finished! The Mariposa tunic

I made something. Well, technically I've made a few things since the baby was born, but tiny hats and a dress for Annika that took all of 90 minutes don't count so much (although I'll show that dress pretty soon). 

We will ignore the fact that this is Kids Clothes Week and I'm supposedly participating. And I am - I'm just not far enough along to show anything off yet. Finding an hour a day to sew is a wee bit challenging with a tiny one around. However, she is suddenly deciding that taking a long afternoon nap is a great idea and I totally agree with her. It has certainly improved my productivity on the crafting front. 

I bought the new Anna Maria Horner book - Handmade Beginnings - with my birthday Amazon gift card (thanks Dad!) and I adore the book. It's not often that I want to make every single project in a book, and I could happily make all of these. I started off with the Mariposa dress/tunic. It can be made either as a dress or a shirt, with short sleeves, or sleeveless. I chose a sleeveless shirt because a) I wear them a lot and b) I wanted to make a smaller fabric commitment for the first version. 

And voila!

The pattern calls for 2-3/4 yards of fabric for the tunic and I only had 2 yards. I assumed that the sleeves took most of the 3/4 yard that I didn't have, so I went for it. I had enough to do everything but the facings of the wrap ties and I used a coordinating print for that piece, as well as for the binding at the sleeve opening. I lined the bodice with a lightweight muslin. 

The pattern is extremely well written and very detailed. I did discover that it never tells you to stitch the modesty panel and its lining together, but I assumed that I should and did so. The finishing for the garment is impeccable - I tend to play pretty fast and loose with the insides of my garments, due to lack of time, but this time I followed her instructions to a T and really appreciated the result. 

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It's a nursing top that has a lot of discretion built in, which I appreciate. 

I made one change, which was to more gradually slope the line from waist to hem - the curve she used was not so flattering on me. I also didn't add the elastic in the back, but may as I lose more baby weight and need it to fit more snugly. Overall, it's an A+ in my book. Now I'm ready to make it as a dress. After that stack of kid clothes. Back to sewing!

Comments

[Kelly]

I've been wanting to get that book - you should take pics of it on so we can see! It looks great on the hanger though.

[Molly Irwin]

I would consider a nursing top relevant for 'kids clothes week'. This is great. I love the style and pattern. so wearable. I NEED to sew NOW.

[shelby]

Great job Sarah! I got a super book for mama's day with some fun one yard ideas, each project should be an hour or less fun for days when the little one's naps run short;)

[beki]

awesome! god, i wish that pattern was around when I was nursing!!

[Grace]

That is gorgeous! I wish it came in my size!!!

[fifthlampdown]

It looks so beautiful!

[jane]

so cute! love your fabric choice! Kindly send some of that warm weather this way please.

[Julia Freund]

Beautiful. The fabric is Amy Butler, isn't it?

[Andrea @ The Train To Crazy]

I just got that book yesterday! So many cute things. I love this top! Great work.

I have a weekly Thursday blog party especially for people to share things they've made to be worn. Stop by if you'd like!

[Cate]

I agree with all the love for this book. I had my 4th baby girl 8 weeks ago and she and I will both benefit from lots of Anna Maria's projects and with winter on the way here a top that I don't have to pull up when feeding sounds like a good place to start! Thanks for the 'review'

[emily]

This is so gorgeous Sarah! I wish you had taken a shot of you wearing it (maybe you still will)? Love the print you chose - I will have to look for this book!

[Kathy]

I love this top! Can't wait to get my act together and make one for myself!

[Account Deleted]

Adorable!!!