My Finished Tova!

I finished my Tova Tunic (find the pattern here) a while ago now. I blogged about it a bit in process, but I haven't given my full blog review of it yet. Why not? Because I couldn't seem to get a flattering picture of it (taken by my dear husband). For whatever reason my husband is unable to take a picture that includes both 1) me with a flattering look on my face and 2) a good representation of the clothes I'm wearing.

I finally got my mother in law to take a picture of it this weekend. I actually wore the Tova to a party this weekend while on vacation with my husband's extended family! I received a lot of really great comments about the top, although it was socially necessary to rave about the top after Wally announced to everyone near me that I did indeed make my shirt!

I think the Tova Tunic turned out pretty fantastically! The pattern went together without any problems. I got hung up while working on this top because I was simply afraid of the next step. It was a huge jump for me - following a pattern, and using a light flowy (and SYNTHETIC!) fabric. Aside from my own mind making me think it was going to be hard - I found it to be really pretty straightforward!

The Tova Tunic didn't live up to the difficulty level that I thought it would be. I had the most trouble with the gathered and bound sleeve cuffs. The first cuff was so fiddly (the lightweight fabric was the problem!) - I ended up using Pellon 805 Wonder Under Tape that I had on hand - and pressed the fusible tape along the folded edge, then pressing/fusing it in place before top-stitching it down. This helped a TON! I did the same for the collar and the bottom hem.

As for the length, I cut my pattern pieces for the dress, then took the hem up by about 4" with a 1.5" hem. So it's a tunic length and is pretty comfortable with jeans. If/when I make another Tova I will add slits there, to add a bit more comfort at the hem. I found the sizing of the pattern to be true to my measurements but I must admit I'm really not used to wearing shirts that are not made of knit... It feels a bit snug in the back of the shoulder. Not bad though.

I have been considering making one out of a not too stretchy knit. I wonder how that would work out. It surely would be pretty cozy!

PS: I enjoyed reading along with the Tova Sew-along while working on my Tova. I highly recommend reading along if you make one yourself!

Tova Tunic

At some point last week I got it into my head that I wanted to make one of these Tova Tunics that so many people seem to be making.

Buy the pattern here!

I haven't sewn any clothes from a pattern since before Allie was born - when I had to make a bridesmaid dress for myself -- at 7.5 mos pregnant! That pattern was not maternity friendly, and it was made of crepe - ugh. Never again! lol

I've sort of sworn off clothing patterns since then. But this one is different. I think it's more my style to begin with. On top of that I've done a lot more technical sewing since then. I'm pretty sure I can handle this.

I'm pretty nervous to do it though!!

Rolls and rolls of fabric at Vogue!

I stopped at Vogue Fabrics in Evanston last week, and picked up some yardage of fabric for it. I wanted a lightweight cotton chambray or double gauze... but no luck with that. I found some cotton shirting that was ok - but in a totally wrong color for me.

My fabric choices.

Eventually I ventured into the "unknown fiber content" fabrics. lol. I think the material I'm using now is rayon? It didn't shrink much if any at all - so I'm not too worried. It passed my pressing test too. At $1.30/yd I am not out too much if it doesn't work out. The other fabric is a bit thicker, more like a general shirting fabric. I'm still not sure about it. lol.

Guess who ran out of white printer paper and only had neon paper? hehe. It messes with the pictures!

Last night I cut out all my pieces from the fabric. Emily came over last night to chat and do some handsewing while I cut the pieces. It was scary; I needed the moral support.

My friends Sally and Elaine are taking on the Tova with me. :) Safety in numbers.