I am back for a very full week and recovery from QuiltCon in Atlanta. I taught
three classes, two featuring hand-embroidery and one featuring garment sewing and pieced textiles. It was a treat to teach with my friend Hillary and be joined by our skilled friends Kelly and Stephanie. It was a pleasure to have friends in all of the classes. To add to the thrills, I enjoyed two book signings of Represent! Embroidery. You can view some highlights on my Instagram page.
My friend at Morris Textiles commissioned me to make a sample dress for her booth. I love sewing Liberty fabric and patterns. In addition to my payment, she generously gave me a couple of patterns to add to my stash. I immediately returned home to sew the Esther Top and Tunic.
I like the loose style and front and back yoke features. It is the perfect canvas for machine embroidery details. Before traveling, I received my order of some yummy Organic Velour in orange and Dijon Cotton Velour with plans to make loungewear for my trip. I didn't get to it, but it was for the best. I like the way this worked out.
If you have not sewn a Liberty pattern before, it reads like a standard McCall's or Simplicity pattern.
Based on my measurements, I cut the size medium in view D. I did not make any fit adjustments, but I did make two changes. I distributed the gathers of the lower front across the entire front of the bodice, rather than at the marked stopping and starting points. It reduces bulk in areas. I also made side vents to allow easier access to my pockets.
To add machine embroidered details to the yoke, I traced the pattern on a cut of fabric.
I then secured the fabric in the hoop of my Baby Lock Altair. I floated it with a sticky stabilizer without a top hoop to prevent hoop burn. The IQ Positioning app allowed me to place the design precisely within the drawn pattern area.
I added a water soluble topper to the fabric to prevent the stitches from sinking into the fibers. While it embroidered, I worked on my Baby Lock Accolade serger on the parts of the tunic I could.
I continued with the embroidery on the lower sleeves and continued with the construction. I left the stabilizer in place until it was complete. I washed and dried it once it was made.
Overall, I am very pleased with this tunic. My fabric choice is not one recommended, but it is not prohibited, so I do what I want.
I love the choice to add the design to the sleeves.
The back yoke is also a potential canvas for embroidery. I chose not to use it because of my new hairstyle. I also would not see it to appreciate it, so I passed.
My sewing of late has been purposeful and work related. It feels good to make something just for me.
This pattern will make an appearance again and again as we move into Spring. I have plans for upcycling, piecing, and retro fabrics. Of course, there will be a maxi-length dress on the horizon.
Happy Sewing!
Bianca