Quick pattern view : Trendy tunic from Love Notions

We have been on the road for a bit now, seriously amazing camping in the desert between Texas and California. However along with the cactus and mountains we lost a bit of connectivity so I have been only sporadically online.

I am brewing more on our style series but felt a review of this pattern was long overdue so I should do that first.

Continuing in my investigation of indie patterns I made my own version of Love Notions' Trendy Tunic.

There are about 8 million longish tunic patterns out there so this one attracted me because it was a little different. Here are the line drawings:

I liked the look of the pockets, I have said before that it reminded me of a clothespin bag (also useful). Since I am driving around in an RV not a fabric store (not that I'm not trying) I put this experimental version together out of bits and pieces.

Styled with hair that needed cutting and full living in the bush make-up which would be none.

It was clear that the pockets were going to require a fabric with body so I used a piece of ottoman I have stashed away in the space in the bunk area above the cab of the rv. It was part of the collection of bits and pieces I have not fully disclosed to the man who thinks we are travelling light.

For the sleeves I used some patterned jersey that was not enough to make anything but these two sleeves. 

And finally for reasons discussed in our conversation on colour, I squeezed the colour and cuffs out of some cotton lycra I brought with me under some impression that I would be making underwear in my spare time. As opposed to walking around looking at rocks and cacti which is actually pretty interesting.

I realize that the neck and cuffs of this top look a bit like a little boys jammies but then again I have always had a soft spot for little boys in their jammies.

I really wasn't sure if an A-line tunic would suit me, don't wear them a lot. However it turns out that the comfort and utility of this top really appeal to me. The large deep pockets are great for picking things up off the floor that you will put away later, for dog walks, and for sewing supplies like seam rippers that go off on their own if they are not in a pocket.

I also think this tunic could be easily lengthened into quite a nice practical dress. You could also add a cowl neckline if you felt one might be nice.

So when I get home I am pretty sure I will be making a few more of these for real life wear.

Now what do you think?