Dandelion Tee Becomes a Flared Tunic

I’ve been curious about experimenting with different shapes while sewing, especially in the realm of skirts. What happens if I change the shape of the front and back bodice just below the narrowest part of the waist, and then flare it out with a straight line? I did just that with another Dandelion Tee and it became a flared tunic.

Altering the Pattern to be Flared

This was pretty straightforward. From the narrowest part of the waist, as the line began to curve outward again, I blended the curve into a straight line, angled outward. I’m curious what a more dramatic angle would accomplish. In my head, more drape and a fuller looking skirt. But my head isn’t always right. For the length, I landed somewhere between shirt and tunic length.

Color-blocking the bodice was relatively easy based on my previous Dandelions where I incorporated a high waistband. I had the sweet spot marked on previous pattern pieces, so I just transferred it the new pieces.

My First V Neck

I’m not sure if I should blame the fabric I chose for the bodice, or the fact this was my first time sewing a v-neck, but I’m torn on how much I love it. I went with the v-neck cowl from the expansion pack, which is a lot wider neckband than the standard v-neck band. I kind of love the stand-up effect it created around the back of the neck, but I do NOT love the puckering around the front sides where it meets the bodice. I don’t hate it enough to tear apart or not wear, though. I should also note that attaching the point of the V to the bodice was challenging.

I lean more towards blaming the fabric, which is a mystery thing I grabbed at Hobby Lobby, and is actually really pretty. It has this really subtle shimmer to it and I do love a houndstooth pattern. It’s a smooth-textured 2-way stretch with a structured hand. I have a Riot Skirt cut out of it and ready to sew up. I’m thinking it’ll work really well for that. 🤞

The geometric/floral fabric is a double brushed poly from Made of Love Fabric Shop (one of my favorite shops and one of the few I’ve found that offer free shipping on orders of two yards or more.)

Notes for Next Time

• Go with a more fluid fabric for the bodice if attempting a v-neck again. Possibly with more stretch. I think I had to stretch this particular fabric too much and that’s why I ended up with those puckers.
• If using a similar structured fabric for the bodice, consider adding some length to the neckband piece.
• See how a more dramatic angle affects the flare of the skirt. OR…
• Try a circle skirt.

I have to say how satisfying it is to start with an idea, then a rough sketch, and then bring it to life.

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