Sewing. So Much Faster Than Knitting.
05/16/2018
I'm, basically, a tunic-and-leggings kind of gal. It's what I wear about 90% of the time. Often with some sort of sweater thrown over the top. So when I first heard about the Knit & Sew Uniform book (published by Madder), I got myself on the pre-order list right away!
A variations-on-a-theme book of patterns for tunics (the "sew" part of the Uniform) and cardigans (the "knit" part of the Uniform), the whole concept is really perfect for me.
I whipped up a tunic for myself over the weekend.
I opted for the tunic version with pockets, no sleeves, and the rounded neckline.
I pretty much love it. (Although I have a few issues with the placement of the darts. And from what I see from photos of other finished Uniform tunics, this is pretty typical. They're just . . . too high.)
The size options are good. The directions are very clear. The sewing is straightforward.
I gave myself contrasting pocket linings. Mostly because I like pops of color -- and a "surprise inside." But also because I wanted to cut down on the bulk of fabric over my middle section (ahem). (Because who wants four layers of heavy-ish linen over their middle section?) So I used a lightweight cotton print for the pocket linings.
I also used the cotton for the armhole bias facings. Again, pop of color. AND it really cut down on the bulk around the armholes.
I'll probably make another tunic, as I really want to try the split-hem variation. But I'm going to have to think about those darts for awhile first. (It's such a pain to move darts.)
One thing is certain -- don't expect to see a completed knit Uniform cardigan around here anytime soon. Someday, sure. But not this summer.
(Sewing. So much faster than knitting. . . )
Oh, wow, I love those pops of color!! And what great reasoning. I can't remember the last time I sewed something for myself that had darts -- and I know I never "moved" them. Hm. I do have a few tailoring-ish classes in my Craftsy library, though, and I'm pretty sure that's addressed. Now all I need is some time. Ha.
Posted by: Vicki | 05/16/2018 at 10:05 AM
Thank you for the warning on the darts. Now what do I do? I'm loath to begin with a dart issue in the mix. I love the split hem, which is the main reason I wanted to sew this project. I think I'll sit back and do more research on how to address the dart problem. LOVE the color and your choice for the pocket. Great idea to add a contrast, too!
Posted by: margene | 05/16/2018 at 10:22 AM
I love those pops of color! I'm intrigued by the tunics, yours in really nice. I wonder if a just beyond beginner could handle it? What do you think? xoxo
Posted by: Patty | 05/16/2018 at 10:23 AM
It's so cute!
I would love to make stuff like that, but I hate sewing. Big seams are fine, but I hate the fiddly stuff like the bias bindings, zippers, etc. I totally did not inherit my mother's sewing genes.
Posted by: Cheryl S. | 05/16/2018 at 11:00 AM
Gorgeous, perfect, and I also love your pops of color! I am not much of a seamstress, but if/when anybody resolves the dart issue with an easy fix, this is definitely something I might even consider sewing!
Posted by: Bonny | 05/16/2018 at 11:03 AM
Your tunic turned out so pretty - love, love, love the pops of color in various places. Darts...hmmmm...they have always seemed out of place on me. I actually can't remember any top that I bought (or made) recently that had darts. Would the pattern work just eliminating the darts? The length of this tunic looks perfect.
Posted by: Vera | 05/16/2018 at 11:40 AM
Yeah, same dart issue here... but I found this great little tutorial that showed a quick and easy way to fix that problem! http://curvysewingcollective.com/tutorial-lowering-or-raising-a-bust-dart/
And, I LOVE the pops of color!!
Posted by: Kat | 05/16/2018 at 02:17 PM
That looks terrific but I agree that the darts are in a strange place. I bet you can figure out how to modify them for next time. The contrasting facings are a terrific modification, too!
Posted by: Carole | 05/16/2018 at 03:05 PM
The pops of color are such a great touch. And, the finished garment is very flattering — darts and all!
Posted by: Jo | 05/16/2018 at 03:15 PM
Enticing...looks lovely on you and ingenious solution to the pockets...next?
Cheers~
Posted by: Honore´ | 05/16/2018 at 05:11 PM
I have made both skirt versions but no pockets yet because I used pretty thin fabric. But I have a linen for a sleeveless version and I love the idea of contrasting pockets.
Posted by: Juliann | 05/17/2018 at 09:31 AM
Your tunic looks great and I love the color pops!
Posted by: Debbie | 05/17/2018 at 09:48 AM
I love this! (and Kat sent me that same dart tutorial ... it does look pretty easy.) I'll be sewing a couple of tunics myself just as soon as I get this blanket done :-) (and I'm hoping for two finished cardigans this summer to go with ... we'll see!)
Posted by: Mary | 05/18/2018 at 06:55 AM
Totally cool! I do not love to sew the fiddly parts which is a shame because there is where you take a pattern to the next level. Yours is really impressive.
Posted by: Chloe | 05/18/2018 at 09:32 AM