Monday, January 12, 2015

First Make of the Year: Purple Zsalya!

I found this beautiful floral flannel at the store just before Christmas, and knew exactly what I wanted to make with it. I immediately knew that the Zsalya tunic would be amazingly comfortable in this soft, warm fabric.



I first made the Zsalya pattern (by Kate and Rose) at the beginning of the summer; I bought it because of Indie Pattern Month in May. I love my little black dress, and knew that the tunic version was a must-make, too, especially in a cozy winter fabric.

nice coworker snapping me at work!

While I had this all cut out and prepped during the Christmas holiday, I didn't get a chance to start sewing until this weekend. I took the weekend for myself, and stayed in the whole time, and what a treat that was! I changed the order of sewing somewhat; while I followed the instructions carefully for the yoke, and decided to choose the "quick & dirty" version of finishing it this time around, I then decided to set the sleeves in flat. This worked great, until I'd sewn up the sides and then realized I hadn't attached the cuffs while the sleeve was flat, as the pattern instructs you to. I sewed them on like a band but it was tight going and I had to carefully manipulate the fabric to make it work. So, pay attention to the instructions :)

Crossover yoke, so comfy
This is such a great pattern. I really love all the little details -- the crossover yoke, the gathered sleeve with shaped cuff, the gathers at the yoke front and back. It is super comfy and yet still dressy and pretty, at least I think so. This winter version in flannel is cozy and the bright print made me feel spring-like even in -20C weather!

Gathered sleeve & cuff with little wave

Back view with gathers

The purpley-navy tones in the fabric also got me going on a mending job I've been meaning to get to for months -- a simple cinching of the waist on a navy knit skirt I picked up on super-sale at Target in November. I wore my new Zsalya with this skirt and my navy Rose Hip tights (from Seamster Patterns) to work today, for a great new functional outfit. Hurrah for finishing my first project of 2015!

8 comments:

  1. Very pretty fabric and a great new outfit to kick off 2015.

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    1. Thank you -- definitely a perfect fabric to my mind :)

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  2. Ooh- I love this shape! Nicely done!

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    1. I love that it is fitted in the shoulder & chest area so that it doesn't seem sloppy even while it's loose over the rest of the torso. Suits me fine!

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  3. What a cute pattern--it's so lady like. Well sewn!

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    1. It's great -- no neckline gaping and very work appropriate. And so easy to wear!

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  4. I got this pattern in the Pattern Parcel. I was a little skeptical with the yoke -- but yours!?! Swoon and sigh, it is gorgeous!

    Annie
    http://enantiomerproject.blogspot.com

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    1. Why thank you! The fabric is certainly one of my favourite things I've found lately. I do like this pattern a lot -- I hope that more people who got it via PP will try it out too!

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