Saturday, August 21, 2010

Anna Tunic

Anna Tunic

I had attempted this pattern some time back, well before I had a blog, and had to resize it after cutting into the fabric. I had cut out the XS but it turned out too large for me. I was able to salvage the tunic by taking in the sides significantly but had to fidget a lot before the armholes fit nicely.

So this time, I resized it before cutting into my fabric. I took in about 1/2" on either side from the back and front pieces, and dropped the armholes accordingly; I'm glad I did.

Anna Tunic

It fits well. It's a simply constructed garment, with a yoke and two large pieces of fabric. No darts or zippers. But there are buttons...

Anna Tunic

... an attractive detail but I couldn't find the perfect ones. I like these well enough for now. The pattern calls for cloth, shank style buttons but they don't sell kits here. How do other tailors in India do it? They either make them without a kit or give it out to the sewing supplies shop and someone there makes it for them! I didn't have patience for either, so these will have to do for now.

Anna Tunic

I made it using a mul mul, a very finely spun cotton, and lined it with a thicker cotton. The dress is very comfortable and cool, and perhaps versatile enough to wear it as a jumper on cooler days. The pattern is straightforward and easy, and like all of Amy Butler's patterns, the directions are well spelt out.

Puppies

After taking photos of the dress, we found puppies! All huddled together by the parking area. We let them be since mama dog was lurking suspiciously in the distance, but they were hard to resist. As always, thanks to my husband for taking photos of me in my new dress.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Travel wallet

Before we set off on our long trip in February, I made my husband a travel wallet. He wanted something that could be concealed but also be easily accessed. There are several sturdy ones that can be purchased (he owns one) but he wanted something smaller, less bulky, and more comfortable to wear on the road.

Travel wallet Travel wallet

I used some sturdy fabric to make a couple of loops that fit over his belt, and attached them to a basic, lined zippered pouch that I made using scrap fabric. It's just large enough to hold his passport and other travel documents. It flips over easily and is almost completely concealed!

Travel wallet

He wore it every single day for four months, after which it began to look pretty weary and tired!

Travel wallet: road weary Travel wallet: road weary

The next time I make one, I'm going to try and incorporate a water resistant lining or perhaps use some sort of water resistant fabric. Nothing that will make it too bulky but something to help keep travel documents and money dry-er, the next time we are caught in a heavy downpour again!