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Snazzy B’more Tunic

Sewing knit tunics with the Tabula Rasa Knit (TRK) pattern has become a bit of a passion for me.  The only thing I like better than designing and sewing tunics is wearing them.  It has become one of my go to looks.

I was inspired by Nancy Penzi of Grand Rapids MI who came to our booth at ASE in 2015 wearing a TRK tunic made from a tee shirt she had bought in Paris.  Like me, she said she often sees printed tee’s she likes but does find the styling of a classic tee to be comfortable or flattering.

The purchased tee.
The purchased tee.

So, when I spotted a fun orange and white tee advertising B-More Art, a website and publication that supports artistic initiatives in my beloved Baltimore, I purchased one.

As summer approached, I pulled out the tee and searched the knit stash for some fabric to compliment the tee.  I found one small piece of pink, white, and orange flowers that looked great, but was not enough.  Then I went to A Fabric Place in search of more coordinating fabric.  As always, they did not disappoint.  I chose a white jersey with orange, red, navy and yellow geometrics from several prints that complimented the tee and floral scrap fabric.  Then I got to work.

The fabric grouping
The fabric grouping

I cut off the neck band carefully so I could use it later to finish the sleeves.  The placement of the large letters on the front of the tee led me to choose the Ballet Neckline  from Wide Neckline Variations for the TRK tee and tunic as my design.

Cutting the tee
Cutting the tee

The scrappy floral became a narrow yoke in the front and back.

Front and back with yoke attached.
Front and back with yoke attached.

The sleeves and side were cut from the new fabric and a small section that matched the tee perfectly was isolated to use as a neck band finish.

Cutting a band featuring the best colors to match the yoke.
Cutting a band featuring the best colors to match the yoke.

There was enough floral scrap fabric to add a hem band, pulling the design together.  Plus, the knit of the B-More Art tee did not have any drape, so the hem band added weight to my fun new tunic.

Band for the hem.
Band for the hem.

When I am going to a local event, I pull out my redesigned B-More Art tee and wear it proudly.  Next, I hope to redesign a Baltimore Orioles tee so I will look like an “original” when I go to the ballpark too.

Visiting Edye's studio in my new Snazzy Tunic! I love visiting Edye's sewing room because her space is just as chaotic as mine.
Visiting Edye’s studio in my new Snazzy Tunic!

Are there tee’s you love languishing in your drawers with a design that delights or a logo you wish to promote? Pull it out and start designing.  Upcycling is great for your wardrobe and for the world, so enjoy the process!

One last shot. Detail of the finishing at the tunic's pointed hem edge.
One last shot. Detail of the finishing at the tunic’s pointed hem edge.

Happy Sewing RAE

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