Summer clothes are sew much fun to sew, I will make them until the end of the season.
While writing The Tunic Bible, I developed a new appreciation, perhaps an obsession for working with trims. Using the ‘right’ trim whether it’s inexpensive twill tape or an ornate applique easily transforms a garment from plain to sensational. Mood Fabrics has it all from lace to ribbons to chains and appliqués!
To transform my latest tunic in Mood Fabrics luscious fuchsia lightweight linen, I selected an this Oscar de la Renta 2″ medallion design cotton lace. It’s fabulous. When clicking on the link be sure and click on the fabric estimator; a nifty chart for estimating trim yardage.
To frame the medallions on the dress, I turned the placket to the outside of the dress to create texture, and then topstitched to outline the shape of the placket. After experimenting with the trim placement, I placed a small strip of steam-a-seam on the back of the lace to secure the placement before stitching the lace to the fabric with a zig-zag stitch. (White thread on the spool and pink in the bobbin. )
I centered the trim directly over the machine stitched hem around the bottom of the dress.
Wearing linen requires a certain state of mind for sure. One must be willing to embrace the wrinkles and enjoy the beautifully rumpled look at day’s end! I pre-washed the linen with fabric softener twice before cutting, but that is certainly not a rule since the more you wash it the softer it becomes.
Would you believe I bought 8 YARDS of this wonderful lace? Obviously, I did not see the Fabric Estimator, and had enough for two garments!
For a more subdued look, I applied the lace medallions to a striped cotton shirting tunic. Check out Mood’s 400 striped cotton shirting choices here.
Stripes present so many design possibilities! Cutting the placket on the crossgrain created a subtle fabric contrast, and a great backdrop for the lace.
Because this garment is ‘tunic length’ as opposed to dress length, I outlined the side slits with the medallions, punctuating the garment with a hefty dose of this feminine trim!
To Trim or Not To Trim?
….An Easy Decision!