I purchased this pattern and fabric back in March, so I was thrilled to finally be getting to it last week!
The pattern is the Cheyenne Tunic by Adrianna Appl of Hey June Handmade. Despite the name, the pattern actually comes in both shirt length or tunic length for both views. You can also choose 3/4 or full-length sleeves with optional sleeve tabs and front pockets. View A is a classic collared button-up, View B has a dropped neckline, no collar, and half-placket.
So, I made both versions in different lengths, different sleeve lengths, one with pockets and sleeve tabs, and one without. One is really flowy and dressed up, and one is very classic, all thanks to two different fabrics.
Today, I’m sharing view B; I went with the tunic length, 3/4 sleeves, one front pocket, and added the sleeve tabs.
Here was my inspiration for the garment and styling (left is from here, right is from here):
This tunic will also layer beautifully over a dressy pair of shorts and flats, over leggings and boots, tucked into a good pair of chinos…the possibilities are aplenty. I’m really excited to have a great staple as well as a statement piece added to my wardrobe.
I took my time to sew this one (cut+sewn over 4 days), and I think it really shows. Everything was pressed immaculately, topstitched beautifully, eased perfectly (I’m looking at you, set-in sleeves), and if it wasn’t…I removed stitches and re-did it. I wasn’t rushing, and I was able to enjoy the creative process as well as indulge my inner OCD. There’s nothing about this garment that I wish I could change. I need to learn a lesson from this because my best work never happens when I am rushing, at least not when creating. This pattern is very in-depth and it’s not a quick sew, by any means…but I still think I stretched it out. I worked on it until I just got bored or tired each evening, and then I stopped.
Lesson learned about how I live life in general: slow down, pay attention, fix mistakes before continuing on, make decisions confidently (which, for me, happens after some time to process).
A few things I really appreciate and like about this pattern:
- In the print-at-home file, the pattern sizes are in separate layers, meaning you can print just one size, which saves both ink and possible confusion on small, nested pieces (you can do this in my patterns, too, so I really like this feature!).
- The pattern is digitally illustrated with step-by-step instructions. If you print instructions in black and white, like I do, you don’t have to worry about the clarity of step-by-step photos.
- There’s also a sewalong. There were a couple of parts I didn’t fully understand from the illustrations. Sometimes this just happens when you’re at a tricky part and there are a lot of pieces joining and you’re new to a pattern. I kept the sewalong open alongside the pattern instructions, and used them in tandem–sometimes seeing a photo helps so much! By the second time sewing through the instructions, it all made complete sense.
- There is a lot of very precise ironing that needs to happen to get great results. I have seen tips in other patterns to run a basting stitch at whatever seam allowance you need to turn under (for example, turn under 3/8″ on one side, or sew a basting stitch at 3/8″ seam allowance, and use that basting stitch as a guide to turn under the 3/8″ exactly), but Adrianna just includes this as the instructions. You end up with foolproof methods to achieve very precise finishes, which is really important on the plackets, collars, and cuffs. If you follow her instructions/sewalong exactly, you will end up with a great finished product.
- All of the inside seams are french seams (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!). This makes me inexplicably happy! The inside is as beautiful as the inside. See?!
I used a basic white rayon challis–at only $4.99/yd at my local store, I knew this would be the ultimate wearable muslin. I had a specific fit in mind for view A, and since my inspiration for this one was flowy, I embraced the design ease written into this pattern (which turned out perfectly for what I had envisioned). It helped me more fully understand just how much ease there was before cutting out my next version.
I’ll be back on Friday with view A!
P.S. Thanks to my mom for taking these photos!
This tunic is absolutely gorgeous! I love everything about it. It’s flowy yet very classic and elegant. It’s definitely a perfect piece to have in a wardrobe. I love all your finishes, and I agree, taking time to slow down and enjoy a process is amazing and is good on so many levels. And it is definitely applicable to more than just creating a great garment 🙂
Thank you, Anya! It’s so easy to get caught up in our society of “do more and do it faster”…but, we have to combat that! Even in something as detailed and time-consuming as sewing, we can get caught up in that mentality. It’s something I am learning to be more aware of in myself!
I have a difficult time trying to slow myself down when I’m excited to work on a project. But, you’re right, it’s worth the extra time to avoid frustration and to be completely happy with the finished garment. This tunic is a gorgeous wardrobe staple. I think the ease and the drape of your rayon play beautifully with the overall styling of this blouse.
Thank you so much, Michelle! I agree-the design ease was absolutely perfect for this one!
This shirt is beautiful! I didn’t know that I needed a tunic length white rayon shirt in my life, but now I do… 😉 I look forward to seeing your next version!
Thank you, Lisa! I didn’t know I needed it until I finished mine. I’ll happily lay claim to the blame for you needing one now! 😉
I love this- such a gorgeous staple to have in your closet!
Thanks so much, Meg! It’s so timeless and classic. I just hope my life as a mom isn’t too hard on it!
This is so perfect!! I want to make a white one now! Love how professional it looks!
Thank you, Emily! I’m really proud of how it turned out. 🙂
It’s beautiful! I hear you, too, about slowing down and doing your best – I am learning to do this too and it never disappoints.
I agree! When I do slow down, and put my best foot forward, I don’t regret the results. I can be such an impatient person, and this is a much needed lesson. My dad always told me I was trying to go nowhere fast–that never made sense until I was an adult. But now, I get it! He understood me pretty well. 🙂
Just catching up! And this is exactly how I sewed your expansion pack… Doing a little each night until I felt tired or ready to put it away for a while. Lots of seam ripping and lots of my OCD tendencies shinning through, but I’m so so in love with the result. This is also how I plan on tackling all sewing from now on. The shirt looks fantastic! Great job!
Thank you, Jill!