Twinkle Sews by Wenlan Chia is a fun and inspiring book. I love the fresh looks and stylish fabrics. As you look through the pages you can easily see pieces that would look great in your wardrobe.
My first attempt in the book is the Take Manhattan Tunic. With scarves and cowl neck blouses so very popular right now, I was drawn to this tunic. Twinkle Sews booklet comes with a CD rom with all of the patterns ready to print from your computer at home. Even though I love epatterns and I am a huge advocate of digital patterns, this one tunic pattern took 56 sheets of paper! None of the patterns have a fold line. Plus the pattern files are by size. If I make a size 4 and I am really a size 8 I have to print out another 56 pages for the size 8 and tape them all together. I think that might be a con for using this book. Of course, I love the designs by Wenlan Chia, I guess that is a small price to pay to make these beautiful garments. Once I did cut everything out, the patterns are true to the size chart in the front of the book. I also like the seam allowance is included in the patterns.
Here is my first pictures of the Take the Manhattan project. At this point, I have only finished the bodice. I like working with this yellow fabric because you can see the seam lines in the picture. There is a front bodice (with the front pocket sewn on), back bodice, front sleeve and back sleeve. The cowl is made separately and then sewn on last.
Here is the beginnings of the cowl, You have to sew button holes at the top of the tunic.
Sew Spoiled Sewing Tip: Pin across the top of the button hole as shown, before you rip open the button hole with your seam ripper. Your seam ripper will stop at the pin.
I will share more pictures after all of it is done.
I would love to make this black tunic using what I have learned from the Take Manhattan Tunic. This tunic is called the Black Cowl Neck Pocket Tunic by EmilyRyan.
My favorite part is how the cowl neck line drapes over the shoulders. It also looks soft and comfortable.
Just gorgeous!
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