For my latest autumn creation, I felt the daring urge to dive into the world of snake print. Often associated with a dash of boldness and sophistication to spice up clothing and accessories, this reptilian pattern injects a unique energy into an outfit.

As a devoted follower of classic style, the idea of embracing a full snake print look initially seemed a bit too extravagant. However, by opting for fabric in rich tones like the carefully claret crepe, I discovered that such audacity could bring a surprising touch of elegance.

During my pattern search, I was drawn to this long buttoned tunic from Vogue (V1756). It is generously loose, mid-calf length, with visible-seam sleeves at the back, a straight collar, and hidden pockets under a pleat on the front side. The back consists of two parts, one with a large pleated panel. The indicated difficulty level is: easy.

Starting the creation of this garment, what surprised me was that the pattern recommended sewing buttonholes and buttons right from the beginning, a departure from the traditional waiting until the end. Opting for buttons that matched my fabric, they seamlessly blended into the animal print motif.

The large pleated panel at the back is concealed under the rounded edge of the upper part. To create the pleats effectively, I stitched two superimposed seams along the sewing line. Pulling the threads at each end allowed me to reduce the width of the piece to match that of the upper part, and I took care to space the pleats evenly.

Despite the multiple steps in crafting the back of this garment, the process was enjoyable. The pattern instructions are clear and easy to follow. As with many sewing projects, the key lies in patience.

This sewing project provides an almost complete preview of its appearance once it is nearly finished. Lacking a pre-made model, I was disappointed to find it was noticeably too large. Armed with my seam ripper and demonstrating great patience, I had to undo the seams on the sides and pockets to reduce its dimensions. Ideally, selecting a smaller size from the start for the creation of this garment would have been preferable. However, the assembly of the sleeves and collar went smoothly. Although the instructions suggest adding store-bought ruffled trim or making a homemade one for the collar, I chose to skip this step.

In summary, from a technical perspective, I rank this creation among my most accomplished. Moreover, this garment offers remarkable versatility. Whether worn alone with elegant boots, paired with jeans, or layered over a simple black outfit, the snake print adds a touch of eccentricity that is sure to capture attention.