I made TLo two more dress/top/tunic thingies. For once I was rather clever in my planning (and by "planning" I mean I actually thought about what I was going to do for more than five seconds before I started doing it). TLo really needs some winter "weekend" clothes, but she could use a few warmer school uniform items as well so... I cleverly decided to make the first tunic in a solid knit, with the theory that she could both wear it to school and on the weekend and if it fit I could use a more interesting knit for other versions.
I know. Shocking concept. I like to think outside the box like that. I am a rebel.
I was so excited to be making weekend clothes that doubled as school clothes that I got all giddy and didn't really think about how that would effect my fabric usage. I’ve really been wanting to make the girls some weekend knit clothes because I have heaps of end-bits and odd-pieces of knits in bright florals and stripes and such that I am desperate to get out of the sewing room (so as to facilitate the guilt-free purchasing of new knits, of course... I'm willing to admit that my motives aren't in any way selfless).
I had to pick through all the many many many cute knit patterns I have (curse you, Ottobre Design!). And so of course I chose this pattern because I thought it would be flattering on TLo... which it is. It’s the right proportion in the body, the right length of skirt and the extra-wide collar lets her wear a turtleneck despite her no-neck situation (sadly, she takes after her mother in this).
All good so far. Famous last words because, Lo! Due to the shape of the skirt, in size 122 length/146 width the pattern takes one-and-a-half yards of knit. With a lot of waste. Of all those piles of odd-ball knits, I hardly had anything that was long enough for this. Instead of using up half-yards and odd bits, I ended up creating even more.
Doh!
Anyway, here's the first version:
Here's TLo "posing":
And here she is doing… the merengue! Ole!
I made a cute second version in a black mini-floral knit with a slightly less-puffy sleeve, but I didn't get a photo of it yet. They're both a little big in the shoulder, but I figure that's better than too small. In person this is very cute on TLo, so we're going with a "win" on this one. Despite the fabric-hogginess of it all.
Because I’ll probably have to buy some more solid knits in longer lengths.
You know. To make a few more versions for school.
What?
Don’t judge me!