Schoolhouse Tunic ~ Sew Liberated Sewing Pattern

Great for Beginning Garment Sewers!

By: Liz W. on 04/17/2011 10:38:49 PM

Pros: Good for beginners. Easy to follow instructions and diagrams.

I am not an experienced garment sewer, yet I found this pattern a joy. It came together so easily and it really made my day. I used a dobby lawn weight fabric I got very inexpensively at Jo-Ann's. I was afraid to use a more expensive fabric because I haven't had much success sewing for myself. The instructions were clearly written and the diagrams easy to follow. I plan to wear it with a scoop neck t-shirt underneath and jeans. I would definitely recommend this to someone who is new to sewing garments.

All The Kids Are Doing It

By: Green Kitchen on 03/07/2011 11:18:56 PM

After seeing two sewing friends wear their Schoolhouse Tunic I decided to make one for myself. I made the largest size out of a 60 inch linen. By folding the selvedge edges into the center (slightly off center) I could have gotten away with laying out all the pattern pieces on slightly more than two yards of fabric instead of the recommended 2 7/8. A 60" wide fabric layout diagram is not included in the instructions. I felt like the pleats, front and back were not flattering on me, so I top-stitched (zigzag) the front pleats closed after ironing a crisp edge and pinning. I used a contrasting thread and liked the results. I left about four inches of the pleat open at the bottom front, which adds a little flair element. On the back I did the same but only stitched it closed about four inches down. The finished result was a slightly more tailored look that I was very happy with.

Adorable Design

By: Stacy on 02/18/2011 08:02:28 PM

Pros: Great design, simple construction, easy to put together

Cons: Wish it had larger sizes

This is a very pretty design, with great instructions, that went together easily. My only submission to make it perfect would be if it were available in larger sizes. The directions are very well thought out and succinct.

Super-cute!

By: bookgeekgirl on 02/18/2011 01:12:53 PM

Pros: SO cute!

Cons: gap-y bodice

Love this tunic / dress. It's one of my most-complimented outfits. The pattern could not be easier to follow, and the results are just lovely. I made a few tweaks -- you'll definitely need to add length if you want to wear it as a dress and you're even medium-tall. I'm 5'6 and needed to add a couple inches to the hem to make it appropriate for wearing along. The original length would have worked for me over jeans or leggings, but not on its own. Also, it looks super-cute if you use contrast fabric on the placket and put the placket on the outside rather than inside. My one complaint is that the bodice is a bit gap-y, even if you have a very small chest, as I do. I think the next size up would have been too large for me generally, so I'm sure next time I make it I can figure out something for the bodice.