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Japanese Tunic


When I saw this in my pattern book I didn't think much of it.
Until I saw it made in a beautiful plaid fabric from the Japanese Couture Addicts site.

I bought this nice check fabric from an Asian fabric store. It was cheap and it's very light cotton.
Perfect for our summer down here in Australia.

Oh and I figured out why the shorts didn't fit Little Miss. Can you guess?
I forgot to add the seam allowance when cutting out the pattern on the fabric.
You see, all Japanese patterns DO NOT include a seam allowance. You have to add a 1cm allowance and check that some parts require more.

I decided to cut out the 120cm tall size. Little Miss is only 90cms but this would give her more room. Plus, I also didn't add a seam allowance either in this pattern.
I ended up with this. It reminds me of a school girl's uniform / tunic.



Above: Front and Back Views


Tiny little fake pockets. I figured out the easiest way to do this (is to not follow the book).
I took my two semi-circles for the one pocket, put them right sides together and sewed them together in an arc leaving the top open. Then I turned them inside out and pressed them down. Voila, nice little flappy things. (The book said to fold in each semi circle and top stitch them, yeah right) Moving on...


The best way to cut open your button holes is to pin the end of them so the seam ripper doesn't go right through the other end. DO NOT give this task to your HUSBAND. I've tried before and your buttonholes end up funny looking.

So... in the end:
the top part was a little bit too long for her
the skirt part needed to fit higher up on her waist
the neckline gaped a little so it was too big
It fit well around her torso. Not fitting and enough room for air to circulate.
Still, she could still wear it and run around in it without falling down. That's all that matters, right?
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Comments

  1. AnonymousDecember 23, 2008 at 8:32 AM

    The fabric is adorable and the dress is so cute!

    ReplyDelete
  2. MelindaDecember 23, 2008 at 12:30 PM

    Hi - I also have that sewing book. I love, love, love it but have only attempted the shorts so far. Mine were also too small however it was because my daughter is still in a nappy which isn't allowed for in the patterns. She is 86cm and I did the 90cm size but I guess it is made for a little japanese butt, not a big round kiwi butt!
    The dress is gorgeous. Can't wait to see what
    you make from it next.
    Merry Christmas,
    Melinda

    ReplyDelete

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