Gallery Tour

I have made quite a few Gallery tunics and one Gallery dress (actually two, but one didn't last).  I fell in love with the pattern as soon as I saw it. I had visions of making it in all kinds fabrics!

I made a dress length version, with the full collar and cuffs, in black and white buffalo check first.  It fit wonderfully, but the fabric choice was all wrong for that style. I looked like I was wearing a giant table cloth!!  I took apart the bottom and shortened it to a tunic and now it is perfect!!

Then I cut another dress (also with the full collar and cuffs) in an amazing dot chambray.  I absolutely LOVE how it turned out.  I get compliments every time I wear it to work.  The fabric is perfect for this pattern.  Clearly this dress needs ironing. . . .

I decided to try the other length, sleeve and collar options.  I made a 3/4 sleeve, tunic-length top with the mandarin collar in blue double gauze.  The fabric is very comfortable and I think it works ok for this top but I am not in love with the mandarin collar and the 3/4 sleeves.  The full collar sits open and creates a nice neckline, but the mandarin collar seems flops closed and I think it loses something.  I knew I would regret the 3/4 sleeves the second I cut them.  I just don't wear that length very often.  There is nothing wrong with them, and I may find I get more comfortable with them in the spring, but for now, I wish I made the long sleeves.  My daughter, who was four at the time, took the photo.  Excuse my facial expression.

I then grew determined to try this top in flannel shirting.  I LOVE plaid flannel shirts, but I rarely find ones that fit the way I want (tunic length in a good quality, warm flannel).  I tried the tunic length Gallery with the mandarin collar (not sure why- I guess I wanted to give it another go?).  Unfortunately, the fabric really shrunk when I pre-washed it and I ran out  - I couldn't make the facing with the shirt fabric so I used some plain blue.  This one isn't going to last.  I don't like the way the blue facing fabric looks and the collar doesn't sit right.  Boo. In fact, I didn't even take a picture.

Next, I made a tunic length version with the full collar and cuffs in flannel as a pajama top.  I lengthened the sleeves a little because I like to pull my sleeves over my hands.

Next, I made a shirt in black and grey flannel shirting.  When I made my pajama top, my button hole making went on the fritz.  Since I am not dedicated enough to hand sew buttonholes, I lengthened the sleeves and hemmed them.  I miss the cuffs, but it works fine like this.  

And finally, I made another dress length Gallery in yarn dyed flannel shirting.  It is SOOOOOO comfortable!

Yet Another Washi Dress

The Washi Dress is by far my most-used pattern.  This is the small bow version from the expansion pack.  I used a really nice double gauze  The only downside to this one is that it is a little sheer so I need at least a half slip underneath.

This is one I made a few months ago (also with the small bow)

Leralynn Dress

I recently finished the Leralynn Dress by Blank Slate Patterns. This is the fabric.  I love how it turned out!

Next time I might lower the darts a little and use interfacing for the welt pockets.  I might also adjust the arm openings a little.  They are sort of a cap sleeve in the pattern.  I like them but if I want to wear a cardigan with this in the fall, a different opening might work better.  

Ruby Love

One of my favorite patterns to sew in the summer is the Ruby Dress.  The is one of the first versions I made and I LOVE it.  I only had a small amount of the red and white fabric, so I color-blocked it with the gray.

My 8 year old took these next two:

I made another Lisette B6244 coat.  I used sweatshirt fabric this time and I left the edges raw.  I also lengthened the sleeves so I could make a cuff.  I love the two-tone effect!  I have worn it non-stop since I finished.  And that is a Gallery tunic underneath.

Rowe's Tunic

This is Rowe's Tunic by Style Arc patterns.  I used another kit from Craftsy.  The pattern came together beautifully and the top/dress fits like a glove.  The fabric that came in the kit is a really nice interlock knit.  The only problem is that the light color makes me reluctant to wear this as a dress.  I feel like I will always need leggings under it unless I wear a slip.  I hope to make another one in a darker fabric.

As I said, the pattern came together very well.  The only problem I had was that I had to unpick the back of the collar and re-stretch/sew the neck band.  I had one or two puckers the first time and I wanted it to look perfect.

Lela Tunic

I recently finished the Lela Tunic by Green Bee patterns.  I purchased the pattern and fabric (a light weight voile) as a kit from Craftsy.    I love the finished product, and it is going to be a great top for spring!

I will probably make another soon.  I might even add some length for a dress version.  One change I will make is to draft a neck facing.  The pattern uses a long bias strip and though I was able to use it without any puckers on the curves, I think a facing would work better and be less aggravating.  I might also make a shorter sleeve for summer.

Schoolhouse Tunic

I remember reading about the Schoolhouse Tunic YEARS ago, but it didn't strike my fancy at the time.  For some reason, it popped into my mind a few weeks ago and I became obsessed with getting the pattern and sewing it.  I love my first one which is my wearable muslin.

 I made come changes:
-I added interfacing to the neck/bodice facing.  That wasn't in the directions, but it seemed necessary. -I lengthened the sleeve to give it a full length sleeve.  My personal message to pattern designers?  Enough with the 3/4 sleeves.
-I eliminated the top stitching around the front of the bodice and collar.  This fabric has such a clean, modern look to it and I thought the top stitching would mess it up.

Overall, I think this a great pattern.  It was easy to understand the directions and it didn't take too long to sew.

Washi With Long Sleeves

I made this dress over the summer, but I never blogged about it.  It is the Washi dress in blue linen.  I made a bias bound neckline and I used the same bias tape for the elastic casing in the back and the cuffs.  The pattern calls for shirring across the back, but my Brother just won't do it.  I know some people have solved this by fiddling with the bobbin case, but I am reluctant to try that.  I added a long sleeve- I used the free 3/4 sleeve Rae released a while back and I lengthened it to full length.

I am very happy with it!  It works well with tights and tall boots.  I just cut another in fine-wale cord and I can't wait to sew it up.