Two Sheer but Not Too Sheer....Simplicity 2371

When I was prepping mock ups of various patterns to take to Sarah Veblen's sewing retreat, this Simplicity pattern Simplicity 2371  was one of the contenders for my desired Tory Burch-like / J McLaughlin tunic wardrobe addition.  Tory Tunic  Biscayne Tunic

Simplicity 237, version 1

Simplicity 2371, version 2

The bad old days...

Personally I think the Simplicity pattern photo is atrocious; it reminds me of bad seventies tunic pant suit patterns.....and I know because I recall making one of them and even in those days I knew it was **** ugly. 

Look at the silly small scale lace trim and the kitten heels on a very not kittenish outfit.  It just seems all wrong.  But, now that I have insulted the pattern photo, I have to admit that I am in love with this pattern.  It is exactly what I wanted....a simple summer tunic to wear with straight leg pants or Bermuda shorts.  I normally do a FBA but the shoulder pleats gave me enough ease that it was unnecessary this time around.  I was so thrilled with the fit on the mockup that I didn't even bring it to Sarah for tweaking.  Instead I made one version the very next week.....and then another a few weeks later.  

These first two are from semi-sheer fabrics so I plan on wearing them with a slippery camisole underneath.  I would like to make at least two more versions, in non-sheer fabrics, but was wondering about how to make lightweight, Liberty-like cotton lawn work.  I did ask Sarah Veblen if I should underline this pattern and what would she suggest I use. Using silk organza seems like it would defeat the purpose of the cotton lawn since I am afraid it would lose some of the 'flow-y" effect.  I could also underline it in a solid cotton lawn but again, a little bulkier than I want, and definitely not slippery over my swayback high hip shelf. I really didn't want to line it with Ambiance since that seemed like overkill.  Sarah made a very interesting suggestion.  She thought I should consider underlining the thin cotton lawn with silk chiffon or a light silk georgette.  Hmmmm, I think that would work quite nicely.  If  I ever proceed along those lines I'll let you know what I think.

The pattern does have a facing and I used a very lightweight silk organza as a stabilizer/interfacing to keep the sheer fabric feel.  In retrospect, the second green and blue version should have a slightly darker piece of silk organza since I will wear this version with a dark colored camisole.  

Serged armhole inside

I finished the side seams and armholes with my serger, clipping the armhole seam and "serging on air" as I mentioned in my last post.  All in all a very simple and successful new pattern in my repertoire.  I hope your sewing projects go as well this week.