I’ve been sewing more for myself lately. Little by little, I’m overcoming that fear of investing time and money into sewing something that might wind up being a big failure. A few weeks ago, I looked around my sewing room and realized that I have piles of fabric intended for clothes for myself and yet, it just sits there. No more, I’m using it up. I’ve made a handful of tops since then and finally got up the nerve to sew up the Late Lunch Tunic pattern by Liesl + Co.
I purchased this digital pattern and even printed it out ages ago. The style appealed to me because the top is structured to right under the bust and then it has a nice, flowy skirt. I figured it would be perfect for my pear shape and would be long enough to wear comfortably with leggings or skinny jeans. I’ve been wanting to sew myself some plaid check since I fell in love with this Christmas dress. I scored some plaid flannel on clearance that worked great for this project.
I sewed a size 2, following the pattern suggestions for bust measurement and I’m really happy with the finished result. The length and shoulder fit is perfect on my frame. The arms are a little tight though not uncomfortable, and should be fine once I tone up a bit, ahem. The pattern was easy to follow and easy to sew – I finished within a few hours and intend to make several more of these babies.
I added two elastic cord loops into the bodice seam on each side to hold a belt. I like to accentuate my slimmer areas with a belt and I don’t want to worry about it slipping down or sitting crooked – the loops do the trick to hold it in place. This thin belt is comfortable to wear, but adds just a little formality to the tunic. I also dressed it up with some shiny buttons. Of course, you can keep the tunic more casual without a belt and with simpler buttons.
I’ve worn my new uniform four of the last five days, including on a weekend date to Tahoe for Valentine’s Day with my husband, rollerskating with the kids, and for school carpool. It works for pretty much everything.
Pattern: digital Late Lunch Tunic by Liesl + Co.
Fabric: Flannel from Beverly’s Fabrics (purchased locally)
Comments & Reviews
christina says
that looks amazing on you! i’m going to have to check out the pattern.
Allison says
This turned out Really darling. Great work!
Ashley says
You are so pretty. Don’t get me wrong, I love all the girly things you make but I would love to see more of YOU!
Susan says
Very cute! I’ve been wondering about that pattern.
Jess Abbott says
STEFANIE!!! You look absolutely stunning my dear. Seriously, just beautiful. The top is gorgeous. I love everything about it!!!
Mary L says
What a great pattern! I love it. It looks very versatile. You did a great job.
Jen says
Perfection – You look gorgeous, the top is so beautiful and your photos are just stunning.
Sabra at Sew a Straight Line says
So adorable! You and the tunic. The check works perfectly with the pattern. And seriously, you are just so beautiful, Stef.
Lindsay Wilkes - The Cottage Mama says
SUPER cute, Stef!! Love that fabric and the length is just perfect. You are so gorgeous!!
Jamie @ Coffee With Us 3 says
Super cute!
I’m a pear-shape, too, so I’ll have to check out the pattern– it looks great on you!
Sarah says
This is so awesome! I’d live in it, too! You look gorgeous!
cécile says
You are so beautiful!!! this tunic is amazing and suits you very well
Rosellen Ralph says
Love the tunic in black and white check! It looks wonderful on you. Are you normally a size two or did you adjust the size? I’m asking because you never know how patterns are sized and I am MUCH larger than a size two!!
girlinspired says
Thank you so much, Rosellen. About the sizing…IF I were at my ideal weight, I would be a size 2, probably – I’m quite petite. My extra weight falls mainly in my hips, so I often have to adjust patterns up in size to fit over the rest of me. I’m also carrying a bit more weight on my arms right now, which effects sizing. The arms ended up being a little tight with the size 2, but I think it was pretty true to size and the suggested sizing based on provided measurements was accurate for me. I appreciated that there was enough gathering below the bust that the smaller size still flared out over my much larger hips. I would suggest choosing a size based on your bust measurement and the provided chart – as suggested in the pattern. I hope that helps!
Catie says
I love this top on you!! I too am trying to break free from only sewing for my kids. 🙂 It’s hard!
*Do you have a duffle bag pattern coming out soon?
girlinspired says
Thanks Catie! Sewing for kids is so much easier, but sewing for myself seems to be more rewarding right now – you can do it!
I do have a duffle bag pattern coming out “soon”. 🙂 I don’t know when it will be, but yes, that’s my goal!! 🙂
stacey morales says
I love that tunic… it looks great on you! and the flannel fabric must be comfy. Thank you for showing this to us.
Preethi says
Ive been sewing for my daughter since sept and cannot brave to sew for myself yet. The pattern and fabric look great on you. Its all come together so weel.
Teresa says
So cute! I would love to see more plus size patterns. I know you’re not one, but it’s so hard finding good modern clothing for plus size girls. I am smaller up top in my chest and arms and all my weight is in my stomach and hips, sometimes when I buy larger tops ppl ask if I’m pregnant. LOL! Um no, it’s just baby weight (she’s 4 LOL!) I wonder if I could make this shirt and not look pregnant. 🙂
Carin says
That is lovely on you. I will have to check out that pattern!
Melissa says
You look gorgeous, m’dear!
delia says
This is so beautifully sewn, you are GORgeous, and the light in these pictures is so lovely!
marissa | Rae Gun Ramblings says
oooh super cute! I want one too
girlinspired says
Marissa – you should definitely make one! You could wear it right after the baby and it would be super flattering!
Kristie Clower says
Super cute! This pattern is adorable and looks like it fits you really well. I’m afraid to sew for myself because I don’t want to waste/ruin my lovely fabric. Maybe I should follow your lead and stitch up something for myself.
Kathy says
Love this top. I may even make it!
You mentioned you were a “pear” shape. I pinned your garment on the PEARABLES PINTEREST Board at http://www.pinterest.com/kathy3217/pearables-those-who-sew-for-a-pear-shaped-figure/
and linked back to your blog. Please let me know if you would like the pin removed. The pin allows more people to access your blog!