A shorter version of this post first appeared on the Cali Fabrics blog, and I received some of the fabric in return for being part of their blogging team!
I’m not fooling anyone with these secret pyjamas… but I do think everyone will envy me for looking so dang comfortable! I decided over the summer that I need to start wearing and sewing tunics, which necessitates two things: tunics, and totally opaque leggings! Today I’m coming at you with the tunic, but soon I’ll be telling you more about the leggings, too.
Tessuti’s Ilsa is a trapezoid shape, with narrow hips and sleeves, and a batwing effect over the torso. I love the combination of boxy and fitted, and I’ve worn my previous two versions much more than I expected! The front pattern piece wraps over the shoulders and becomes the yoke for the back. I wanted to highlight those seams in the busy print, so I coverstitched them in cream thread.
I scooped out the neckline a little (ok, no, I actually cut off my first neckband and attached one below!) but it’s still a little high in the front. I guess my rayon versions draped and stretched more! For this version, I added a wide hem-band to lengthen it into a tunic. It can also be pulled up above the hips and worn as a shirt!
Can we just talk about how cosy double brushed poly is? It’s perfect for the cool weather of fall. It’s not as warm as wool, but it *feels* much cosier than the cool touch of rayon. It does pill a bit with lots of wear, but I’d expect that of any fuzzy fabric.
I’ve got a few projects coming up where I explore the colours in Pantone 2017 colour palette for fall, starting with this great burgundy colour. Next up I’m adding in some pink, and then I’ll show you how I’ve refreshed my wardrobe with a mini-capsule in the Pantone colours! I hope you enjoy – if you follow me on Instagram then you’ve already seen how it turned out! in
How do you update your wardrobe each season?
Crafting A Rainbow 
Wow! That color and scale of print looks absolutely perfect on you. Interesting about the pilling, which is a pet peeve of mine.
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I really only noticed the pilling when i looked closely… but I know it does annoy some people a lot, so I’m glad you are warned and forearmed! 😉
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I totally love this top. I am making one as soon as I have my sewing space set up again.
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It would be great on you!!!
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Quite apart from your sewing, and your blogging, I’m loving what you’re doing with your photography! xox, Dad
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Awww, thank you for being so supportive, both with praise and equipment! 😉
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Gorgeous on you! 👍
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Want one for your fall wardrobe?? 😉
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The colors and the shape look really flattering on you! I don’t want to spark a whole debate about whether ‘flattering’ is important or not, because it ultimately is up to the wearer, but you look really good in this outfit!
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Thank you! I am always down with things being flattering… especially since in this context, it’s definitely making me look good because i’m happy, not because it makes me look skinner! (Hello, giant inverted triangle top!)
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Gorgeous top. Looks super comfy and cosy and very, very stylish. It s a great length and shape. Have you coloured your hair? It looks a bit darker and is looking fan-bloody-tactic. You look ace in your secret jammies! Xx
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I haven’t, but it will keep getting darker over the fall and winter!
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I like the design of that top, and the overstitching on the back was a great idea.
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Thank you! I thought of it midway through the process, and debating skipping it because it would be a bit of a hassle… but I’m glad I added that detail!
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It looks like so much fun to wear. That pattern is glorious!
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This top IS really fun to wear! I love the fitted arms and hips, and total comfort in between!
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That fabric is to die for and you look fabulous! Great pattern choice!
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Thank you! I really like this print too!
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Love this top and leggings! Where did you get the double brushed poly? I’ve been listening to a podcast from the US where they talk about double brushed poly A LOT and would love to try some. Hoping you got it in Canada?
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Sadly, no – it’s Cali Fabrics! 😉
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I picked up some of the double brushed poly from Cali Fabrics’ store in SF and I’ve clearly been missing out. It’s so so soft. I’m looking forward to to making it into some pattern magic leggings.
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It’s a really neat fabric, eh? All the things I like about ITY, but super soft at the same time!
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Love the shape of that top! Nice job!
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