Somewhere in the midst of sewing for other people I decided I should try to make something for myself. I saw the Schoolhouse Tunic on Meg McElwee's blog and thought, "yes, this is it." In truth, this was a LONG time ago. And one incarnation in the past, since this is actually my second attempt. My first Schoolhouse Tunic was a victim of fabric shopping online, which was pretty much my best option when we lived in Ann Arbor. This is one benefit of living in the Twin Cities - abundant choices of great fabric shops. Perhaps I will find a way to love Tunic #1 someday, and maybe then I will post a picture of it. But for now, I present what is really Schoolhouse Tunic #2.
I am always so attracted to the prints when I go fabric shopping, but my wardrobe is made up entirely of solids. Really, not a single print to be found. One of the issues (among several) with Schoolhouse Tunic #1 is that it is just too drab. I did not want to repeat that mistake, and really wanted to stretch myself and go for a print. I found this voile from Anna Maria Horner's Loulouthi collection and, I must admit, it is such a departure from what I usually feel comfortable wearing. But like a new haircut, sometimes we just need to change it up. When 70% of your wardrobe consists of solid green this or that that you've been wearing since you were in college, it really is time to inject a bit of spice. I think this fits the bill.
And by the way...have you ever been on the modeling side of the camera? Awkward and embarrassing. Will has scolded me (lovingly) for chopping off my head in these photos, but the faces I am making are just too ridiculous to post on the internet. And given that our photo shoot abruptly ended when I heard baby Eli screaming from inside the house in a post-nap fury, this is what we've got to work with.
Here's to spicing things up and keeping life festive.
lovely blog, glad to have have found it! LOVE that tunic! Best wishes to you and yours! xox
ReplyDeleteThank you!!
DeleteAwesome top! Glad I discovered your blog from the party over at The Train to Crazy!
ReplyDeletewow this is beautiful!! That print and pattern work so nicely together!
ReplyDeleteSuch a great tunic! I LOVE the print, and it looks fabulous on you!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your positive comments!! It really is a wonderful pattern.
ReplyDeleteThis is so pretty!
ReplyDeleteGreat tunic! I have this pattern but have yet to try it out. You make me want to get to it! (By the way... where did you get your cute boots?)
ReplyDeleteThanks! Yes, you really should get started!
DeleteThe boots are Keens - they are the most comfortable boots I've ever worn. I got them last year and it looks like this year's model doesn't have the shearling lining: http://www.keenfootwear.com/us/en/product/shoes/women/blvd/bern%20baby%20bern%20boot/oak
I found a couple pairs of the old model online - do a google search for "Keen Bern High Boot". I highly recommend them.
i'd recognize that coreopsis anywhere :) looks so cute! nice departure for the usual. i actually looked at these boots this season but i was concerned the calf circumference would be too big. don't you too have freakishly thin calves? i really want some but my legs are always swimming in normal-calf boots, even with pants tucked in.
ReplyDeleteI can't speak to the ones without the shearling (this season's model, apparently), but the ones I have are not TOO big. There's just a bit of extra room (yes, I was often told my legs were string beans in high school - it was so good for my teenage self-esteem), but nothing that I mind. I say give them a try - they really are SO comfortable (think fashionable trail boots).
DeleteI've seen this tunic plenty of times, saw your post and bang - just bought the pattern! thanks for the inspiration.
ReplyDeletethis is beautiful...really well sewn it fits you well, I am just currently making a toile of this pattern as I am a very strange shape!!!
ReplyDelete