sable, I would think you would adore Devon Baer. It’s the perfect tunic… But with a ruffle stand up collar! I literally cannot stand myself for not being able to sew it this very minute!
I wish you the very best in your endeavors and look forward to a possible pattern soon! In the meantime, might you have some knowledge you could share that might help other tunic challenged fashionistas? Are there any benchmarks, tried and true, methods that you have noticed among different patterns? Particular dart locations? Design ease tips?
All the best!
Paula Roveda
Posted at 13:20h, 23 FebruaryThank you for telling us where you got the fabric AND trim. A find it hard to find trim, so thank you.