by Claudine Gauvin To kick off the spring season in sewing, I decided to make the tunic from Butterick pattern B6982. It’s loose-fitting, with a mock neck, gathers at the neckline, a slit opening at the neck, and raglan sleeves adorned with buttoned cuffs. I adore the airy and billowy look of the sleeves! And the straight collar adds just the right touch of chic.
I opted for this gorgeous embroidered voile fabric, made of polyester and cotton. With its slight transparency and soft texture, it offers perfect fluidity for the upcoming warm season. In red, my favorite hue, it embodies passion, energy, and vitality. This flattering color can elevate many looks, adding a touch of brightness and confidence. It will harmonize beautifully with the white, black, denim, or beige and khaki tones of my pants.
As for the execution, I would say this pattern is suitable for an intermediate level. By taking care to properly mark the notches on the pieces before assembling, creating the collar and buttoned cuffs of the sleeves goes rather smoothly. It’s essential to take the time to gather the top of the garment and the bottom of the sleeves for an optimal finish.
It’s a versatile garment that can be worn elegantly or casually. Its great versatility is an undeniable asset. Lightweight, ultra-comfortable, this tunic hardly wrinkles. However, if I were to do it again, I would probably opt for a lighter interfacing, suitable for this type of fabric. The weight of the collar causes a constant opening at the neck.
Since my shoulders are rather narrow, I adjusted how I sewed the sleeves onto the garment by opting for a one-inch seam allowance instead of the traditional 5⁄8. This minor modification helped improve the fit and comfort of the tunic without compromising the integrity of the original design. Ultimately, this is the only alteration I made, and I’m delighted with the result.
There are creations for which the pleasure of making them is almost as enjoyable as wearing them, and this tunic is a perfect example. I am fully satisfied with my choice of fabric, a decision that greatly contributed to the success of this project. I must also highlight the clarity and ease of the instructions that came with the pattern, making the sewing process even more enjoyable. The intricacies of the collar and sleeves of this design represent just enough of a stimulating challenge to not be discouraged, and thanks to the precise instructions, I was able to execute them with ease.
Wishing you a wonderful spring season and embracing the beauty of spring blossoming around you. I highly encourage you to dare to wear invigorating colors and to be inspired by the diversity of fabrics and patterns available.
