Style Arc Lani tunic x 2
Both pieced, may or not make it into the SWAP collection. Why? Well, I’m making more than the required 11 items, for one thing, but also because I’m having trouble deciding what to count as my ‘print’ or ‘prints’. I have my 2 neutrals, black and grey [and these two tops are both black and grey]. My accent is red, and I have been using that here and there…but one red top already includes the remnants of red/black/grey print from an old dress. DO I count that as a print, or as part of my other colours?
I have here two prints- the black and white mathematical one, which was my original inspiration for doing a mathematically/geometrically inspired collection, but I don’t have a lot, and wouldn’t want a garment made in just that anyway. Tricky. The Alexander Henry big cats print is just something I bought on a whim, I really love it, and think it works here.
We are told to interpret the rules as we see fit, so I think I may well just do my own thing, and see who objects lol This is the way I go through life in general anyway. Any opinions?
Nothing much to add to the last version EXCEPT …I actually did the FBA this time, including one on the existing dart, and one introducing a dart into the princess-seamed side piece. I know I should probably have rotated that out, but y’know what? meh. It looks balanced this way, so I’ll roll with it. I also added a pocket into the side which had none, just because it feels weird only having one pocket.
I sewed both up at once, making the whole process quite speedy. The instructions are, of course, sparse, and don’t mention useful points like- neaten the lower edges BEFORE mitring and turning through, and think about which way to press the seams before topstitching, especially if using multiple fabrics, so you get the best contrast.
I topstitched by hand, just because, using red on the grey big cat top, and black on the mathematical one.
After trying them on, I again took out a fair swoop of the back, curving in at the waist, and took a skinge out of the sides, shaping at the waist again. I also made the sleeves narrower, particularly on the black one where I was using jersey.
I made a bias facing on the grey top, and a simple band edging on the black.
The grey one lacked something- the wife said accessorise with red beads or some such, but I don’t really bother with accessories or jewellery any more. In the end, after rummaging through stash, I added two rows of grey narrow ribbon on the fornt plain panel, and then a slightly wider, darker grey round the neck and on the pocket edges, to trim AND stabilise…much better!
The black one is great though, and I’m much happier with two pockets- this one may well get worn for interviews, comfortable, smart [with the pinstripes] and mathematical too. What do you think?
[Excuse the creases, I had to sit and wait for the missus to return from one of her rambles, so I managed to revert to my usual scruffy appearance in no time!]
Both very successful. As for the rules I don’t really get them either. Just do what you want. If someone makes a fuss you have lots of substitutes. And your hair is looking really nice and floofy.
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lol thanks- the floofy is driving me mad- but I can’t afford a good haircut right now so it will wait a while longer. Unless it all falls out first [post-menopause is showing its teeth…to my scalp!] Where I’m losing it with the rules is the print/prints. Which to choose when I’m doing so much piecing? And not a single item that is all print. Meh. I’m wearing the hell out of it all anyway [pretty much] so it’s all good.
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Do your own thing stay true to yourself! Love the black math top.
Love the big cats too but something looks a little off with the kitties, not sure what hut then it could just be me.
Yes your hair is looking nice & fluffy it has volume. Mine is thin & strawlike when it used to be soft supple & thick. Menapause sucks
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the kitties are gorgeous, but almost abstract- they sort of jump out at you when not expecting them lol. My hair used to be fine and straight, til I had kids when it went much thicker and quite curly. It’s thinning fast now though- I’m hoping it’s temporary, but I suspect not. My dreams of having long thick white hair are no closer!
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My hair is long, halfway down my back & a white blond with some wave to it, just so much thinner now 😟
Being almost 60 ( how in hell did that happen) my hair & figure have done some things I’ve never imagined back when I was younger, always thought I’d be slim & trim. forever. I think with the cats top it’s so graphic that the solid gray is throwing me. Ido love it & will keep my eyes open for some of those kitties for a pair of leggings.
Becca G
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I think that’s why the solid grey was bugging me- I had to add those ribbon trims just to ‘lift’ it…and may yet add more. It’s funny how sometimes ‘more is more’- I found that out with steampunk outfits! My hair, unfortunately, is following my dad, and staying peper and salt for a loooong time. Mum was WHITE haired by the time she was my age, the missus has been white haired [pure silver really] for years. Mine just looks mucky so I’ll carry on colouring it for some time yet!
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I think you could definitely wear the maths top for an intervew. I would!
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then I shall! Most teachers turn up for interviews looking identical- I do prefer to look a little different!
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Love both of these. I started with a SWAP too but have quickly regressed. Rules schmules.
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Well, if you look back at what I’ve made so far, I think I’ll be quibbling over print v. patterned lol. I have woven stripes, woven pattern and prints all jumbled up. As long as I keep to my geometrically themed look, and the colours are tight, I consider it still as a collection. I’m wearing everything so far except the swirly-black cowl neck [too lightweight yet] and the stripey overtunic [me and layers are not great friends post menopause] Time will tell when I lay them all out together in a month.
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I really like the black/math one, and think it could certainly be a witty commentary of a shirt for an interview–the other comes across as much less formal.
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Absolutely- the animal one is more pyjama-y, but in fact, the black on, with the top in jersey, is more relaxed to wear. Go figure!
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I’m glad to see the mathemagician fabric used! And those pockets are fantastically practical.
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The one included in the pattern is a lovely deep pocket, so I just duplicated it, flipped to th other side, and changed the angle of the top to suit. I’m not sure why they only put on one, it’s a bit strange…
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Love the shirts and the photos are excellent!
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lol thanks- My missus does take nice snaps doesn’t she? We don’t take the photography side of blogging as seriously as some though, life’s too short, so what you see is what we got! [no editing in other words] it’s me, warts and all
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Gosh, those are very sharp! I’d be the person following you way too close in the grocery store, trying to see how you applied the ribbon trim.
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Lol I’d hope you’d just tap me on the shoulder and ask- I would!
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Ribbon trim is perfect Elaine. Just defines the edge nicely
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Thank you- it did make a surprising difference. I’m still of the opinion that some little thing is lacking with this one. Maybe it did need the red piping that I considered…I still like it though!
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Both looking very fine. I particularly like the mathsy one.
Ribbon is excellent. I agree with you ‘re accessories – I can never be bothered to trawl and find something suitable.
Stand out at those interviews – at least they will remember you 😀
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Is there an actual imperial/metric measurement that fits within “skinge’?
Personally, coming from a print industry background, we work on gnats’ or dogs’ b*ll*cks, depending on the tolerances.
Regardless of the seam allowances, you have two perfectly fitting tunics. And I may have to look into this Lani tunic further….
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A skinge is a well known amount, less than a tad, roughly 1/8 of a titchy bit. 17 skinges make a gnat’s bollock.
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And the tunic went down very well at work today- even the students noticed the maths fabric and were very entertained by it. All agreed it’s perfect interview wear.
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I just want to tell you that I love all the outfits and clothes you make. Your blog is my very favorite. I look forward to reading it. You and your wife are a beautiful couple.
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Aw thanks! What a lovely thing to say. I hope you carry on enjoying my ramblings!
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That print is fabulous… those animals look alive! I love your new tops and I say… just do what you want!
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I always do lol
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Both very beautiful! I love the second one, interesting pattern 🙂
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Thanks- Style Arc produce some really interesting patterns for blocking and mixing fabrics.
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