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!