Kalle 2 ways

Wow - I have had this post ready to go and just not got around to sticking in the photographs. it was the beginning of june when I last posted, but I've made a few things since then, including 3 Kalle garments, two pairs of shorts and a slip dress. 

I am soooooo late to the party that is the Kalle shirt dress by Closet Core patterns. I have had this on my 'to sew' list for years!!!!!

In the space of a couple of weeks I have made 2 versions and almost finished a third. In all versions the only alteration I made was to lengthen the pattern by 2 inches. I also cut a straight size 6. The ease of the pattern accomodating any difference in my measurements to the size table.

Version 1 - Shirt Dress

I made this one out of a waxed print that my friend Alli bought me for my birthday a couple of years ago. I didn't worry about pattern matching as it's quite a random print. I made a full length version with the regular button placket. I followed the instructions on the website rather than using the written instructions and it took me a little while because I was following them super carefully.

The only part I had issues with was the collar. I found the 1.5cm seam allowance too much. I also didn't really like the construction technique here - personal preference and in future I'll use the Grainline Archer technique as I find it gives me better results.

I really like the finished dress. Even with the added length I find it a bit short and will probably wear with leggings or shorts underneath just for comfort. This will be a great transitional piece as the design is perfect for layering in cooler weather. It's also loose enough to wear when I'm skating - with shorts, so I don't flash my underwear when I bail!

Version 2 - The tunic

I made this one from some Art Gallery fabric, which was sent from Minerva in an exchange for a review - you can read that here. I followed the same construction methods, with the exception of the collar - so much easier. Again I used the regular button placket. I'm a bit non plussed that the instructions have you remove some of the front in order to install the placket - it seems rather wastefull.

This is a beautiful fabric for a shirt. In my opinion I think that the tunic length is a little long. This version didn't need the extra 2 inches in length. It's versatile though and I've worn it to work as well as casually.

I have 90% made version 3, but it still needs buttons. this is the cropped version. It will be a while until it gets completed as I've broken my arm.

Conclusion

This is such a versatile pattern. I am sure it is going to become a staple of my pattern collection and I'm now wondering why it took me so long to get around to sewing it up.

I would like to know which version you prefer.

The Tunic: Free Pattern

I don't know about you, but I love a freebie.

I've lost count of the free patterns I have downloaded from the internet. and it was a free pattern that got me started on my sewing journey back in 2011. so I thought it was time to give a little back.
You can download the pattern and instructions here

Let me introduce you to The Tunic. I drafted and made this for myself about 3 years ago. I had been given some beautiful pink baby cord and was needing a relaxed fit tunic to layer in the winter months and see me through from autumn to spring. I didn't know at the time just how much wear I'd get out of this, but it has been in heavy rotation over the last 3 years!!!! - washed and worn and washed and worn.

It's designed to have a comfort fit, easy to wear and it looks fab with a sweater and boots. The deep pockets are great for holding keys or a phone. The back does not have any darts but is shaped to allow for slight waist shaping. I originally included a zip, but quite often this just gets pulled on over my head with the zip still fastened, so you could omit it.

I used some self-coloured topstitching on my version. I think it would look great in a dark denim with contrast topstitching, especially along the front seams and the neck and hem bands.

I'm thinking of making a lightweight version of this for the summer, perhaps as a beach coverup. I might lengthen it just a bit though as I prefer long dresses when I'm not wearing tights or leggings under them.

So if you're looking for something relaxed and comfy this might just be the pattern to try.

It's a single size - women's medium  approx  UK 10/12  US 6/8  EUR 38/40

Please share your makes - I'd love to see them #R&Gthetunic

Do be aware. I digitally drafted this a couple of years ago from scans of my original pattern pieces before I used illustrator for my designs. Hence this is un tested. I suggest making a toile to check fit before cutting into any precious fabric.

This pattern is offered free for personal use only and should not be sold,  or garments made from it should not be sold for profit without my written permission.