The day after Alicia posted about the beginnings of her wonderful Nomad dress and sent me over the edge again, I was wandering around in the thrift shop and there, between the white wicker bathroom shelves and the electric hair rollers, I found the pattern for this tunic. For 69 cents.
It is McCalls 4031, dated who knows when. With a little teeny bit of math, combined with eyeballing (usually the best method anyway) I converted it to patchwork and raided my stash of vintage and thrifted fabrics to make this. That big roll of cotton lace trim is also thrifted. (Really, what isn’t at this point?) I had to add a tie at the back, to avoid looking like a total circus tent, and then it became perfect.
I love it, but I’m not sure…maybe a little too much Mrs. Roper? Dean said it looked like “peasant going to the festival” and I just took that and ran with it. If you could sum me up right now, it might be in that sentence fragment. Peasant Going to Festival. So picture me with long (ha) blonde (haha) braids and a flower-covered tambourine, dancing barefoot in a field of clover, tipsy on elderberry wine and humming Joni Mitchell songs. That’s what this shirt is for, even though I’ll probably just wear it to the hardware store where they’ll look at me funny.
Sometimes, I just love to make clothes.
That's very cute! I love the lace. You will be the sensation of the hardware store!
ReplyDeleteCome on over to my neck of the woods...we will not laugh. I love it!!! The lace takes the cake.
ReplyDeleteblessings, jill
Oh! I love it. Tunics are my thing. I will try and find this pattern, 'cause I'd love to go tambouring inn my tunic!
ReplyDeleteI grew up in the 70's and I know that look well. I love it.
ReplyDeleteXO Kris
Now this is something that I can NOT do, to sew clothes! They always come out way to small or way to big! I think you did a awesome job! Shari!
ReplyDeleteIt looks great...I Am not very good at sewing clothes, but I always look at pretty and fun fabrics and imagine how they woul look as a garment... Not as fun as actually making it as you did...and you did a great job ... As always.
ReplyDeleteI love it. I think it looks great in patchwork and the lace in between looks really pretty. Very 70's. Ali x
ReplyDeletejust perfect on a pair of jeans!!!!
ReplyDeletexxxx Alessandra
Did too precious! I love it! It's wonderful! What envy! I want a like this! Congratulations for your wonderful work, you are a great artist!
ReplyDeleteIt is gorgeous. Straight up my fashion alley. Lucky girl being so handy bu the machine... I wish I could be just as handy.
ReplyDeleteNice pair of worn jeans and you're all set. I think it looks great and anyhow all this is coming back!!! The patchwork looks great with the lace too.
ReplyDeleteAmanda :-)
I really like that. I don't think it is something people will laugh at, I think it looks 'now'! Ok you will always get people who were around first time around and don't get it that fashions come back and back and rather than being old fashioned you are 'on trend'. I think you will look great in it and be much admired actually. It's got style and will suit you.
ReplyDeleteSara
Butterick 5512 is my current fav tunic and methinks I now need to do one in patchwork!
ReplyDeletethis is so awesome!
thanks, once again, for you incredible inspiration!!
Good for you making something that YOU like. :) And don't you love it when you find gorgeous things like your cotton lace trim? (I have some eyelet that I got thrifted - in 2 colours!) So fun!
ReplyDeleteKristen I don't even really know you but if I had to pick out a shirt that is perfect for you it would be this one!!!!! I love it and I have a bit of that boho/gypsy thing myself, even though today my big goal is to make it to the grocery store after work. Love that you made this just perfectly for you.
ReplyDeleteMeredith
I really like that! I wish I could sew something wonderful like you just did, but me and my sewing machine have never gotten along. Have fun wearing that beauty! :)
ReplyDeleteVery hippy chick!
ReplyDeleteLiz @ Shortbread & Ginger
This is why I like you and your blog. Not afraid to try something, and you jump right in. I would wear this in a heartbeat, it's soooo cute. I bet it looks great on you, and you should venture a little farther in it than the hardware store.
ReplyDeleteI just love it! Having been there as a teenager in the 70s it's my kind of top and I would def wear it! Love the fabrics you've put together, and your hubby's comment made me laugh out loud!
ReplyDeleteI will think of you pushing your trolley round the hardware store whilst wearing this and some frayed jeans and sandals - oh, and make sure to wear some flowers in your hair......
Gill xx
I love this! I was totally born in the wrong decade, I'm a hippy at heart!
ReplyDeleteEs maravilloso, a mi me parece super bonita y se vuelven a llevar estas túnicas, con unos tejanos genial!! felicidades te ha quedado precioso
ReplyDeleteSo cute !
ReplyDeleteI love the crazy patchwork look. It's great to have something totally original, especially when you've been the one to make it. You will wear it well, I'm sure. Have a great weekend. Tammy
ReplyDeletePS Love your new header, too. :)
ReplyDeleteah kristen you are awesome, i love your talent and your wit. please, if you get tired of this beauty send it to me, i have long blonde braids and a huge crush on joni mitchell and wine. :)
ReplyDeleteLove this shirt! Would like it in my wardrobe : -)
ReplyDelete